There are many advantages to owning a mobile home. These houses are often more cost-effective and offer valuable opportunities for new homeowners to find a place to settle down. Today, Mobile Home Outfitters is here to share five key things you should know before buying a mobile home.

1. Additional Costs

While mobile homes are often more economical compared to traditional homes, many people neglect the extra costs that come with them. Unless you own your land, you may need to lease a lot from a mobile home community. Mobile homes come with extra paperwork to establish your land as a residential address, and aspects such as delivery and set-up may cost you extra.

2. Home Upgrades

Many mobile homes come with standard fixtures, but that may not cover everything you want in your home. For example, many mobile homes don't include air conditioners. So, after you move in, you may need to make a list of things you want to add to make your home more comfortable.

3. Different Sizes

One key thing to know before buying a mobile home is how the different sizes come into play. Mobile homes traditionally come in single or double-wides and may range between 600 and 3,000 square feet. Not every mobile home is a long rectangle, so carefully examine the dimensions of your home before moving anything to your lot of land.

4. Community Guidelines

You may have big plans for your mobile home but if you lease a lot in a community you might find you’re unable to work on certain projects, such as building exterior decks or installing a pool. If you’re considering living in one of these communities, it’s a good idea to learn the rules to see if your plans are conflicting.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Mobile homes come with a few extra maintenance requirements that other homeowners may not experience. For example, once per year, you should consider re-leveling your home to prevent it from sinking lopsidedly into the foundation. Mobile homeowners should also know how to calculate skirting for mobile homes, as skirting kits are essential for keeping your piping fixtures safe from exterior hazards.