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Log Cabin Mobile Homes FAQ'S
Answers to Your Questions About Manufactured Housing: What is a manufactured home? Log cabin mobile homes, know as manufactured homes, are built in a factory. Each home conforms to the US government's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD code), rather than to building codes enforced at the home's destination. Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code. Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels.
Where can I find details about my manufactured log homes build date and origins? To find the date of log home manufacture, look for a data plate located inside your home, usually on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, or in a bedroom closet.
The data plate offers information about the home's heating, cooling, and other appliances and components. The data plate also shows you the wind zone and snow load for which the home was built. A red HUD label with a stamped serial number should be attached to the exterior of the home.
May I put my manufactured home on any lot or tract of land?
No. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a log cabin mobile home or any mobile home for that matter.
May I move my manufactured home to another location? Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the zone for which the manufactured home was originally constructed. Never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information. Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell it and purchase another at your new location.
Who finances log cabin mobile homes?
Many manufactured homes are financed with a retail installment contract, available through the retailer that sells you the home. Many lenders will grant a conventional mortgage for manufactured homes, but will likely require that the home is placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes are eligible for FHA and VA home loans.
Is my new log manufactured home covered by warranty? Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers log cabin mobile homes and its systems during a stated warranty period. Some appliances may be covered by their own warranties. Before you purchase a manufactured home, find out which items are covered by warranty, who offers the warranty, and how warranty repairs are performed.
What if I have problems with my manufactured home? HUD recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. If problems cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If you still have complaints or concerns, contact HUD or a related state agency.
How and Where to File a Complaint?
All residential manufactured homes (mobile homes) must comply with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Since June 15, 1976, manufacturers have confirmed compliance with the Standards by attaching a red label to the back of each transportable section of a home produced. The extent to which HUD can help a homeowner resolve a complaint depends on the seriousness of the problem. In cases where safety-related defects in homes create an unreasonable risk of injury or death to the occupants, manufacturers must correct the defect in a short period. HUD cannot require correction unless the defects were introduced into the home during the manufacturing process. The on-site installation of a manufactured home is not regulated by HUD. If a problem arises with log cabin mobile homes, the first contact should be the retailer. Most problems can be eliminated quickly. If the retailer cannot help, the second contact should be the manufacturer. Manufacturers, for the most part, are quick to respond to consumers. It is important to put a complaint in writing. Also, make a copy to keep with your records. The letter should include the serial number of the home with a list of the problems. List any known factors that contributed to the problem. Also list any secondary issues related to the problem. If the retailer and the manufacturer do not resolve your concerns, there are offices within most state governments with staff that are knowledgeable about manufactured housing construction and related issues. There are 37 States participating with HUD in a State and Federal partnership to regulate and enforce the Federal manufactured housing program in their state. Many state governments regulate all, or part, of the manufactured housing industry in the state. Some areas that may be regulated in your state are retailers, transporters and installers.
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