The Ultimate Glossary of Terms About Mobile Homes, Pt. 1

We’re going to keep it simple and help you better understand mobile home terms with part 1 of our ultimate glossary!

So, you’ve decided to begin your journey to mobile homeownership! How exciting!  While you are researching online or even talking with a team member at Braustin Homes, you may stumble across some mobile home terminology that isn’t a part of your everyday vocabulary. I mean, it’s not every day you hear someone throwing around the term “HUD code.”

To get ahead of the game, we have compiled a list of some of the most common terms used in the mobile home industry, and our goal is to make them clear to you so you have a better understanding during this process! Let’s get started!

1. Manufactured Home

A manufactured home, also known as a mobile home, is built in a controlled factory environment on a permanent frame and chassis that can be used with or without a permanent foundation. 

Manufactured homes are built under the Federal Manufactured Home Construction Safety Standards Act, which is enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes are usually single and delivered in one, two, or three sections to the home site. They can be placed on personal land or in a manufactured home park.

2. Single-Wide Mobile Home

Single-wide mobile homes are typically 14′-18′ wide and 52′-80′ long. They are long and slender, making them ideal for small families, first-time homebuyers, retirees, and a variety of other people.

3. Double-Wide Mobile Home

Double-wide mobile homes are typically 28′ to 36′ wide and 52′ to 80′ long. They are essentially twice the size of a single-wide mobile home. Hence, the “double” in double-wide. Double-wide mobile homes are typically suited for larger families or those who frequently host guests. There is enough room for a home office and possibly a spare bedroom. A double-wide mobile home provides more space to spread out!

4. HUD Code

Established in 1976 and managed by The Department of Housing and Urban Development, the HUD Code is the national standard for manufactured homes. It specifies frame requirements, thermal protection, plumbing, electrical, and other details. 

It should be noted that energy efficiency and fire safety standards are on par with or exceed those of site-built homes!

5. HUD Data Plate

This one is probably a mobile home term you’ve never heard of. The HUD data plate contains information such as the name and address of the home’s manufacturer, the home model, the date the home was built, the serial number, verification that the home meets HUD standards, and more. The data plate is commonly found within a bedroom closet, kitchen cabinet, or electrical panel.

6. HUD Tag

All mobile homes built and sold must be labeled with a HUD tag. This assures the homeowner that the home was built following HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

7. Mobile Home Site Prep

Before delivering a mobile home, debris such as trash, grass, brush, and small trees must be removed. The ground must also be leveled to ensure an ideal space for home placement. Site prep also includes the installation of a septic system or other utilities.

8. Pitched Roof

A roof with a minimum slope of four inches, as seen on the majority of traditional site-built homes. The original mobile homes of the 1970s were frequently built with flat roofs. Since then, pitched roofs have become the standard. This is because they make a home significantly more durable and wind resistant!

9. Mobile Home Skirting

Skirting is the material used to enclose a home’s foundation and crawl space. Depending on the application needs and zoning codes, skirting could be comprised of concrete blocks, pressure-treated wood, matching wood siding, or other building products.

10. VOG

Also known as Vinyl Over Gypsum, VOG walls are simply drywall with a vinyl coating. These vinyl coatings come in a variety of colors and patterns, and are normally preselected by the factory or chosen by the homeowner! 

It Doesn’t End There! 

That’s right! There are plenty more mobile home terms out there to discuss. Stay tuned for part two! In the meantime, if you have any questions, speak with a member at Braustin Homes today! We are here to answer all of your questions, and we promise, no amount of questions is too many!