Shipping A Prefabricated Home: Trailer Homes, Mobiles Homes & Manufactured Homes

Transporting a prefabricated home is a big job and unless you have professional expertise, it’s not something you should attempt on your own. While modular and mobile homes do have a “portability” to them, there is a lot more involved than there may seem at first glance. In this blog post, we’ll explore what’s involved in the process of shipping a modular home, and why it can be a good idea to enlist the help of a professional.

One thing we should clarify are the terms used when referring to a prefabricated home. Any home that is built sectionally off site and then erected onto property to which is not permanently attached constitutes a prefabricated home. All of the following may fall under the umbrella of prefabricated homes:

• Mobile homes
• Modular homes
• Manufactured homes
• Single-wide homes
• Double-wide homes
• Trailer homes

The distinction between mobile homes and manufactured homes came about as a result of legislation in the late 1970s and early 1980s that put prefabricated homes under the purview of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. After the Housing Act of 1980 was passed, all prefabricated homes made after that point were referred to as manufactured homes rather than mobile homes, though the difference is essentially in name only.

Do you have a mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home you need transported? Call or email us today for a FREE price quote for shipment to or from anywhere! Our staff are happy to answer your questions and you help you find the right service!

Permit Requirements and Cost of Shipping Manufactured Homes

Moving Permits For Mobile Homes

Since they’re not vehicles, modular homes and mobile homes have different requirements when it comes to transport. There are permits required to move a mobile home and the requirements can be different in each county and state that it’s moved through, which can make it a real hassle to attempt on your own. Because this is the case, it’s often true that the best help you can get is finding a home moving service that can also take care of any permits or other requirements that may be needed.

Cost of Shipping Manufactured Homes

There are several things that influence the cost of shipping a manufactured home, some of which can vary widely depending on the circumstances of your move. The primary factor is the shipping distance, which can quickly get very expensive due to the weight of mobile homes and the preparations required to move them. On top of that, the standards that must be met can vary by location and geographical regions, which is something to keep in mind if you’re moving to a much different climate. Other costs that can add to the total you pay include disassembly and reassembly of any components, as well as coordinating and connecting utilities.

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Resources

• Manufactured Housing Institute - The website for the MHI, which is a trade organization and advocacy group for manufactured home owners, builders, suppliers, and others that are involved in the industry. It’s a good place to go for news you might not find elsewhere.
• HUD Office of Manufactured Housing - A section of Frequently Asked Questions from the Office of Housing and Urban Development that apply to manufactured homes. A good resource for any owner or potential owner.