If you’re considering purchasing a mobile home, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “How much does a mobile home cost?” Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, offer an affordable housing option for many individuals and families. Let’s explore the various factors that influence mobile home prices and help you gain a better understanding of what to expect when budgeting for a mobile home purchase. From the home itself to additional costs such as land, transportation, and installation, we’ll cover it all.
But first, lets talk about a common misconception. Mobile homes CAN have luxury and character! You CAN have large windows, a cozy stonework fireplace, fashion ready walk-in closets and even basements! You can go as simple as you like or as unique as you like.
Now let’s get into it! When it comes to mobile homes, you’ll be pleased to discover that they offer an average cost savings of 40% compared to their traditional counterparts. Your final mobile home cost will be influenced by factors such as customization, your chosen general contractor, and the upgrades you decide to include in your new mobile home.
MOBILE HOME COSTS The initial cost of the mobile home structure depends on the floorplan you select. You can find the base “Home-Only” price for our mobile homes on our website. This price covers the mobile home itself, constructed according to our Standard Specifications, ready to be delivered to your preferred location. The delivery and set-up of your home are additional costs, and these will vary based on your location. Additionally, we offer interior finishing and final exterior siding, these costs will depend on the chosen mobile home model.
In addition to the home price, you should budget for other costs, some of which are optional (like a garage), while others are essential (such as water hookup). The specific costs can vary depending on whether you are setting up your mobile home on developed or undeveloped land. Our goal is to ensure you are well-informed about the potential expenses involved in creating a custom mobile home.
Additional Costs
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about the costs of essentials like the foundation, well, septic, and more. Here are estimated figures for additional mobile home costs:
Please note that mobile home costs can vary significantly from region to region. The figures in this post are approximate and based on local market conditions as of the fall of 2023.
FOUNDATION
Your mobile home needs to be securely anchored to a foundation, typically a crawlspace for mobile homes. A basic 6” poured 4 feet deep crawlspace including excavation, backfill, rough grade with slush slab, piers, insulation and access panel can cost between $20,000 to $25,000 for a 1,400-square-foot ranch home. Crawlspaces can also serve as storm shelters and house ductwork and utility lines. Basements offer additional living or storage space, but they come at a higher cost.
HVAC SYSTEM
A full HVAC system installation, which includes the furnace, air conditioning, air ducts, and gas lines, usually costs between $7,500 and $9000 for a 1,400-square-foot ranch mobile home.
GARAGE
Adding a 22×22 attached garage with doors, siding, roofing, and concrete work can cost between $24,000 and $25,000. A garage is optional but adds value and storage space to your mobile home.
CITY WATER HOOKUP OR A WELL
Installing a drilled well, including the bladder tank and water line hookups, can cost between $5,000 and $7,000. The choice between a well and city hookup depends on your location, with tap-in fees for city services varying.
SEPTIC SYSTEM OR CITY SEWER CONNECTIONS
A standard “in-ground” septic system with a single tank and leach field will add about $7,000 to $9,000 to the cost. Sewer connection costs vary, and whether you choose city sewer or a private septic system depends on your location.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Adding an electric “meter base” and necessary electrical work can cost between $5,500 and $6,000.
BUILDING PERMITS
Building permits can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on your location and home size.
DRIVEWAY
A concrete driveway may cost around $5 to $6 per square foot, while a gravel driveway typically ranges from $6 to $8 per running foot. The choice of driveway material depends on your preferences and location.
Additional Costs
- Land: If you don’t already own a plot of land, you’ll need to purchase or lease one to place your mobile home. Land costs vary significantly depending on location and can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. I would suggest calling your local realtor. They can send you a list of land for sale in the town you’re interested in. Or if you would rather not go that route, you can get easy estimates by calling a MH community manager and they’ll have all the information you need to set your home there.
- Additional expenses may include general contractor fees, gutters, lawn grading, and more.
Ultimately, the cost of mobile homes is notably lower than that of traditional stick-built homes. We provide a detailed breakdown of potential costs to ensure transparency throughout your mobile home project. Compared to the rapidly rising costs of site-built homes, choosing a mobile home can lead to substantial savings, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality home for less money. At Next Modular, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the process of choosing your next home. Feel free to reach out to us for a personalized estimate.
