- Home
- Your New Home
- Manufactured Homes
- Modular Homes
- Community Living
- Finance Your Home
- Parts & Supplies
- Associates/Insurance Providers/Land Developers/Services
- Transportation
- Energy Star / Tax Credits
- About the NMMHA
- Scholarship Fund
- Contact Us
- Resources
- Questionnaire
- Career Opportunities
- BIA OS Permit Packet
Construction Questions
Can manufactured homes be placed upon basements?
Yes. Manufactured homes can be placed upon a 'crawl space' foundation or on a full or partial basement foundation. For transportation purposes, the basement stair and any other construction in the basement will be done by your builder at the site after the home is delivered and set. If you are considering a basement under your home, it is important that you discuss this with your retail sales person when ordering your home. The manufacturer can incorporate the floor opening for your site constructed basement stairs as your home is being built in the plant facility.
Can I customize a manufactured home?
Certainly. With numerous manufacturers to choose from, floor plan choices and almost overwhelming! Today’s manufactured homes come with "standard" features that you would find in a site-built home. Many floor plans are available that range from basic models to more elaborate designs that feature vaulted ceilings, drywall, fully equipped modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and whirlpools. You may also select from a variety of exterior designs and siding materials, including wood, hardboard, or vinyl siding.
With the vast majority of manufacturers now using the latest in computer-assisted design, you have the flexibility of customizing your home’s floor plans, interior finishes, and exterior designs. Your lifestyle and your budget are the only limitations to the options available to you.
Many manufacturers also provide homes that are "accessible" for those with special needs. If you are interested in such a home, work with your retailer to order a home with accessible features, such as extra-wide halls and doorways, accessible counters and appliances, and specially equipped bathrooms.
Do I have to design my home or can I buy one that is already built?
That is the beauty of manufactured housing; you can choose what route you want to take! With manufactured homes, you can choose to design your own dream home or you can purchase a pre-owned home that is already built. In addition, you can even choose a pre-made floor plan from your retailer’s catalog if you don’t want to design the floor plan yourself. With manufactured housing, there really is no wrong way to build your new home!
Do I arrange for site improvement/basement building if my home is going to be on a private lot?
A professional, licensed building contractor should arrange for site improvements and a basement or crawlspace. Your retailer may have a contractor on staff or can recommend a general contractor to meet your needs. At no time is it recommended that a non-licensed person be responsible for the site improvements or set-up of your home.
Who Takes Care Of Installing A Manufactured Home? Can I Do It Myself?
Most states, including New Mexico, have laws that govern the installation of a new manufactured home. Your retailer or the subcontractor installing the home is responsible for ensuring that the home is installed in accordance with state regulations and the manufacturer’s installation instructions or with an installation designed and approved by a licensed, registered engineer. The proper method of installing the home will depend on the design of the home and the conditions of the location, such as climate and soil type.
Depending on the type of loan used to finance the home, the lender may have some specific requirements for the foundation and installation of the home as well.
Can I Make Repairs/Renovations On A Manufactured Home The Same Way As With A Site-Built Home?
While you should perform minor repairs and upkeep on the home, just as with any home, it is advisable to hire a professional for more extensive repairs and renovations. Your homeowner’s manual outlines maintenance requirements.
Once your home has left the factory, the HUD Code does not include provisions for additions and alterations. Such modifications may jeopardize your home warranty. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance and renovations can void the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as lessen the value and life of your home. They may also create malfunctions or an unsafe home.
An approved addition should be a free-standing structure that meets local building codes, and you may need a construction permit from local authorities.
Yes. Manufactured homes can be placed upon a 'crawl space' foundation or on a full or partial basement foundation. For transportation purposes, the basement stair and any other construction in the basement will be done by your builder at the site after the home is delivered and set. If you are considering a basement under your home, it is important that you discuss this with your retail sales person when ordering your home. The manufacturer can incorporate the floor opening for your site constructed basement stairs as your home is being built in the plant facility.
Can I customize a manufactured home?
Certainly. With numerous manufacturers to choose from, floor plan choices and almost overwhelming! Today’s manufactured homes come with "standard" features that you would find in a site-built home. Many floor plans are available that range from basic models to more elaborate designs that feature vaulted ceilings, drywall, fully equipped modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and whirlpools. You may also select from a variety of exterior designs and siding materials, including wood, hardboard, or vinyl siding.
With the vast majority of manufacturers now using the latest in computer-assisted design, you have the flexibility of customizing your home’s floor plans, interior finishes, and exterior designs. Your lifestyle and your budget are the only limitations to the options available to you.
Many manufacturers also provide homes that are "accessible" for those with special needs. If you are interested in such a home, work with your retailer to order a home with accessible features, such as extra-wide halls and doorways, accessible counters and appliances, and specially equipped bathrooms.
Do I have to design my home or can I buy one that is already built?
That is the beauty of manufactured housing; you can choose what route you want to take! With manufactured homes, you can choose to design your own dream home or you can purchase a pre-owned home that is already built. In addition, you can even choose a pre-made floor plan from your retailer’s catalog if you don’t want to design the floor plan yourself. With manufactured housing, there really is no wrong way to build your new home!
Do I arrange for site improvement/basement building if my home is going to be on a private lot?
A professional, licensed building contractor should arrange for site improvements and a basement or crawlspace. Your retailer may have a contractor on staff or can recommend a general contractor to meet your needs. At no time is it recommended that a non-licensed person be responsible for the site improvements or set-up of your home.
Who Takes Care Of Installing A Manufactured Home? Can I Do It Myself?
Most states, including New Mexico, have laws that govern the installation of a new manufactured home. Your retailer or the subcontractor installing the home is responsible for ensuring that the home is installed in accordance with state regulations and the manufacturer’s installation instructions or with an installation designed and approved by a licensed, registered engineer. The proper method of installing the home will depend on the design of the home and the conditions of the location, such as climate and soil type.
Depending on the type of loan used to finance the home, the lender may have some specific requirements for the foundation and installation of the home as well.
Can I Make Repairs/Renovations On A Manufactured Home The Same Way As With A Site-Built Home?
While you should perform minor repairs and upkeep on the home, just as with any home, it is advisable to hire a professional for more extensive repairs and renovations. Your homeowner’s manual outlines maintenance requirements.
Once your home has left the factory, the HUD Code does not include provisions for additions and alterations. Such modifications may jeopardize your home warranty. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance and renovations can void the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as lessen the value and life of your home. They may also create malfunctions or an unsafe home.
An approved addition should be a free-standing structure that meets local building codes, and you may need a construction permit from local authorities.