Home Find a Job Advertise Knock 'em Dead

Manufactured Home Manufacturer

There are people who would never live in a trailer. Manufactured homes are an improvement over the prefabricated models and there are many green innovations that the right manufacturer can use as well. Better parts, better labor and green materials can make a manufactured home just as good as any house. In fact, because they are generally smaller houses, with different types of layouts they can be made to be more fuel efficient and economical in the long run.

What type of education and skill set should I have for this career?

A knowledge of construction, general contracting or building is important, with degrees in these fields even more so. You should also be very familiar with green materials including materials for roofing, walls and floors that can be adapted to the manufactured home. You should be able to explain the benefits and disadvantages of these materials so that your customers can understand what makes them good choices. Some sales skills would also be preferable.

Who is the target audience?

The target audience is anyone who might be interested in owning a manufactured home but still wants to live green. This could include land owners who just cannot afford to build a home at this time. Young couples who are just starting out or an older, retired couple may also enjoy living in a manufactured home.

Who is the competition?

The small homes in the neighborhood might be within the price range of a manufactured home, but will often not have enough space or bedrooms for peoples' needs. Also, people may choose a mobile home, such as a trailer, fifth wheel or recreational vehicle.

Why is it green? As much as possible of the manufactured home, should be made from green materials. Each home should have a clearly marked label that includes the percentage of green materials that are used in it, with a listing of all the materials as well. For instance, it could be explained that all of the floors in the home except for the two bedrooms and two bathrooms are cork. Explain why cork is a good material and what makes it green.

What is the biggest risk? The housing and credit crisis is the biggest threat to anyone involved in the industry. Although not technically a house, a manufactured home is meant to be a substitute for one. There are some banks that will not offer loans on them, however, and, in some cases, you cannot easily insure them either.

What will my initial investment be? Unless you have access to a facility or the means to make one yourself, you will have to take your designs to a manufactured home maker and have a prototype built. If the house sells, you may have a new and exciting career on which to embark, otherwise you may need another idea for your business.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources