How Much Does a Double Wide Trailer Cost?

Last Updated on March 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Are you dreaming of owning your own home, but find stick-built houses out of your price range? Double wide trailers may be the affordable housing solution you’ve been waiting for. These prefabricated homes provide spacious floorplans at a fraction of the cost of site-built houses.

But what exactly should you budget for a new double wide?

How Much Does a Double Wide Trailer Cost?

The overall price range for a new double wide is typically $40,000 to $150,000. However, many variables influence the final amount you’ll pay. Customization options, home size, construction materials, delivery fees, and setup costs can all impact the bottom line.

Generally, expect to spend $70 to $100 per square foot. A 1,500-square-foot double-wide would cost roughly $105,000 to $150,000.

Some factors determining your double wide’s price include:

• Size and Layout: The amount of interior square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms significantly affects cost. Larger homes and additional rooms raise the price.
• Construction Quality: Upgraded insulation, siding, flooring, and other luxury materials increase value, but also cost more.
• Customization: Opting for custom floorplans, finishes, and appliances boosts expenditure but adds uniqueness.
• Delivery and Installation: Transporting and installing the home on your property runs $5,000 to $15,000 on average.

TrueMobileHomes.com offers Tru double wide mobile homes for sale starting at $35,000. They provide various options with different square footage and bedroom-bathroom configurations.

TheHomesDirect.com lists Champion California double wide houses with 3 bedrooms for sale in California, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $150,000.

HomeNation.com discusses the average cost of new mobile homes, stating that the average cost for a new double-wide mobile home is $139,900. They also mention that the average cost for a new single-wide mobile home is $76,400.

The Purchase Price

When budgeting for a new double wide, it helps to understand what’s included in the purchase price:

• Manufacturing: This covers the construction of the home at the factory including materials, labor, factory overhead, and manufacturer profit. For a $100,000 double wide, roughly $65,000 goes towards manufacturing.
• Dealer Costs: Local dealer markups account for $10,000 to $15,000 of the total. This compensates for the dealer’s role arranging the sale.
• Transportation: Delivering the home in sections from the factory to your property generally adds $5,000 to $10,000 depending on distance.
• Installation: Having the dealer join and anchor the sections on your foundation costs around $5,000 on average.
• Additional Fees: Plan for permit fees, utility setup, land prep, and other expenses that could cost $5,000+ extra.

Getting Affordable Financing

Qualifying for a home loan is key to keeping your double wide affordable. Explore mortgage options including:

• Conventional Loans: Offered by private lenders with more flexible credit requirements than government programs.
• FHA Loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration with low down payments as little as 3.5%.
• VA Loans: Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs with no down payment for eligible veterans.
• USDA Loans: Provided by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for rural properties with no down payment required.

Work with a mortgage broker to find the best rates and terms for your financial situation. Budget for closing costs of 3% to 5% of the total loan amount. You’ll also need to factor in down payment requirements when saving up to buy a double wide.

Protecting Your Investment with Insurance

Home insurance protects your property from weather damage, fires, theft, and liability claims. For a $100,000 double wide, expect to pay $450 to $850 annually for a policy.

The type of foundation and roof materials impact rates. Also, consider added warranty coverage beyond the one year provided by most manufacturers. An extended structural warranty can cost $400 to $800 per year.

Market Factors Influencing Price

Several economic factors also sway double wide costs:

• Supply and Demand: Tight inventories tend to drive prices up while high production leads to discounts.
• Interest Rates: Low mortgage rates reduce carrying costs allowing buyers to qualify for pricier homes. When rates rise, prices often adjust down.
• Manufacturing Inputs: Volatile materials costs force manufacturers to raise or lower prices accordingly.

In the end, a double wide depreciates like any other home. But if prices rise, you can still build equity and sell later to move up to a site-built house.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a scamp trailer, Graceland Portable Buildings, or office trailer rental.

Regulations to Keep in Mind

Local zoning laws and community rules may impact your budget and options. Be sure to research:

• Zoning Requirements: Many areas limit double wides to manufactured home parks. Make sure it’s permitted on your land.
• Foundation Specs: A permanent foundation may be required. This ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 installed.
• Permits: Plan for permit costs including fees for the home, electric, plumbing, and foundation.
• Community Rules: If moving into a manufactured home park, consider rent, fees, and aesthetic rules.
• HUD Standards: Your home must comply with federal Housing and Urban Development regulations.

Preparing Your Site for Installation

Installing your double wide is a complicated process requiring proper site prep:

• Site Selection: Consider driveway access, sunlight exposure, tree clearing, and utility connections.
• Foundation: The slab or pier foundation must meet structural requirements.
• Access Roads: Roads permitting home delivery must be built and grading done.
• Water/Sewer: Connections need to be in place before the home is situated on the foundation.

–Electricity: Temporary power may be necessary during installation before permanent electric is complete.

Leave ample time 2-3 months for site work before taking delivery of your home.

The Responsibilities of Owning a Double Wide

Once your home is installed, regular maintenance is required to protect your investment:

• Landscaping: Plan for lawn care, snow removal, tree trimming, and outdoor upkeep.
• Repairs: Budget for repairs like leaky roofs, appliance replacements, and plumbing issues which happen in any home.
• Energy Efficiency: Keep utility bills affordable by caulking, weatherstripping, and adding insulation if needed.

Aside from normal homeowner duties, enjoy the perks of affordable homeownership with a double wide!

Important Players in the Manufactured Housing Industry

Several important partners assist with the double wide process:

• Real Estate Agents: Help find suitable land and represent buyers.
• Mortgage Brokers: Arrange financing from an array of loan programs.
• Insurance Agents: Provide quotes for home insurance policies.
• Modular Home Builders: Manufacture sectional homes in a controlled setting.
• Mobile Home Dealerships: Sell homes directly to buyers.
• Construction Companies: Site preparation, foundation building, and installation pros.

Ready to Buy a Double Wide?

Double wide trailers provide an affordable path to owning your own home. With manufacturing innovations, custom designs, and flexible financing, modern double wides offer the space and amenities of traditional houses at lower prices. If planned for properly, double wides can be an economical way to achieve your housing dreams.

Use this guide to understand all the costs involved before starting your search. Carefully weigh options to find a home with the right layout, upgrades, and price tag to fit your budget. With smart preparation, you can discover the joy and pride of double wide living!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a double-wide the same as a manufactured home?

Yes, a double-wide trailer is considered a type of manufactured home. Manufactured homes are built entirely in a factory in sections, then transported to the home site and joined together. Double-wides get their name because they are double the width of single section mobile homes.

This allows for more interior living space. All double-wide trailers meet the definition of a manufactured home. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both refer to prefabricated houses built offsite and moved to a property for installation.

Is it cheaper to build or buy modular?

In most cases, buying a modular double-wide is cheaper than building a site-built stick-built home. Modular homes are constructed efficiently in a factory, allowing manufacturers to save on labor and materials versus on-site construction.

These factory savings are passed on to buyers, with modular double-wides costing $40 to $100 per square foot compared to site-built homes averaging $100 to $200 per square foot.

However, modulars require shipment and installation fees which can add $15,000 or more to the final price. Land costs are also a factor. In the end, modular double-wides are generally around 30% less expensive than comparable site-built houses.

What’s the difference between a modular home and a mobile home?

The main differences between modular and mobile homes include:

• Modular homes are built to local building codes while mobile homes follow federal HUD standards.
• Modular sections are assembled on-site into a finished house. Mobile homes are complete units shipped as-is.
• Modulars sit on permanent foundations. Mobile homes use piers or anchors.
• Modulars use traditional building materials while mobile homes use lighter weight ones.
• Modulars are often customized with finishes like site-built homes. Mobile homes have more standardized options.
• Modulars are considered conventional real estate. Mobile homes are titled like vehicles.

In short, modulars aim to have the look, quality, and permanence of stick-built homes, while mobiles provide a more affordable, transportable solution with fewer customization options. But modular double-wides offer a middle ground with quality and customization approaching modulars at price points closer to mobile homes.