How Energy Efficient are Manufactured Homes?

Affordable. Energy Efficient. High-End Features. Sustainably Built.

If you’re looking to purchase a new home, these terms likely appear on your wish list. They also probably conjure up an image of a conventional, stick-built home. However, what if we told you that these are all qualities of today’s manufactured homes as well?

Gone are the days when the term “manufactured home” referred to cheaply built homes on wheels and were parked in trailer parks.

These new homes reflect homebuyer preferences you may associate with stick-built homes, including high-end design features and additions such as landscaped lawns, garages and outdoor living spaces.

Best of all, manufactured homebuilders are listening to buyer’s demand for “green” homes: “Energy efficiency is very important to today’s home buyer,” says Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton Homes. We’re committed to delivering value by introducing the newest energy-saving technology into our homes.”

Defining the Modern Manufactured Home

For many years, manufactured homes have been a versatile, affordable option for homeowners. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, manufactured homes cost an average of $62,000, compared to single-family site-built homes that average around $272,000. However, the lower price point doesn’t correlate with lower quality.

Despite past misconceptions about the quality and durability of mobile homes, today’s manufactured homes are becoming increasingly popular with buyers. For example, at the 2017 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show, homes featured design touches like bathrooms with enclosed showers, pebble tile and countertops with “living wood” details.

In addition to customization options, builders recognize that buyers want energy-efficient homes that are built with sustainability in mind and are adapting their production practices to meet demand.

Meeting Consumer Demand with Innovative Construction

Sustainability and “green” building are more important to homebuyers than ever before and builders such as Clayton Homes are taking this seriously. In 2015, Clayton Homes received ISO 14001 certification at its Rutledge facility, with the goal of certifying all 35 of its facilities in the next two years.

This environmental management certification recognizes that Clayton Homes manages its environmental responsibilities in a systemic, sustainable manner. “The ISO 14001 certification formalizes our commitment to practicing excellence in the stewardship of our resources,” says Mary Bostrom, director of Environment, Health and Safety at Clayton Homes.

The implementation of this certification will result in reduced waste, lower energy consumption and the promotion of recycling building materials. By leading by example, Clayton Homes is hopeful that other manufactured homebuilders will adopt similar practices.

Revealing Comparisons

Contemporary manufactured homebuilders efficiently use resources, cut down on waste and pass on savings to buyers as a result of their production in a controlled environment. There’s no need to worry about flooding, wind, vandalism or any other potential source of damage or delay in a regulated factory setting.

Moreover, manufactured homes produce less waste during the building process by creating resource-efficient designs and using resource-efficient material.

Clayton Homes reduces building waste in their production facilities by measuring exact dimensions and measurements for their homes. If there is any waste, Clayton sends it to a mulching company if possible. Clayton Homes also recycles cardboard, plastic, carpet padding and other building materials that might just be sent to a landfill on at conventional building site.

Along with sustainable practices at their production facilities, many modern manufacturers ensure that their homes are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. This means incorporating efficient passive techniques, such as optimizing home orientation, excellent ventilation, insulation and shading to create a tightly built home that saves buyers on heating and cooling costs.

Some manufactured homes are even built to Energy Star certification and are Energy Star Certified Manufactured Homes.

The Result of Sustainable Production? Homebuyers Benefit

Building with sustainability in mind is a win-win for both homebuyers and Mother Nature. Homeowners in energy-efficient homes can expect substantial savings on their energy bills, as well as improved durability and construction quality. They can also expect increased resale value.

If you’re looking to purchase a new home that’s both affordable and built with sustainability in mind, a manufactured home may fit your family’s needs. After all, modern manufactured homes boast the latest in-demand design features, energy-efficient design and green building practices that appeal to today’s homebuyer.