Park model homes are growing in popularity as a versatile, less expensive housing option between recreational vehicles (RVs) and traditional houses. These tiny but fully functional homes come with many of the conveniences of a typical home, only in a more downsized, movable structure. Park model homes offer a distinctive living experience, whether part-time, as weekend retreats, seasonal living, or for everyday living. Just like with any other housing option, Hourston said, there are upsides and downsides. In this article, you will learn the good and bad of living in park model homes and what it would be like for those who consider living there.
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What Exactly Are Park Model Homes?
Park model homes adhere to RV Industry standards but are not meant for everyday living. Usually around 400 square feet big, they have full kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas, all the same things that go into a traditional home but in condensed form. While constructed to RV standards, park model homes are most often constructed with the same materials and techniques as manufactured homes.
One major difference between park model homes and other forms of small housing is that almost all park model homes are designed to be stationary. Since these are constructed on a trailer chassis to be moved, they can be relocated as long as specialized permits and equipment are used to move them.
Zoning and regulations are other important factors to consider. Park model homes can be parked in most RV parks, campgrounds, or on private property if zoning laws allow. Park model homes, unlike tiny homes or other mobile dwelling units, can’t always be lived in full time because the classifications are still that of a recreational vehicle.
Park Model Home Pros
Affordability
The cost of living in a park model home is one of the greatest advantages. Typical prices range between $30,000 and $80,000 depending on size, features, and customization to match your lifestyle, making these park model homes far more affordable than a traditionally built house and even many tiny homes. Additionally, they are also much less to maintain since upkeep fees plus, in most cases, taxes, categorized as the vehicle that is a recreational estate, tend to be reduced.
Mobility and Flexibility
While you will not be able to move this special kind of RV as easily as the others, you still get some of that mobility you cannot avoid with a normal home. If you ever have to move, the home is mobile and can be transported. Although there are logistics involved in moving it, typically, additional permits and transport fees will be incurred. With the ability to be easily hooked up and towed, they are perfect for those who like or need a mobile lifestyle by taking their living location with them wherever they go.
Energy Efficiency
Park model homes tend to be more energy-efficient in comparison to larger homes due to their sizes. Costs to heat and cool each home are up to 40 percent lower as well, as homeowners use less electricity and water, which means reduced utility bills over time. Modern appliances and insulation, in addition to their space-saving floor plans, make many park model homes environmentally friendly as well.
Customization Options
Park model homes can be customizable despite their miniature footprint. Buyers can select a design from multiple floor plans, finishes, and features for more personalized living spaces. By adding a porch or deck to enclose and skirting the bottom of the house, you can increase living space and value as well. Some park model homes include loft areas, and you can pay extra for the lofts, which can act as additional storage or sleep areas, so it allows you to take full advantage of all square footage.
Living in a Park Model Home: The Cons
Space Limitations
One of the most apparent cons of living in a park model home is the lack of room. These homes with living space of fewer than 400 square feet are intended to be inhabited by one person. One thing worth noting is storage because, for anyone who has ever lived in a spacious home, it can be an adjustment. Yes, lofts are a thing in most tiny homes, but even with that extra space, other solutions will have to be found when you need somewhere to set your things.
Regulatory Hurdles
They are subject to different zoning laws and regulations, which could complicate finding a permanent place to park them. Some cities and states have zoning restrictions, which can include the disallowing of park model homes as full-time residences and limiting where they may be placed. RV parks and campgrounds are the obvious choices, but there are limitations to even those.
Limited Financing Options
Park model homes do not qualify for conventional mortgages as traditional houses. They are considered recreational vehicles and, hence, can only be bought through personal loans and land loans at much higher interest rates. Some would have a hard time buying park model homes under this system, especially those who want the long-term stability of traditional mortgages.
Expenses of Moving and Upkeep
Although park model homes can be moved, they require even more effort than moving an RV or travel trailer. They are so large they require oversize load permits upfront, professional movers to do the heavy lifting, and sometimes even police escorts for highway transport. These factors can contribute to higher pricing during the moving process and make it impractical for people who are looking to move often. They are worth the money, but they need some TLC, so potential owners might want to think about that prior to buying one if they will be out and about it indefinitely.
What to Anticipate When Residing in a Park Model Home
Setting Up the Home
Although it does not take much to set up a park model home, a little planning is necessary when it comes to purchasing. Generally, a level gravel or concrete pad is required to locate the home, as well as plug-ins for electricity, water, and sewer. The home is stabilized by the RV jacks or concrete block and then skirting can be added to cover the underside and give a more finished appearance. Price of purchase also includes delivery, but buyers should confirm this through their vendor.
The Living Experience
If residents easily adapt to the smaller space and lifestyle which asks for fewer belongings, living in a park model home can even be a kind of cozy pleasure. A lot of models are meant to give the most bang for the provided square footage: open-plan floors and convertible furniture. RV parks and campgrounds are often communities in themselves, where residents make lasting friendships. These community living spaces offer shared facilities, such as pools, laundry areas, and lounging places, that contribute to an improved standard of life overall.
Seasonal or Full-Time Living
Park models would make perfect seasonal homes for anyone who wants a “home base” somewhere during some portion of the year. For example, park model homes as winter residences in warmer climates can be used by snowbirds or retirees. So, while park model homes can be used for full-time living in an RV park, some restrictions may apply depending on zoning laws and the rules of the RV park. If buying, check local laws first to make sure you’re allowed to do with it as you intend.
Notable Park Model Home Uses
Most individuals acquire park model homes just for a holiday cottage situated in unique locations where they can savor landscapes away from hectic metro areas. Yet others use park model homes as retirement living, which offer superior comfort due to more house-like spaciousness and lower costs than large, high-priced houses. Finally, park model homes may be placed on secondary lots, such as mobile homes or RV communities. Or if you are building a home and unsure of where you will live during construction, park model homes offer an easy solution and make for cost-effective living while your home is being built.
Conclusion
While park model homes are limited to 400 square feet, they can make for an excellent vacation home or primary residence as they offer the perfect solution to many problems faced by owners of a traditional house. However, lifestyle also presents problems, such as space constraints and regulatory requirements. Park model homes offer a comfortable and affordable housing option for people willing to adopt a minimalist, mobile lifestyle. Future buyers would do well to weigh the pros and cons of the new lifestyle and whether or not it fits in with what they desire from their next property.