Frequently Asked Questions

Many Questions are asked about Manufactured Homes.  We have supplied answers to some of the most common questions.  Simply click on a question to see the answer.  If you have any additional questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact us.

• Why should I choose Mesa Homes?
  
  
The people at MESA HOMES have been in the industry since 1976. With over 25 years of experience, we are well known and well liked. Being in the business for such an established length of time gives Mesa a great advantage, which is we know how do get the job done quickly and efficiently, and we know what to do should an unforeseen circumstance arise. Mesa Homes is committed to QUALITY, SERVICE, EDUCATION, and CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. We stand behind our product and service. With our reputation at stake, we will give you nothing less than exceptional service.



• What is the difference between Mobile Homes and Manufactured Homes?
  
  
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory under the federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each home constructed conforms to the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard Act (HUD code) of June 15, 1976. The federal standards regulate manufactured housing design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. HUD is the only federally regulated national building code.

Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built in accordance with HUD code. On-site additions, such as garages, decks and porches, often add to the attractiveness of manufactured homes and must be built to local, state or regional building codes.

Built on a non-removable steel chassis, manufactured homes are transported to the building site on their own wheels. Manufactured homes generally come in single, two-section or three-section units and the dimensions range from 8 feet or more wide and 40 feet or more long.



• What is the description of a Manufactured Home?
  
  
Built entirely in the factory under federal code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which went into effect June 15, 1976, has been upgraded numerous times. Covers single- or multi-section homes and includes transport to the site and installation. Regulations include: design & construction, strength & durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency & quality.



• What is the description of a Mobile Home?
  
  
The term used for homes built prior to June 15, 1976, when HUD code went into effect. Voluntary standards were previously in effect.



• What is a Modular Home?
  
  
Built to state, local or regional code where home will be located. Multi-section units are transported to sites and installed.



• What is a Panelized Home?
  
  
Built in factory, where panels that include windows, doors, wiring & siding, are transported to site and assembled. Codes are set by state or locality where sited.



• What is a Pre-Cut Home?
  
  
Materials are factory cut to design specifications and then transported to the site and assembled. Examples are: kit, log and dome homes. Standards are set by state and locality.



• May I put my manufactured home on any lot or parcel of land?
  
  
No. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a manufactured home.



• What does land home mean?
  
  
Land Home encompasses both land and home making the purchase real property. Your home would not be in a park, it would be on your personal land that you have purchased and developed according to the local county & city guidelines.



• How do I find a space for our home?
  
  
You'll find Manufactured Housing communities throughout California. However, if you know of a specific park or space you would like, we will do our best to get you what you want, subject to your approval.



• What classifies as a senior park?
  
  
The law states that in order for you to qualify for a "senior" park, at least 1 person in the home must be 55 or older. Everyone else must be 18 or older.



• How do Manufactured Homes stand up to natural disasters like strong winds, earthquakes and floods?
  
  
They are as safe as conventional homes. In fact, when you think about it, every Manufactured Home is tested by winds in excess of 65 mph! All are towed at freeway speeds (pulled by trucks) and are often subjected to stiff crosswinds. Special earthquake bracing can be added for extra support and stability.



• Are there tax advantages to owning a Manufactured Home?
  
  
Yes! The mortgage interest on your home is deductible. See your accountant or tax preparer for details. Furthermore, should your home be situated in a Mobile Home Park, you will not pay property taxes (however, you will pay taxes on your home).



• How can I request more information from Mesa Homes?
  
  
There is a section in this web site that is for contacting a Mesa Homes representative. Fill in your information and a sales professional will contact you shortly to go over your specific situation.



• How do we obtain Financing?
  
  
We have different lenders who we work with on a regular basis and have established good business relationships with. When you are ready to purchase, our dealership will help you find a program to meet your financial needs.



• How would a bankruptcy, a bad credit rating or not having a steady job affect my chances for qualifying?
  
  
Because no ones credit is the same, we take this on a case-by-case basis. We, as well as the lender look at a number of different possibilities. A larger down payment could be one solution to make you eligible.



• Is my new Manufactured home covered by warranty?
  
  
Yes, the warranty period and items covered will vary by the manufacturer. Check with your Mesa Homes sales representative for more details.



• May I move my manufactured home to another location?
  
  
Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the zone for which the home was originally constructed. You should never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information. Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell the home and purchase another at your new location.



• How does living in a Manufactured Home compare with what I would get from renting an apartment?
  
  
Generally speaking, for the same rent as a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment, you could have a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that's brand new and packed with amenities of your choosing.



• How is a manufactured home financed?
  
  
If the manufactured home is placed in a manufactured home land lease community, (mobile home park), the home will be financed with a private lender. As a rule these mortgages are at a slightly higher APR, (interest rate), since they are not secured by land. However, if the manufactured home is placed on private property, which the homeowner owns and is financing with the home, the home is eligible for a regular mortgage.



• What supports a manufactured home?
  
  
All manufactured homes have steel under carriages that supports each section. Once the sections have been transported to the customers' site, the wheels and axles are removed and the steel under carriage, the frame, is then supported by a block or pier system. Manufactured homes can be put on a basement wall or permanent foundation; however, the most common method of supporting a manufactured home is with a block or pier system.



• Why should I consider a Manufactured Home?
  
  
If you're looking to get the most out of your "housing dollar," you need to consider a manufactured home. Depending on the region of the country, construction costs per square foot for a new manufactured home average anywhere from 10 to 35 percent less than a comparable site-built home, excluding the cost of land. Today's manufactured homes offer the quality construction, modern amenities and livability you are seeking.at a price that fits your lifestyle and your budget!



• Who takes care of installing a Manufactured Home? Can I do it myself?
  
  
Here at Mesa, we take care of all this for you and it's included in the purchase price. This was we can warranty and guarantee the work. You can do the work yourself; however we would not recommend doing so. We have some financial requirements should you want to set the home yourself. It's important that you know that most states 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.



• Will I be able to insure my home?
  
  
Yes. We have a broker we work with on a consistent basis. Once you decide to purchase your home, if needed you can obtain a quote from our broker. However, you are free to use who ever you like; there are several insurance companies that specialize in offering insurance coverage for manufactured homes.



• Are there any other special considerations I should know about before purchasing and living in a manufactured home?
  
  
Like any home, while your mortgage payment may be your biggest expense, you will have other regular and periodic expenses, such as property taxes and service fees for water and utilities. While, theoretically, a manufactured home can be moved after its initial placement, it is neither common nor advisable to do so. If you relocate, make sure you use a professional transporter; never try to move the home yourself. Cost is another consideration in moving the home. Besides transport expenses, which include licensing fees to take your home through a state, you'll have to pay for a new foundation, installation, and utility hook-ups.