Single wide mobile homes do not have load-bearing interior walls, but double wides do.
Typically, in a single wide mobile home, there are very few load-bearing walls. This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't be careful about which walls you remove. The integrity and stability of manufactured homes are derived, most typically, from the roof.
Walls that run perpendicular to the joists are load-bearing walls. Walls that are parallel to the joists rarely are, but sometimes a bearing wall will be aligned directly under a single joist. If purlin bracing is attached to the top of a wall or is supported by a wall, it's a load-bearing wall.
Single wide mobile home additions
Adding an extra room may be labor-intensive but often increases your property value substantially. You can also add a living room addition, add an extra bathroom, and anything you need to customize around the house. You can check pictures of single-wide mobile homes with additions.
As mentioned, typical single wide mobile homes do not have any load-bearing walls, so if you own one, it should be alright to remove your closet walls.
The walls of many manufactured homes are made with materials such as drywall and vinyl-covered wallboard. Drywall is the most commonly used for manufactured home walls, but vinyl-covered walls have their benefits as well. Both drywall and vinyl-covered wallboard (or paneling) have their benefits.
When you transport something as large as a mobile or modular home, road damage is not only a potential risk, but is expected. As your home travels down the road, the movement of the truck will inevitably cause cracks to appear throughout the drywall in your house. Do not panic! This is completely normal.
Pier foundations are popular because they are affordable, easy to install, and protect the home from minor flood or frost damage. If they meet the manufactured home foundation requirements, pier foundations are a solid choice.
To boost the durability of your home, consider upgrading to a reinforced foundation. This could involve installing concrete piers or footings beneath the existing supports. A well-supported foundation helps distribute the weight of the home evenly, reducing the risk of settling or shifting over time.
New single-wide homes usually range from 400 to 1,200 square feet and have an average price of $86,600. Double-wide. Double-wide manufactured homes typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and average $156,300.
Assess your basement — Look in your basement or crawl space for steel beams or joists. If you spot joists in your basement and there is a wall that runs perpendicular, it's most likely a load-bearing wall. If the wall is parallel above the joists, it's most likely not a load-bearing wall.
What is a Marriage Wall? The marriage wall in our home was between the kitchen/dining room and living room. This is where the home comes together, and the wall is considered a load bearing wall, supporting the roof in this area of our home.
The average cost to remove a load-bearing wall is $5,700 , but most homeowners pay between $1,400 and $10,000 depending on the scope of project.
Wall Is Perpendicular to the Joists
If the wall runs perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the joists, it is likely a load-bearing wall. When the wall runs parallel to the floor joists, it typically is not a load-bearing wall. In some instances, a bearing wall might be parallel to the joists.
Generally, mobile home exterior walls range from 2x4 to 2x6 frames, which translates to a thickness of about 3.5 to 5.5 inches.
How thick are manufactured home interior walls? Per HUD Code, our interior wall studs are typically constructed with 2x3” or 2x4” lumber and spaced at 16” or 24”. ³ These studs are framed on 16” or 24” centers with door and window openings that have structural headers for functionality and additional strength.
You can typically expect the average manufactured home to last between 30–50 years. With that said, there are several factors that will alter how long that home lasts, just as with any home. Home building regulations, the proper foundation, and regular maintenance will impact the lifespan of a manufactured home.
Stay away from windows, doors and exposed walls. Get under something sturdy, such as a heavy table and protect your head from falling objects and flying debris. If you take shelter in a bathroom, lie in the bathtub. If possible, wrap yourself in coats, blankets or sleeping bags for protection against flying debris.
The best type of flooring for a mobile home is engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. Vinyl plank offers the most durable, cost-effective, and easy installation. Vinyl plank performs well where moisture or humidity levels change often. Engineered hardwood brings a lower cost, moisture resistant wood floor.
Cost Overview
Installing a mobile home foundation typically costs around $3,000 per section, meaning Single Wides cost about $3,000, while Double Wides range from $7,000 to $12,000. Additional costs apply for full basement installations, and prices vary by region.
A concrete slab with proper anchors and it is a much better solution long-term and for storm security. Concrete blocks can be installed and would work to keep the trailer flat and level but they won't hold the trailer down in a storm.
A foundation costs $6 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type. A standard 2,000-square-foot concrete slab foundation costs $12,000 to $28,000, while a basement foundation costs $70,000 to $100,000+. The best foundation for your home depends on the soil conditions, water level, and frost line in your area.
The marriage wall is actually two walls put together to create a thicker, interior wall. You'll have a marriage wall for each marriage line. So, if your triple-wide manufactured home has two marriage lines, you'll have two marriage walls.
Usually, ceiling cracks are caused by one of two things: structural damage or settling (all structures settle to some extent after they're built). If the ceiling cracks are due to normal settling, there's usually nothing to worry about.