Navigating Alabama's Manufactured Housing Codes: What Homebuyers Need to Know

Mobile homes have seen numerous upgrades over the decades. The positive changes gained these homes immense popularity in Alabama due to several reasons, including affordability, more location possibilities, transition-friendliness, ease of getting temporary housing, customization options, and lots more, all due to federal regulations.

If you have been researching manufactured homes, you have probably seen references to the HUD codes and might be wondering what it is actually. HUD codes are uniform national building codes for manufactured homes, standardizing safety, design and construction, durability, and compliance.

If you are a homebuyer in Alabama, understanding Alabama manufactured housing codes and HUD standards is must to make an informed decision.

In this home buyer guide, let’s walk you through the mobile home regulations, HUD standards, importance of compliance for anyone considering a manufactured home purchase in Alabama and how Jaco Sales services can assist in the home buying process.

What are HUD Codes?

Established by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act, 1974, the HUD (U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development) codes are made to improve safety, quality, durability, livability, and energy efficiency of manufactured homes. It was the first and only federal building code that has created a uniform set of standards for manufactured homes nationwide, superseding regional and local regulations. The HUD standards code mandates:

Safety and Durability

Surviving a heavy storm isn’t the goal when it comes to manufactured homes being compliant to HUD’s safety and durability standards. It means that the homes must be anchored securely to their foundations. For example, during hurricanes Katrina and Irma, it was reported that HUD-compliant homes reported less damage compared to non-compliant homes.

Fire Resistance

Compared to site-built homes, manufactured homes experience reduced fire-related incidents. In the HUD Code, it is specified that fire-resistant materials must be used in construction of manufactured homes. On the other hand, installation of smoke detectors in living rooms and bedrooms is mandatory. It is a proactive approach that makes manufactured homes more feasible.

Quality Assurance

Manufactured homes must meet specific standards to maintain quality overtime. Everything from the roofing material to flooring must be followed as per the standards. For example, in the areas prone to moisture, water-proof materials should be used to reduce the risk of structural damage over time.

Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC Systems

Another HUD Code that ensures the safety of the manufactured home includes that plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed correctly and designed in a way that they remain safe and energy-efficient. For example, HVAC systems must have the proper wiring and duct system to prevent power failure.

Energy Efficiency

Double-pane windows, doors and higher insulation R-values help maintain the energy-efficiency of a manufactured home. Using these advanced installations not only save heating and cooling costs but also reduce the home’s carbon footprint.

Alabama-Specific Manufactured Housing Regulations

Beyond federal HUD codes, Alabama has additional mobile home regulations that impact the construction and placement of manufactured homes. These rules are designed to address the state’s unique climate and environmental challenges.

Key Alabama manufactured housing codes regulation include:

Installation Standards:   Every manufactured home in Alabama should be in line with the installation standards to prevent damage during storms and ensure stability. For example, the manufactured homes should be secured properly using approved tie-downs and anchoring systems. Also, to avoid structural issues, the home should be leveled correctly to the ground.

Roof Load Zones:   This regulation covers the fact that how much weight a manufactured home’s roof can support. In areas prone to extreme weather conditions like storms and snowfall, considering roof load zones is crucial. For example, Alabama typically falls under 30 PSF (pounds per square foot) or lower, depending on the specific weather conditions.

Wind Zone Requirements: Alabama is located in a region prone to severe weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes. As a result, manufactured homes in certain parts of the state must meet specific Wind Zone requirements. For example, wind zone 1 requires Alabama manufactured homes to withstand winds up to 70 mph, wind zone 2 is found in coastal and high-risk storm areas and requires homes to withstand winds up to 100mph. On the other hand, wind zone 3 is the highest level and applies to hurricane-prone coastal regions.

How Jaco Sales Help Manufactured Home Buyers

Considering HUD standards and Alabama manufactured housing codes, buying a manufactured home can be a complex process and one should understand everything thoroughly to make an informed decision. Jaco Sales, therefore, help homebuyers navigate the mobile home regulations   using their expert guidance on housing codes, site preparation, and compliance.

The team at Jaco Sales Services   ensures that every home meets the HUD standards and Alabama-specific codes before purchase. For example, wind zone requirements, roof load zone requirements, and professional installation support. Jaco Sales also connects homebuyers with certified installers for a seamless home setup and also helps them secure loans and understand available funding options.

On a Concluding Note..

If you are planning to purchase a manufactured home in Alabama, having an understanding of HUD standards and Alabama Manufactured housing codes is vital. Familiarity to these mobile home regulations ensure the safety, durability, and legality of the house while complying to HUD standards give homebuyers peace of mind. To help you throughout the homebuying journey, Jaco Sales stands as a trusted partner alongside.   Jaco sales services extend beyond providing expert guidance. The team at Jaco help you every step of the way, whether it is laying the strong foundation, connecting you with certified installers or ensuring that Alabama’s manufactured homes meet wind zone and roof load requirements to the T.

For more information on manufactured housing regulations and available homes, contact Jaco Sales today!