Should You Add on to Your Manufactured Home Yourself?

Manufactured homes are a great choice for home buyers who want a space they can personalize and be proud to call their own. That’s why you’ll find that, in addition to offering a variety of affordable homes with the styles you’ve been looking for, many of our Clayton Built® models have customization and upgrade options available. Some, like the popular Lulamae, even include a beautiful front porch as part of their floor plan.

Once you move into your new manufactured home, you may want to customize it even more with additions like a deck, carport or a garage. Features like these can be a great way to tailor your space to fit your needs and your style. However, there are two main reasons why you should reconsider adding on to or expanding your manufactured home by yourself: safety concerns and building regulations. Keep reading for more information on why you should always consult with and hire a professional.

Safety Concerns with Manufactured Home Additions

Safety is a key reason why homeowners should enlist the help of a professional for any additions to their manufactured home. Of course, you should always take proper precautions when doing any work around your home, whether you’re inspecting the roof or sprucing up your spring landscaping. But, it’s also important to consider the structural integrity and safety of the home itself when you’re tackling these kinds of projects.

According to the HUD codes for building manufactured homes, any additions – like a carport or awning – need to be designed and attached so they support their own weight and do not add to the weight of the home. This is because, if the addition is not properly attached, its weight could cause your home to shift over time. The type of foundation your home has may also be a factor to consider in this situation.

And, if you’re thinking about adding an enclosed space like a sunroom or screened-in porch, you’ll also have to make sure it won’t put an additional burden on your home’s existing electrical or HVAC systems. It’s a good idea to check if the structure will need to be weatherproofed, too. A professional contractor can help ensure any additions you wish to make to your home are done correctly, without causing damage, and with you and your family’s safety in mind.

Remember, your manufactured home has been carefully designed and constructed, right down to details like which wind zone it will be located in. By taking steps like making sure there isn’t added stress to the home’s structure, you can help your new home – and that deck you’ve always wanted – last for many wonderful years.

Manufactured Home Addition Regulations

Now that we’ve looked at why you should consult with a professional about any additions from a safety perspective, let’s talk about some potential rules and regulations for building those additions. Depending on the state and city you live in, there could be specific regulations surrounding manufactured home additions. Like many other large home renovation projects, an addition to your manufactured home may be subject to local building codes.

Before you decide to build a carport or add a porch to your home, you should check with your local government to see what building codes may be in place that you will need to comply with. Your addition also may require permits or inspections, depending on the specifics of the codes and what the addition is.

And, if you ever decide you want to sell your manufactured home, you would then be able to show the additions you made are in compliance with the applicable codes. So, you can see why it’s definitely a good idea to have a professional make sure everything has been done correctly!

With Strength and Durability in Mind

At Clayton, the quality, strength and durability of your new manufactured home is important to us. We want it to be a strong, beautiful investment for your family to enjoy for years to come, which is why we recommend always working with a professional if you want to add on to your home. Want to read more about everything that goes into a Clayton Built® home, from roof to foundation? We’ve got you covered on our Studio blog, with info about our construction process, industry trends and more!