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What Is The Difference Between A Manufactured Home And A Modular Home?

Almost everyone has heard the term “mobile home”, but what about “manufactured home” and “modular home”? What are the similarities and differences between these terms and which one is the best option for you? Sometimes even salespeople get the terms confused, so read on to educate yourself and learn more.

Manufactured Homes

Older models of manufactured homes may be referred to as mobile homes or trailers. These homes are completely pre-constructed and built on a steel chassis with wheels attached to them which allow them to be moved or towed. The wheels are often removed and the exterior is finished to make it look more like a traditional home.

Manufactured homes often take up permanent residence in a trailer park or manufactured home community. These homes are generally less expensive than modular homes, and the wheels can be reattached in order to move the home.

Modular Homes

Modular homes have more of a sense of permanence than manufactured homes do. They can be placed on a plot of land in virtually any neighborhood so long as the home passes regional and state bylaws. Modular homes are pre-built in sections and finished on location. They are placed on a permanent foundation and sometimes referred to as “factory-built” or “pre-fabricated” homes.

Modular homes often have full basements and are usually larger than manufactured homes. They often include full kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, washer/dryer hookups, and even dishwashers and/or fireplaces. Modular homes are typically more expensive than manufactured homes per square foot, but they also have a higher resale value. They are sometimes used to expedite a planned community or residential project.

Mobile Homes in Texas

Now that you know the differences between manufactured and modular homes, Academy Homes of Tyler, TX has the perfect home for you. We are an independent dealer and also provide delivery and setup service. Give us a call today at 903-561-8485 for more information.

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What is Mobile Home Inspection and Why is it Important?

If you’re in the market for a mobile home, there are many factors to consider. One thing you won’t want to overlook is having a mobile home inspection performed. A mobile home inspection can protect you as well as your investment in buying the home.

Whether a manufactured or modular home, there are different structural issues that need to be inspected when compared to a traditional home. Mobile homes can face unique challenges that others home types don’t. One example of this is crowning, which can occur in manufactured homes when the floors hang out beyond the I-beams.

Home inspections can end up saving you hundreds, and possibly thousands of dollars. An inspector can check moisture levels and other things that you wouldn’t be able to detect on your own. Your mobile home inspection will include a complete inspection of the home which includes its:

  • Roof
  • Flooring
  • Electricity
  • Plumbing
  • Heating and Cooling System
  • Wiring
  • Insulation
  • And More

It’s always important to make sure the mobile home you are considering purchasing doesn’t have any hidden dangers or warning signs. Academy Homes is your local Tyler, Texas mobile home expert. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about mobile home inspections.

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How to Make the Most of a Smaller Home

If you’ve watched much TV recently you’ve likely seen a reality show about tiny homes. While mobile homes aren’t exactly tiny, they are smaller than more traditional homes. That means there is a certain amount of creativity needed to make the most out of your smaller home. Arranging your furniture and other items is more important in a smaller space than it would be in a larger home.

When space is at a premium, every square foot counts. That means you’ll want to get rid of things you don’t need or use. Decide which items in your home are a must have, and which ones are just collecting dust. You can have a yard sale or list your unneeded items for sale online. You can also donate them to charity.

Consider renting a storage unit to keep some of your belongings without having them take up valuable space in your home. You can keep seasonal items in storage and bring them out when you actually need them.

Maximizing space in your home can be a bit tricky at times. There are lots of furniture items that can double as storage spaces if you look around for them. Clutter might not seem so bad in a large home, but it will feel much worse in a small space. Consider furniture that can serve dual purposes such as a daybed.

Reimagining your space is a good way to come up with creative alternatives to arrange the rooms in your home. You don’t have to arrange things in the same way as they were in your last residence. Consider different uses for each room, sometimes it works better to use the designated bedroom as an office or use the living room as a bedroom.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of a smaller home. If you find yourself needing more space, you can consider upgrading to a doublewide mobile home. Contact Academy Homes today for all your mobile home needs.

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Why You Need Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance is quite a bit different than homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. That’s because each type of home comes with a different set of risks. Mobile homes have some added risks because they are built with lighter materials and strapped down rather than built on a concrete foundation.

This type of insurance provides coverage for your manufactured home, personal property, and liability claims. The first part of mobile home insurance is the physical damage aspect. Typically, the cost of repairs or replacement for the following will be covered:

  • Fire damage
  • Hail damage
  • Theft
  • Vandalism

Other parts of your property such as a patio or garage along with personal belongings are also typically covered. Some mobile home insurance policies only cover certain causes of loss. These are known as “named perils” and those policies may have lower premiums.

Mobile home insurance does not include coverage for flooding or your home while in transit.

Manufactured home insurance may protect you if you or someone else in your household is found liable for causing damage to someone else’s property. You may also be covered if a guest becomes injured at your home. Mobile home insurance does not, however, cover an injury to yourself or any other member of your household.

Policies are typically based on replacement cost, actual cash value, or a stated amount (the maximum amount you can collect if your home is destroyed). You can select the amount of coverage for your home based on the value of your possessions. The typical minimum mobile home insurance amounts are $30,000 worth of coverage for a singlewide and $45,000 for a doublewide.

How to Lower Mobile Home Insurance Premiums While Making Your Mobile Home Safer

Academy Homes has a great selection of mobile homes available in the Tyler, Texas area. Give us a call today at 903-561-8485 to learn more.