At one time, manufactured homes were the leader in providing housing to the US. Manufactured homes briefly dominated the U.S. housing market during the 1960s. By 1972, these homes — not just mobile homes but small-scale modular houses — accounted for some 60% of all new single-family homes produced nationwide.
The Biden administration wants to put America’s manufactured home factories back to work. A new housing plan by the White House offers a set of actions designed to close the nation’s massive affordability gap. Among its proposals are steps that would lower costs for manufactured homes by expanding financing options. It would also ease barriers around approvals and construction.
One notorious regulation of the Federal HUD building code that could go up for review is a longstanding rule that manufactured homes must be delivered with a chassis still attached, even if the homes are built in place permanently. It’s an under-the-radar regulatory tweak that could make a big difference for those most in need.
In 2019, the NAHB and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) teamed up to showcase new homes in an event called Innovative Housing Showcase on the Mall in DC. No IRC modular homes were erected for the event, just mostly HUD manufacturers.
Hope to see you there!
In June, the Innovative Housing Showcase returns after an absence due to COVID-19. Again, it will predominantly showcase HUD homes.
This year’s event could be the thing that opens the floodgates for easing regulations, improving financing, and maybe even getting rid of the metal frame regulation and that could mean manufactured homes could finally be able to move into R1 Zoned neighborhoods.
Related Articles:
Clayton’s CrossMod Manufactured Homes Quietly Moving Into Residential Neighborhoods
Mixing Of Modular And Manufactured Homes In Indiana
New Single Wide Cross Mod Manufactured Home Unveiled
Gary Fleisher is the Editor in Chief of Modular Home Source and Offsite Builder. Email at [email protected]
To learn more about the Offsite Construction Industry, visit: Offsite Builder, the Construction Magazine for Builders and Developers
