Question from LL Goeckel
I am looking at options for senior living without assisted care…what about mobile homes? What is the best overview and then what specifics would be important to evaluate ?
Debra’s Answer
I’m going to leave this question to others to answer, who have more experience.
In general, motor homes are filled with particleboard and other toxic materials.
I haven’t ever compiled guidelines for choosing mobile homes.
Readers, any experience with this? Let’s create some guidelines right here.
I can say one thing. If you live in Florida, don’t live in a mobile home. It will be gone if there is a hurricane.
If you are chemically sensitive or don’t want to become chemically sensitive, then a standard mobile home is not for you. They are chock full of formaldehyde. (Formaldehyde outgasses most intensely for the first 7 years, but continues to outgas for an indefinite period thereafter.)
If you can afford it Airstream has come out with a beautiful classic (retro) version that has a (largely) steel interior. It may be modified to meet your specs in the factory.
Alternatively, some people have gone into business renovating old Airstreams (with varying levels of success) over the years. You may occasionally see advertisements for one of them. A cautionary note: some owners report that rebuilts have problems with leaks, rodents, and (no surprise here) chewed wiring.
Some folks have built very attractive, fairly economical homes in tractor trailers or shipping containers, but there may be concerns about pesticide residues.
If you’re allergic to trees/wood, most pre-built Tiny Homes will not work for you, but if you build one with materials you can tolerate (e.g. Hardie siding) you can create a healthy little home on a budget. There are many websites with lovely looking designs and owner’s stories about their experiences with the constuction process and living in them. I agree with Sally S.; they seem like an intriguing option for a simpler, economical, secure, and safe life.
Of course, as Debra pointed out, the biggest issue is, as always: location, location, location! Mobile homes (including Tiny Homes that are left mobile) aren’t built for Tornado Alley, hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, and there often isn’t sufficient notice to move them before a weather event.
As yet another alternative (that is not mobile), i once saw a designer turn a two car garage into a fabulous little home for her retirement years. She had planned to live in it while building a home on the lot, but loved the idea of a simpler lifestyle, so worked her magic on this space. It was upscale on a budget.
Just thinking…
I have read somewhere that people with MCS should not even go into a Manufactured home for 10 years. I have found this to be true for me. I have seen signs in New ones that warn that the fumes can make you sick and can even cause death. My sister in law bought a new one about 8 years ago and I still can only be in it for a short time I volunteer at a Refuge and they just put in a new office, I couldn’t even stand in the door way for a good year. I still do not go in unless I have to use the restroom and that is with a mask.
Mobile Homes are notorious for using glue, pressed fibers for walls, and a host of other less than friendly components – carpet, vinyl, etc.
Tiny Houses are made of wood and the buyer can control the contents, layout, as well as clean air.
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/
http://tinyhouseco.com/
There are also possible builders who use logs and set up homes in parks/mobile home communities.