What's the difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?
“Mobile home” is the name for factory-built homes made before June 15, 1976. Homes built since then are called manufactured homes. They are built to the federal HUD Code, which sets national standards for design, construction, strength, fire safety and energy efficiency.
Lots of people still say “mobile home”, and so do we!
What's the difference between a single wide, a double wide and a park model?
- Single wide: built as one section. Our single wides are 14′ or 16′ wide, about 533 to 1,153 sq ft, with 1 to 3 bedrooms.
- Double wide: built as two sections that are joined on site. Our double wides are 24′ to 32′ wide, about 747 to 2,305 sq ft, with 2 to 5 bedrooms.
- Park model: a smaller home under 400 sq ft, built to the ANSI A119.5 park model RV standard instead of the HUD Code and designed for recreational and seasonal use. Our park models are 399 sq ft with 1 or 2 bedrooms.
Rules on living in a park model full time vary by location, so check with your local zoning office or community.
How are manufactured homes built?
Manufactured homes are built in a factory and then transported to your site. Every new manufactured home must meet the federal HUD Code, and each section carries a red certification label (often called the HUD tag) to show it does.
Want to see how a Champion home is made? Watch our video tours on YouTube.
Do I need to own land before I buy a home?
No. A manufactured home can go on land you own or on a leased lot in a manufactured home community. If you are buying land, check the local zoning and permit rules first, because not every property allows manufactured homes.
Where the home will sit also affects your financing options (see the next question).
How can I finance a manufactured home?
Your options mostly depend on whether the home will be on a leased lot or on land you own, with the home and land financed together.
- Home on a leased lot or in a community: often financed with a chattel (home-only) loan or an FHA Title I loan.
- Home and land together, on a permanent foundation: may qualify for an FHA Title II, VA or USDA (eligible rural areas) loan, or a conventional loan such as Fannie Mae MH Advantage or Freddie Mac CHOICEHome.
Requirements vary by lender and program. Give us a call at (260) 383-1009 and we’ll talk through your situation.
How long does it take from ordering to move-in?
It depends on the home you choose, the factory’s production schedule and the work needed at your site, such as permits, the foundation and utility hookups. Homes that are already built and ready to ship can move faster.
Call us for a current timeline on the home you’re interested in.
How are homes delivered and set up?
A new home arrives by truck in one or more sections. It is then set on its foundation or piers, the sections are joined (for multi-section homes), and the home is leveled, anchored and connected to utilities.
Ask us what delivery and setup look like for your location and what your site will need to be ready.
What's included in the price, and what costs extra?
Always ask for a full breakdown so there are no surprises. Common items to ask about include:
- Delivery and setup
- Foundation or piers, and anchoring
- Skirting, steps and decks
- Utility hookups: water, sewer or septic, electric and gas
- Site preparation and permits
- Land, or lot rent in a community
Can I customize a floor plan or the finishes?
Often, yes. The options available depend on the floor plan, so tell us what you have in mind and we’ll let you know what’s possible for the home you like.
What warranty comes with a Champion home?
New Champion homes come with a limited warranty from the manufacturer, and Champion has its own warranty service department for covered repairs. Coverage depends on the home, so we’ll go over the written warranty for your home with you before you buy.
Can I tour homes in person?
Yes! Visit us at 6855 West 700 South, Topeka, IN 46571. Please call (260) 383-1009 to book an appointment.
Can’t make the trip? Watch our home tours on YouTube or send us a message.
Are the homes in the videos available to buy?
Some of the homes in our videos are ready to ship or available now, while others are show homes or floor plans we can order for you. Availability changes quickly, so call us about the home you saw.
