Your Guide to Factory-Built Homes
Finding the right mobile home brands list can feel overwhelming, but it’s the first step toward affordable homeownership. With hundreds of manufacturers, knowing the top names and what they offer makes all the difference.
Top Mobile Home Brands to Consider:
- Clayton Homes: A multi-award-winning industry leader.
- Champion Home Builders: Over 50 years of experience and innovation.
- Skyline Homes: Recognized for trust and energy-efficient designs.
- Palm Harbor Homes: Known for hurricane-resistant construction and a 12-year warranty.
- Legacy Housing: A fast-growing value brand since 2005.
- Fleetwood Homes: Nearly 1.5 million homes sold since 1950.
The manufactured housing industry has evolved far beyond the old “trailer” days. Today’s factory-built homes offer modern amenities and customizable layouts at a fraction of the cost of site-built homes. The average price of a new mobile home in 2023 was just $121,300.
Understanding the terminology is key. Factory-built homes fall into three main categories:
- Manufactured Homes: Built after June 15, 1976, these homes adhere to the strict federal HUD Code for safety, quality, and energy efficiency. They are built on a permanent chassis and transported to the site.
- Modular Homes: These are also built in a factory but must meet local and state building codes, just like a site-built home. They are placed on a permanent foundation and often appreciate in value similarly.
- Mobile Homes: This term technically refers to homes built before the 1976 HUD Code, which had less regulation.
Choosing a factory-built home means benefiting from affordability, quality control, and speed. Construction in a controlled environment avoids weather delays and leads to faster build times—sometimes in as little as a week—passing the savings and efficiency on to you.
Mobile home brands list word roundup:
The Ultimate Mobile Home Brands List & What to Look For
When exploring the mobile home brands list, you want to know which brands offer the best value, features, and reliability. Here’s a look at some of the top manufacturers.
A Curated Mobile Home Brands List: Top Picks
Clayton Homes: A powerhouse in the industry, Clayton has won the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award seven years in a row. They offer a vast range of homes, from affordable starters to luxurious models, with fast build times and extensive customization options.
Champion Home Builders: With over 50 years in business and 3 million homes sold, Champion is a giant in the sector. They are known for quality and upscale design features not always found in manufactured homes, like tray ceilings and walk-in closets.
Skyline Homes: A four-time winner of the ‘America’s Most Trusted Manufactured Home Builder Award,’ Skyline prioritizes green building practices and energy efficiency. They offer a 15-month warranty, a step above the industry standard.
Palm Harbor Homes: If durability is your top priority, Palm Harbor is a great choice. They offer an impressive 12-year warranty and are known for robust construction designed to withstand harsh weather like hurricanes.
Legacy Housing: Since 2005, Legacy has become a fast-growing value-brand leader. They focus on building innovative pre-fab homes at highly competitive prices, making modern design affordable.
Fleetwood Homes: With a history dating back to 1950 and nearly 1.5 million satisfied customers, Fleetwood is known for delivering quality and affordability. Their homes are praised for their durability and popular designs.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you visualize the differences:
| Manufacturer | Price Range (Avg.) | Warranty (Base/Extended) | Key Features & Strengths | Shipping Reach (States) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton Homes | $60,000 – $300,000 | 1-year / 5- & 10-year | Awards, fast build times, vast customization, helpful resources | 43 + DC |
| Champion Home Builders | Varied | Standard | Upscale designs, wide floor plan range, extensive network, 50+ years experience | 48 + DC |
| Skyline Homes | Varied | 15-month | Eco-friendly, energy-efficient, ‘Most Trusted’ award, experienced staff | 47 + DC |
| Palm Harbor Homes | Varied | 12-year | High customization, durable construction (hurricane-resistant), generous warranty | 9 |
| Legacy Housing | Varied | Standard | Fast-growing, value-brand leader, affordable pricing | Varied |
| Fleetwood Homes | Varied | Standard | Long history, affordability, popular designs, 1.5M+ satisfied customers | Varied |
Key Factors for Choosing Your Manufacturer
Beyond the mobile home brands list, consider these critical factors to make an informed decision.
Price Range: The average new manufactured home cost around $121,300 in 2023, but prices vary from under $50,000 to over $400,000 depending on size and features. Remember to budget for land, site prep, delivery, and installation.
Construction Time: While the factory build is quick (often a week or two), the total process from ordering to move-in typically takes 2-3 months. This is still significantly faster than the 6-12 months for a traditional site-built home.
Customization Options: Modern manufactured homes are highly customizable. You can choose floor plans, siding, roofing, countertops, cabinetry, and even add porches or garages. Ask about quality upgrades like 2×6 exterior walls and plywood floors.
Warranties: A good warranty is your safety net. Most builders offer a one-year base warranty, but some, like Palm Harbor (12 years) or Clayton (extended options), go further. Always review what’s covered.
Delivery and Site Prep: Your land must be prepared before the home arrives. This involves surveys, permits, a proper foundation (like concrete piers), and utility hookups. The home is then transported and installed, a process typically coordinated by the dealer. The average cost to move a home is around $7,000.
Finding Authorized Dealers: Federal law requires purchasing manufactured homes through authorized dealers. A good dealer is a crucial partner, guiding you from model selection to financing. We make it easy by offering a large selection from 11 top manufacturers right here in Texas.
For more information on finding the best fit for your needs, you can explore more info about the best rated manufactured homes.
Understanding Construction & Quality Standards
Modern factory-built homes adhere to strict standards, ensuring they are safe, durable, and efficient.
The HUD Code: The National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1976, overseen by HUD, transformed the industry. It mandates that all manufactured homes meet rigorous national standards for structural integrity, fire safety, and energy efficiency. This ensures a consistent level of quality and safety, regardless of the manufacturer.
Energy Star Efficiency: Many top manufacturers build homes to meet or exceed Energy Star guidelines. Features like improved insulation, high-performance windows, and efficient HVAC systems can significantly lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental footprint.
Durability and Foundations: Modern manufactured homes are built with resilience in mind. The HUD Code includes provisions for wind resistance, and some builders like Palm Harbor specialize in hurricane-rated construction. Proper installation is critical for safety. Homes are secured to the ground with mobile home anchors and tie-downs connected to a foundation system, typically concrete piers. This prevents shifting in high winds. You can learn more about how to install tie-downs and anchors.
Material Quality: The materials used in manufactured homes—wood, drywall, insulation, siding—are often the same as those in site-built homes. The factory setting allows for precision and consistency, which can lead to higher overall quality. For improved durability, consider upgrades like 2×6 exterior walls and plywood floors.
Find Your Dream Home in Texas
We are dedicated to making the journey to homeownership as smooth as possible for our Texas neighbors.
How to Tour Homes from a Mobile Home Brands List
Once you’ve reviewed the mobile home brands list, the next step is seeing them in person. Federal law requires buying through an authorized dealer, and that’s where we come in. Serving the entire state of Texas from our Laredo location, we offer the unique advantage of comparing homes from 11 top manufacturers in one place.
During your tour, take your time. Open cabinets, check out the layout, and imagine your daily life in the space. Does the floor plan work for your family? Is there enough storage? Our sales consultants are here to answer every question without any high-pressure tactics. We also offer virtual tour options to help you start your search from home.
It’s about getting a feel for the space. This is where you’ll make memories, so trust your instincts. If a home feels right, it probably is.
Ready to start exploring? View our mobile homes and see what’s possible for your family.
Your Next Steps to Homeownership
After you’ve found “the one,” we’ll guide you through the final financial and logistical steps.
Financing options for manufactured homes typically include chattel loans (treating the home as personal property) or traditional mortgages (if the home is on a permanent foundation and titled as real estate). Chattel loans are often easier to qualify for.
We specialize in financing solutions that work for all credit types. We understand that not everyone has a perfect credit history, which is why we offer our unique FICO Score Improvement Program. Our team works with multiple lenders to find the best terms for your situation, and we guarantee the lowest prices.
Consider an extended home warranty for added peace of mind. Beyond the manufacturer’s base coverage, these warranties can protect you from unexpected repair costs for major systems and appliances.
Making your final decision is a big step. With over 25 years of experience, our team provides legendary Texas-friendly customer service, including free site inspections and transparent pricing. We’re here to provide the expert guidance you need to choose a home that fits your budget and will serve your family for years to come.
Whether you need a single-wide, a spacious double-wide, or specialized oilfield housing, we’re ready to help. Our goal is to make your home-buying experience a great one.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our available homes in Texas and let’s find your perfect match.