The terms mobile home and manufactured home are used interchangeably, but the difference between the two is when they were built. Both structures have a chassis, are constructed off-site in a factory, and are moved to a living location with a prepared foundation.

If the home was built before 1976 it is more accurately called a "mobile home" but if it was built after 1976, it is more correctly called a manufactured home.

Manufactured homes are not the same as a modular home, though the terms are often confused. A manufactured home costs $120,000 to $160,000 for a double-wide unit that is built in a factory, shipped on two trucks, and assembled on the poured foundation. The manufactured home is built on a chassis, enabling it to be moved or relocated in the future.

A modular home costs $120,000 to $270,000 to build, with a far more complex set up process. The modular home has multiple sections that arrive and are pieced together on-site. Once the modules are in place, they are rarely moved.

The cost to move a manufactured home depends on the home size and type. Transporting-only of a manufactured home costs $1,000 to $5,000. A full-service move that includes securing the home and connecting the utilities costs $2,000 to $14,000.

The larger the home, the more it costs to transport. A single-wide trailer is moved on a single truck, while a double-wide trailer requires 2 trucks, and a triple-wide trailer requires 3 trucks. Some builders include the transport costs in their total home package, while others charge a per-mile fee to locate the home to the property. Extra fees usually apply for moving a home more than 100 miles from the factory.

Releveling a manufactured home costs from $500 to $1,000, depending on the size of the home, the location, and the severity of the unevenness. Oftentimes, a manufactured home must be releveled due to settling, ground movement, improper installation, or foundation damage from a storm or flooding event.

An unlevel home can cause a number of problems, including:

• Structural damage – If the home is not level, the weight is unevenly distributed, which can stress the structure and cause damage.
• Water damage – Water can pool under an unlevel home, leading to water damage.
• Inefficiency – An unlevel manufactured home is less energy-efficient since the HVAC system works harder to keep the home comfortable.
• Discomfort – An unlevel home is uncomfortable to live in, as furniture may rock, or tilt and doors and windows may not close or open properly.

Skirting a manufactured home costs $900 to $3,000 to cover the space from the bottom of the trailer to the ground. The skirting protects the home from pets and moisture and creates a space to store outdoor tools, sporting equipment, and furniture.

• Vinyl skirting is the most popular material due to its low cost, durability, and ease of installation. Vinyl also resists moisture and pests but can become brittle from sun exposure and be damaged by lawn equipment.
• Metal skirting is another durable option, resistant to moisture, rust, and pests. Metal is more expensive than vinyl and can be dented if not handled with care.
• Concrete skirting is the most expensive and durable option but is less resistant to pests and is difficult to install.
• Wood skirting is a more traditional option that can be customized to match the home's exterior. It is more susceptible to moisture damage and pests than metal or vinyl.

A manufactured home is only considered real estate when installed on a permanent foundation. Otherwise, it is considered personal property and actually depreciates in value over time. However, the real value in real estate is in the land itself, so if you own the land for your home to sit on, your property is likely to increase in value.

Yes, you can remodel a manufactured home to keep it maintained and updated. The average lifespan of a newer manufactured home is between 30 and 55 years, during which time many people will remodel. Some of the more common upgrades include upgraded flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliances.

Some home owners also enhance the property by adding a garage, deck, or sunroom to add square footage and storage space to the smaller home.

Here are some important questions to ask a manufactured home contractor and installer:

• What are the different models and floor plans available?
• What materials are used in the construction of the home?
• What is the warranty for this manufactured home?
• What financing options are available to me?
• Can you explain your delivery timeline and process?
• Are your transport and assembly fees included in the estimate?
• What maintenance is required for the home?
• Do you offer any customizations on the floorplan or finishes?
• Does this home have an energy efficiency rating?
• What are the different types of foundations used for mobile homes?
• What are the zoning requirements for mobile homes in my region?

Buying a manufactured home is cheaper and faster than building a traditional home but is still the most expensive purchase many people will ever make. Find the best manufactured home builder by following these recommendations:

• Spend time researching builders – Learn about the different manufacturers in your area by reading reviews, comparing prices, and understanding the different options available.
• Get several estimates – Visit multiple manufacturers in your area and get estimates from each before deciding on a brand and floor plan. Also, check with other sellers in the area since prices may vary from one seller to another.
• Confirm the price – Follow up with the seller to confirm exactly what the price includes. Costs for delivery, setup, upgrades, and features all impact the bottom line.
• Discuss financing – Most mobile home manufacturers offer in-house financing for customers with poor credit who are unable to get a loan through other institutions.
• Negotiate the price – Once you've settled on a manufacturer and model, try to negotiate a better price with the seller. Often deals are available for model units that need to be cleared out to make space for newer models.
• Get everything in writing – Before signing anything, get every detail in writing. Review the complete contract including the financing terms, warranty, costs for delivery and setup, and local impact fee assessments, and ask questions on things that are confusing.