As a real estate appraiser in Kentucky, one of the most common questions I get is about the differences between a doublewide manufactured home and a stick-built home. It's a great question because the two types of homes are very different, and they are valued differently as well.
First, let's talk about what a doublewide manufactured home is. Doublewide homes are built in a factory and transported to the site where they will be placed. They are constructed in two sections that are then joined together on site to create a home that is twice as wide as a traditional single-wide manufactured home. These homes are built on a steel frame and are designed to be mobile, although they can also be permanently installed on a foundation.
On the other hand, stick-built homes are constructed on site, typically using wood framing and other materials that are assembled piece by piece. These homes are often considered to be more traditional in style and are typically built to be permanent structures.
So, why does it matter whether a home is a doublewide manufactured home or a stick-built home? Well, for starters, there are some key differences in the construction materials and techniques used in each type of home. Doublewide homes are often built with less expensive materials than stick-built homes, and they may not be as well insulated or as sturdy as a stick-built home. Additionally, doublewide homes are designed to be mobile, which means that they may not be as secure or as stable as a stick-built home.
All of these factors can impact the value of a home. In general, doublewide homes are valued differently than stick-built homes in Kentucky. While there is no hard and fast rule for how much less a doublewide home will be worth than a stick-built home, it is generally accepted that doublewide homes will be valued at a lower price per square foot than stick-built homes.
That being said, there are many factors that can impact the value of a home, regardless of whether it is a doublewide manufactured home or a stick-built home. Factors like location, condition, age, and upgrades can all impact the value of a home, so it's important to work with a qualified appraiser who can provide an accurate valuation of any property you are interested in buying or selling.
In conclusion, doublewide manufactured homes are different from stick-built homes in several ways, including the construction materials and techniques used, as well as their mobility. As a result, they are typically valued differently in Kentucky. However, there are many factors that can impact the value of a home, so it's important to work with a qualified appraiser to get an accurate valuation of any property you are interested in buying or selling.
