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Why a Manufactured Home?

What you need to know about the benefits and affordability of manufactured homes before you buy.
1 out of 5

South Carolina families live in
a manufactured home.

95%

of manufactured homes sold in South Carolina are built by MHISC members.

1/2

the price per square foot of a site-built single-family home.

1 out of 5

South Carolina families live in
a manufactured home.

95%

of manufactured homes sold in South Carolina are built by MHISC members.

1/2

the price per square foot of a site-built
single-family home.

In recent decades, manufactured and modular homes have grown in popularity in the United States and several other countries. Manufactured homes have always been a popular form of housing in South Carolina. The benefits speak for themselves:
In recent decades manufactured and modular homes have grown in popularity in the United States and several other countries. Manufactured homes have always been a popular form of housing in South Carolina. The benefits speak for themselves:
Safety

A manufactured home performs as well or better than other homes during a storm. Read the facts.  In South Carolina, anyone who sells, installs or repairs manufactured homes must be licensed, trained and bonded by the state.

Availability

A new study by the Manufactured Housing Institute of SC shows there are 1050 new factory-built homes currently available at South Carolina retail centers.    The study showed that there are 605 new multiple-section homes. There are also 242 single-section homes and 192 modular homes at retail centers. Modular homes are built to the same building code as site-built houses. Manufactured homes are built to a rigid national building code.

Speed

A manufactured home can be assembled on site and ready to move in to as little as one to two weeks after closing.

Convenience

There are 66 display centers selling new manufactured and modular homes conveniently located in all sections of the state. Each retail center has a ready network of licensed installers, HVAC and other professionals that they know and work with.  The retail dealership can quickly assemble a team to transport and assemble your home.

Affordability

Manufactured homes are built to a stringent national building code, using the same materials as other homes, yet they cost substantially less per square foot. The difference is the efficiency of factory building:  rain-or-shine production; the ability to buy materials in large quantities; having workers trained in a specific aspect of production who get to work immediately as the previous stage of building is completed.
In 2012, the average price per square foot of a new manufactured home was $41.97, less than half the $86.30 per square foot cost of a new site-built single-family structure, excluding land. Today’s manufactured homes appreciate in value (according to a study conducted by East Carolina University).

Appearance

While manufactured homes are affordable and convenient to buy and move into, owners will find that they enjoy the same comfort and amenities found in any home. Today’s manufactured homes have a modern, residential look on the outside, but the interiors are amazing.  Whether you are buying a manufactured home as your permanent new home or buying a less expensive home to live in while making repairs on your original house, you’ll enjoy features such as spacious bedrooms, bright modern kitchens – and name brand appliances, plus crown molding, a cozy fireplace, garden tub, and walk-in closets in many homes.

How to Find a Super Energy Efficient Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a manufactured home and a site-built home? Click here for more information

Why a manufactured home? Click here for more information

What are the safety standards of a manufactured home? Click here for more information

What are my financing options? Click here for more information

What’s next? I’m ready to make a move.