FAQs

Where Can I Locate My Home?

Before you buy a home, there are three basic options you can consider. First, you could plan to place your manufactured home on land you own or intend to buy. If you choose this option, you must consider zoning laws, restrictive covenants, and hookup regulations. Second, you could plan to place your manufactured home on a leased homesite in manufactured housing development, in which case the company managing the development will normally take care of these considerations. Third, you could decide to buy a home already on a homesite in a planned community, which is the simplest option.

Personal Real Estate

If you plan to buy land, there are several matters to consider. Your retailer can help you with the following concerns:

Zoning
In cities and suburban areas, and in some semi-rural areas, you may face zoning requirements or restrictions. Some areas may prohibit manufactured homes. Others may have requirements regarding their size and appearance. Contact your retailer and your planning and zoning office for more information.
Restrictive Covenants
These are limitations in property deeds that control how the land can be used. Covenants may mandate that homes be a certain size or that land be used for certain purposes. The title search, conducted when you buy the land, may outline these limitations. However, sometimes, the restrictions are described in ways that are difficult to understand. You may want to seek the advice of an experienced real estate attorney to avoid problems.
Utilities, Water and Sewer
Although a manufactured home comes with plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, it must be connected to utilities. Contact your local public utility companies for connection and cost information. Not all areas have local water lines and you may have to drill a well. Check with a local well-drilling company about costs and whether success is guaranteed. Florida generally has excellent quality groundwater, but it never hurts to check with the local health department for questions about water quality.

Some areas rely on septic systems rather than city or county sanitary sewerage systems. If you can’t connect your home to a municipal or county system, you must check with local authorities about installing a septic tank. While properly installed septic systems can work quite well, in some cases environmental conditions may prevent their use. For more information, contact your local health department or the office responsible for issuing building permits.

Rental Communities

Perhaps a rental community specifically planned for manufactured housing appeals to you. Placing your home in such a community involves fewer practical concerns than siting the home on your own land since most services are included in your lease payments. If the idea of a rental community interests you, visit several. Today’s manufactured home communities offer many of the same conveniences and services found in other planned residential developments. Retailers will have information about rental communities and, in some cases, operate such communities themselves. Compare services, amenities, and the costs of each, including the rent, installation fees, and other miscellaneous service charges.

What questions should I ask retirement communities before I choose one?

-Is a written lease required? If so, for what length of time?
-What are the charges for utility connections and other services?
-Can my home be installed by my retailer or other professionals, or does the community require that it handle installation?
-What will I be charged for installation?
-Who is responsible for ground maintenance, garbage collection, street maintenance, and mail delivery?
-What are the community’s rules and regulations? Can I live with them? For example, are pets allowed?
-Are there any special requirements or restrictions if I sell my home?
-How are rent increases handled?
-Are there restrictive covenants?

Prior to agreeing to anything, be sure you read and understand the terms of the lease agreement and the rules and regulations of the community, as you will be expected to abide by them. In Florida, Mobile Home Communities are regulated by Florida Statutes Chapter 723 and by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (FL DBPR). 

What about Permits and Other Home Sites?

Section 320.8285, Florida Statutes provides that: “Each county or municipality in this state shall be responsible for the onsite inspection of each mobile home installation located within the jurisdiction of such entity.” This means that a local government building department must issue a permit for the installation of each mobile/manufactured home set-up in Florida and must inspect the installation to ensure that it complies with the requirements of Rule Chapter 15C-1, Florida Administrative Code. The site must be clear of debris and water should be directed away from the home’s foundation.

Can I Set Up My Own Manufactured Home?

No. Section 320.8249, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter Rule 15C-2, F.A.C., require that only licensed mobile/manufactured home installers may set-up a mobile/manufactured home in Florida. The installation guide that comes with your home provides more detailed information. The important point to remember, however, is that although this guide is informative and detailed, it is not designed to enable you to install your home yourself. Leave installation to the professionals.

Are Individuals and Dealers that Set Up Manufactured Homes Required to be Licensed?

Yes. Individuals and dealers who install mobile/manufactured homes must be licensed as installers by the Manufactured Housing Section of the Division of Motorist Services. Installers are required to take a pre-license course and pass a license examination. They also must have a $5,000 surety bond and $100,000 of liability insurance before they can be licensed. Installer licenses must be renewed annually.

What about Site Preparation, Transportation, Installation, and Inspection?

Before your home is installed, make sure the site has been properly prepared. Careful attention to the following details will help ensure satisfaction with your home for years to come. Your retailer can provide you with valuable guidance and assistance.

Site Preparation Check List

If you’re having the home installed on your own land, you may be responsible for site preparation. But it’s also a good idea to have your retailer or installer inspect the site. Here’s a site preparation checklist:

-The delivery truck must be able to reach the site.
-The site must be as level as possible.
-The area where the home will sit must be clear of trees, rocks, and other debris.
-The soil must be graded and sloped away from the home for water runoff.
-Fill soil must be compacted to prevent the foundation from sinking or shifting.

While you may be able to do some of the site preparation, most tasks, such as grading and compacting soil, require professional expertise. Otherwise, you could do damage to your home that’s not covered by the warranty.

What if my home is damaged during delivery?

In most instances, your home will be transported from the factory to the retail sales center. There, it will be inspected by your retailer. Any damage done to the home in transit will be repaired before it is delivered to your home site. If damage occurs on the way from the retailer to your site, the transporter is usually held responsible. Therefore, make sure you check for damage before the home leaves the sales center and again when your home arrives at the site. If you find any damage, report it to the transporter immediately. Otherwise, if damage occurs during delivery, you could have a difficult time getting no-cost repairs.

What do I need to do during the installation?

Manufacturers must provide instructions for proper home installation. Usually, the retailer will install your home or use a contractor. Typically, the price of your home includes installation. You should get a written explanation of the installation services from your retailer. If the installation isn’t included, you may have to hire a professional. Ask your retailer for recommendations. Whether the retailer or a contractor installs your home, follow these guidelines listed below. They will help you understand what you’re paying for and how to check that the work has been done properly. You’ll also better understand your warranty protections.

–Transporting Your Home – The manufacturer is usually responsible for transporting the home from the factory to the retailer. The retailer or its transporter is usually responsible for delivering the home to your site. However, if roads are inadequate or obstacles make delivery difficult, your retailer may not be able to accept responsibility for delivery. Have the transporter check out the route beforehand to avoid problems.
–Building a Foundation – Your home must have a foundation. In addition to following the manufacturer’s instructions and complying with local codes, ask the institution financing your home or your rental community if they have special requirements. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Administration (VA), and the Rural Housing Service (RHS) also have special foundation requirements for homes they finance. Remind your retailer of the kind of financing you’re using so that all applicable requirements will be met. If you place your home on your own property, you can choose from a number of foundation types: concrete block, metal or treated wood piers; or a concrete slab. A professional installer will know which local building codes apply. Ask the installer to obtain required building permits and inspections.
–Leveling Your Home – It’s critical that your home be leveled to meet the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Otherwise, your home’s weight will be unevenly distributed. This can cause floors and walls to buckle and prevent doors and windows from opening and closing smoothly. While the manufacturer’s warranty won’t cover repairs resulting from improper leveling, a written warranty from the installer may. Insist on a walk-through before the installer leaves. Check for signs that your home may not be level. Because some foundation supports may settle unevenly, it’s important to periodically check that your home stays level. The first check should be done 60 to 90 days after installation, and then once every year.
–Securing Your Home to the Foundation – To help minimize damage from high winds your home should be anchored to the ground or concrete footers. Anchoring must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions or as required by local codes. This is not a “do-it-yourself” project. Ask your retailer for more information.
–Finishing Your Home – Your home may need finishing work, such as an enclosure around the crawl space. The enclosure must provide adequate ventilation. If you have a multi-section home, finishing work may include molding and joining carpet on the interior, and siding and roofing work on the exterior.
–Connecting Utilities – Installation should include connections to water, electricity, gas, and sewer. If connections aren’t included in the installation price, you’ll have to contract for them separately. Your retailer can help you with the arrangements, or you can contact local authorities for more information.

What do I need to do during the home inspection?

First, check to see that your home was installed properly. If you are present during installation, ask the installation crew manager to walk through your home with you to assist in identifying problems and to answer your questions.

Open and close all interior and exterior doors. If a door does not open and close smoothly, it may indicate a need for a minor hinge adjustment, but it also may be a sign that the home is not level. Immediately call this to the attention of the person responsible for installation.

Examine the entire house. Look at the walls, the floors, and the ceilings. Be certain that all faucets and appliances work. You will want to make your inspection of the home in an organized way. A good strategy is to inspect the outside of your home first and then check the interior, carefully going through each room. Many manufacturers provide a checklist in the owner’s manual of items you should inspect. You should fill out the checklist and return it to the manufacturer as soon as possible.

As you make your inspection, jot down on paper every item you think requires service. When you are finished, make copies of the list — one for you, one for your retailer, and an extra copy for the manufacturer. It is also a good idea to put the date of your inspection on the list. Carefully inspect your home for any problems as soon as it is installed. A delay could jeopardize your warranty.

What about financing and the contract?

There are many options for financing your manufactured home in addition to dealer financing. You should shop around for the best finance and insurance plan. Be sure you understand what your costs will be. Also be sure that you understand which items on the contract are your responsibility, and which items are the dealer’s responsibility. Check that they are clearly defined. Do not leave any blank spaces on the contract, and be certain that all items which you and the dealer have agreed to are covered by the contract. Read the entire contract before signing it, and be sure to save a completed copy for your records.

If you place a deposit on a home and do not complete the sale, you may forfeit part of your deposit, depending on your contractual agreement. If the purchase is contingent on the sale of your present home, this condition should be noted on all copies of the contract and initiated by both parties. If the dealer is to retain the “running gear” (the wheels, axles, and other mobilizing hardware) from your home, this must be stated on the contract.

Nobility’s joint venture and finance revenue sharing agreement with 21st Mortgage Corporation provides mortgage financing to retail customers who purchase manufactured homes at Prestige retail sales centers. These agreements, which originate and service loans, give Prestige more control over the financing aspect of the retail home sales process and allow it to offer better products and services to its retail customers. We offer competitive rates, same-day decisions, FHA financing, bi-weekly payments, 30-year financing, land-in-lieu of down payment, down payments as low as 3 1/2%, automatic drafts, first-time buyer’s program, land/home loans, and friendly service. We even offer to finance those with minor credit impairments. Ask about our exclusive Payment Saver Program and find out how you can save $30,000 on the purchase and financing of your new home from Nobility Homes.

What warranty coverage is offered on the home, transportation, and installation?

The manufacturer’s warranty coverage varies among manufacturers. Retailers must make copies of warranties offered on the homes they sell available for you to review and read before you buy a home. Read them and compare coverage. The following questions may help you in doing this.

 -What coverage comes with the home? You may get warranties from the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturer.

-What components and what types of problems do each warranty cover?

-What’s not covered?

-Does the manufacturer’s written warranty cover transportation and installation? If not, are they covered by other written warranties?

-How long do the warranties last?

-How do I get warranty service? Who will provide it?

-Are extended warranties available from the manufacturer? If so, what do they cover and cost? 

Manufacturer warranties generally cover substantial defects in the following areas: Workmanship in the structure; Factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical systems; and Factory-installed appliances, which may also be covered by separate appliance manufacturer warranties. Manufacturer warranties DO NOT cover improper installation and maintenance; accidents; owner negligence; unauthorized repairs; or normal wear and aging. Ensure that the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair instructions (contained in the consumer/homeowner’s manual) are followed to keep your warranty in effect. While your retailer will perform some warranty service, the manufacturer is responsible for making sure repairs are done and completed in a timely manner.

If you’re buying a previously-owned home, ask if it’s being sold with a warranty or “as is” — with no written or implied warranty.

Your home appliances also have warranties. They may come with the use and care manuals from the appliance manufacturer or be included in the home manufacturer’s warranty. In most cases, you’ll get service from a local appliance service center. However, if warranty service isn’t available, contact your retailer for guidance.

Can I make additions and alterations to my home?

Once your home has left the factory, the HUD Code does not include provisions for additions and alterations. Such modifications may jeopardize your home warranty. They may also create malfunctions or an unsafe home. An approved addition should be a free-standing structure that meets local building codes; you may need a permit. Contact your manufacturer, the state agency that oversees manufactured housing in your state, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or local building officials for more information.

What is an accessory dwelling unit?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as an additional dwelling unit, is a secondary housing structure built on the property of a main dwelling place or single family home. These secondary living quarters go by a variety of names, such as mother-in-law suites, granny flats, guest houses, accessory apartments, garage apartments, carriage houses, or backyard cottages. This second structure can be attached or detached from the main dwelling place.

As formally defined in the state of Florida, an ADU “has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.” Typically, ADUs are designed to accommodate one or two occupants apart from the main household but can house more depending on your needs.

What are the benefits of an accessory dwelling unit?

Affordability: ADUs allow more residents to live on single-family lots at an affordable price. Compared to condos, houses, and some apartments, ADUs provide a more affordable housing option.

Care for those with medical needs: Accessory dwelling units make for beneficial accommodations for elderly and disabled populations that desire independence and their caretakers.

Provide family accomodations: ADUs provide for family flexibility in other ways as well. With an ADU, a young adult could continue to live with their parents, but in a separate unit, as he or she works towards financial independence.

Increases curb appeal: The resale value of your home increases with an ADU! There is value in the flexible living options that an ADU offers.

Can I build an ADU in Florida?

Generally, yes — Florida stands out as one of the few states with legislation encouraging local governments to establish permitting ordinances for ADUs. For this reason, there are not any state-wide restrictions on whether or not you can have an ADU on your property; however, you may be restricted by other regulatory bodies. 

To confirm the legal requirements of building or installing an ADU on your property contact your homeowner’s association (HOA), if applicable, and check with your local city government. 

These organizations can explain any local zoning or housing restrictions that may be in place surrounding building an ADU on your property. For example, some counties in Florida do not allow ADUs on your property if their purpose is to provide rental income or house non-family members. For zoning purposes, they may have square footage requirements for both your property lot and the ADU that you’ll want to follow. 

Frequently, you’ll find that applying for permits is a common requirement when it comes to placing manufactured homes on a property. To see some of the requirements for popular cities in Florida, refer to this guide here.