Have you thought it might be nice to upgrade to a two-story manufactured home?
Replacing your single level manufactured home might make sense if:
- You need more space, even if you have a double section home.
- You want to have a separate living space downstairs for guests or parents/in-laws.
- You have a small or narrow lot and need to build up to get more living space (my case!).
- You live in a high-density area where housing is expensive and building a bigger home is more bang for your buck.
- You might get a view (city, ocean, mountain) from the second level or rooftop terrace.
Considerations:
Does your mobile home park allow two-story homes? Ask the park manager, park owner, or HOA board (if your mobile home is a co-op, resident owned community, or condo subdivision). Also, check your CC&R’s, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations. Lastly, if your community has an Architectural Committee, you will want to inquire with them first.
Who has jurisdiction over mobile home communities in your area? Is it the city? County? State? Check with them to see if two-story manufactured homes are allowed.
Cost. Two-story homes are more expensive. Some of the reasons are that they require more engineering time, extensive design considerations, and a crane to install.
Stairs. Are you able and prepared for stairs in your home? You will have stairs from the first to second level, of course, and from the second level to the rooftop deck if you are also installing one.
Design limitations. HUD-code (aka manufactured home building code) and your local agency will have rules on the construction of your two-story manufactured home.
For example, your design will need to place the furnace on the second level, so that it can vent through the roof.
If you want your water heater on the first level, then it will have to be a tankless water heater (not a standard feature – at least $1500). Tankless water heaters can vent through the side wall, whereas a standard water heater can only vent through the roof.
Location of the bedrooms matter. There are strict fire safety rules on how far the bedroom doors can be from the exit doors.
In California, mobile home parks and mobile home manufacturing and installation is regulated by the State’s Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD). In some cities, you will also need city permits. And, if you live in a coastal community, you might have to obtain a Coastal Commission permit.
These are some of the reasons you might consider replacing your existing structure or installing a new two story manufactured home in your lot or private land. I hope this was helpful.
If you have questions and would like to chat, please contact me or leave me a comment.