FAQ

1. What are "manufactured homes"?

• The term MANUFACTURED HOMES commonly includes factory-built MOBILE and MODULAR homes, which are constructed indoors as three dimensional "modules" before transportation to home sites.
• Manufactured homes are built in CERTIFIED FACTORIES.
• The CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION (CSA) is the third-party certification agency for homes delivered in B.C.
• MOBILE HOMES are constructed to the CSA Z240 Mobile Home Series of Standards - are complete when they leave the factory except for incidental assembly on site - have a longitudinal subframe - have a CSA Z240 label - CSA Z240 Standards are specifically for homes that may be move from one home site to another.
• MODULAR HOMES are constructed to the building code in effect at the home sites, where they will be located - may or may not be complete when they leave the factory - may have a subframe or be carried on a transporter's 'float' - and, have a CSA A277 label to show that they were built in a certified factory.

 

2. What are "singlewides and "doublewides"?

• The terms singlewide and doublewide originated with the early mobile home - a "singlewide" was a complete home consisting of one load on the highway - a "doublewide" was a complete home composed of two loads, which were joined together on site.
• Most early mobile home parks or communities were developed primarily for singlewide homes.
• Today, more than half of all new manufactured homes are multiple-section homes (two or more sections).

 

3. What are the roles of Dealer and Manufacturer?

• MANUFACTURERS build the home you order or will have built a display home you see at a Dealer's location - they warranty the home free of manufacturer's defects for not less than one year and will have contracted for third-party extended warranty coverage for structural defects.
• DEALERS are licensed new home retailers who have knowledge of local housing markets and choices - guide you in contacting lenders, if required - act on your behalf in ordering a new home - handle the related details - are your first contact for service.
• B.C. Dealers are provincially licensed and contribute to the Consumer Compensation Fund.

 

4. Where can you put a manufactured home?

• MOBILE HOMES can be placed in manufactured home communities (formerly mobile home parks), on individual lots where permitted, on most rural acreages, as secondary dwellings for family, employees or tenants - Dealers can advise you about local government bylaws.
• MODULAR HOMES can go into communities and on most lots and other parcels - again consult a Dealer.
• Usually, homes made up of two or more sections can go everywhere any other home may be constructed.

 

5. Are manufactured homes well insulated and warm?

• Both mobile and modular homes meet the building requirements for insulation - in addition, factory construction typically improves the efficiency of insulation and vapour barriers.
• Manufactured homes are most often heated with forced-air systems using natural gas, propane, oil or electricity.

 

6. Who will lend money to manufactured home buyers?

• Banks, credit unions and other lenders make loans to buy manufactured homes - a Dealer will know them.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has loan insurance programs that are used by these lenders for both mortgages and chattel loans.
• The loan for a home that is "affixed" to land (like other houses, townhouse, condos etc.) will be a regular mortgage.
• A home that is placed on a lease/rental site in a community (park) will have a loan, for the house alone - CMHC CLIP insured loan rates will be comparable to mortgage rates.
• CMHC insured loans can be for up to 95% of the purchase price and for terms up to 25 years.

 

7. What taxes do I have to pay?

• If a home is factory-built in B.C. and bought from a B.C. dealer, the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is paid by the Dealer and is calculated on the invoice from the factory - the consumer does not pay tax on the full retail price of the home, the effect is the same as on a site-built home.
• Homes imported into B.C. and built and/or sold by a non-B.C. registered vendor will have PST applied to the full retail price, including transportation and other costs.
• The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 6% of the retail purchase price - homebuyers are eligible for a 36% rebate of the tax, if the home is a principal residence - the rebate can be applied for at the time of purchase or up to 12 months later.

 

8. What do I have to do as the buyer?

• As a homebuyer, you only need to concern yourself with the plan, features and décor of your new home.
• Once the purchase financing is in place, the Dealer will order your new home from the Manufacturer.
• Dealers can see to all details, from the building permit to transportation, foundations, set-up and connection to services.