Advantages of Garages and Carports for Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Keeping your vehicle safe means having a dedicated space for it, whether that’s an enclosed garage or an affordable carport. Both options can be good additions for manufactured homes, and with the right lender for mobile home financing, you can enhance your property for future value and personal convenience at the same time. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about garages and carports for mobile homes – including their advantages, costs, and important factors to consider.

Garages vs. Carports for Manufactured and Mobile Homes

When choosing between garages and carports, the best option for your manufactured home often depends on your budget, functionality needs, and long-term goals.

A garage for a manufactured home provides your vehicle with full enclosure, meaning greater security and weather protection, plus potential storage options. On the other hand, a mobile home carport is more budget friendly and quicker to install, making it ideal for homeowners who want to shield their vehicles from sun and rain without committing to a larger construction project. So while garages are excellent permanent manufactured home upgrades, carports offer greater flexibility at a lower price point.

The right choice depends on your priorities: long-term property value and security vs. cost efficiency and speed of installation. To help you decide what’s right for your home, let’s explore a few different types of garages and carports for manufactured homes.

Attached Garages

An attached garage shares at least one wall with your mobile or manufactured home and offers direct indoor access. This design is especially convenient in bad weather, making it easy for homeowners to move from their car to their house without getting wet or cold.

Attached garages are also simpler to connect to the home’s electrical system, which means you can power tools, lighting, or even an extra refrigerator in an attached garage without needing separate hookups or generators.

Integrated Garages

Many attached garages are integrated, meaning they were built as part of the original design of the home, rather than as an additional construction. Manufactured homes with integrated garages offer a seamless architectural look and need no retrofitting. Thanks to these aspects, they’re ideal for buyers who want a streamlined, efficient design with full garage benefits from day one.

Detached Garages

Detached garages are standalone structures that can be constructed anywhere on your property, providing the most flexibility in terms of placement and design.

While they don't offer indoor access to a mobile or manufactured home, they are perfect for multipurpose uses such as workshops, studios, or large storage areas. Detached garages also offer more design freedom and don’t require changes to the home’s exterior structure.

However, because detached garages are, by definition, not integrated into a manufactured home, they also require more space or land. Therefore, finding a single-wide or double-wide manufactured home with a detached garage could be difficult, depending on your market.

If your manufactured home doesn’t already have a detached garage, you may need to own the land your home sits on to construct one.

Freestanding Carports

Carports are shelters that provide overhead protection against the elements or debris. They can be placed adjacent to the home or in a driveway area and can be open-sided or partially enclosed.

Freestanding carports are excellent for regions with moderate climates and for homeowners who want shade and light rain protection without major construction costs. Meanwhile, attached carports provide a little extra protection since at least one side is shared with your manufactured home.

Most importantly, carports are often more affordable to build if your mobile home doesn’t already have one. Therefore, if you’re looking to add a space for your vehicle, a carport could be the best option if you want to prioritize your budget.

What Are the Pros of Buying a Manufactured Home with a Garage?

Opting for a manufactured home with a garage provides you with built-in value and peace of mind.

• First, garages are highly sought after by manufactured home buyers, which can improve your home's resale potential. This is similar to the extra value an ADU or accessory dwelling unit can lend to your property.
• Second, garages provide enhanced protection not just for vehicles, but also for tools, recreational equipment, and seasonal items.
• Third, garages (and carports, to a lesser extent) can function as bonus spaces for hobbies, storage, or even home gyms.

From a practical standpoint, integrated or attached garages can also reduce long-term costs associated with weather damage and security issues, while enhancing the overall livability of the home by expanding functional square footage.

All in all, garages and carports are excellent manufactured home amenities or additions to any property.

Should You Add a Garage or Carport to a Mobile Home?

Adding a garage to a mobile home or installing a carport can be a smart way to upgrade your property. However, you’ll want to think carefully about local building codes, lot size, and your budget.

If you’re staying in the home long-term or planning to sell in the future, adding a garage may offer more functionality and curb appeal. Carports for mobile homes, meanwhile, provide quick protection without the same complexity of permits and structural changes.

Local ordinances might dictate what type of garage addition you can build. It’s essential to check with zoning boards and community regulations before beginning any construction. That said, many manufactured home communities are increasingly supportive of value-adding structures like carports and garages.

What Are Mobile Home Carports Made Of?

A mobile home carport is typically made from one of several durable materials:

• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install, making it one of the most common choices for carports.
• Steel: Steel offers maximum durability and strength, so it’s ideal for areas with heavy snow or wind.
• Wood: Wood carports provide a classic look but require more maintenance and aren’t always ideal for humid or rainy climates.
• Polycarbonate Roof Panels: Polycarbonate material is frequently used in combination with aluminum or steel frames. It offers UV protection while allowing light to pass through.

How Much Is It to Build a Garage for a Mobile or Manufactured Home?

For many manufactured homeowners, whether a garage or carport is right for their needs is a matter of finances. The cost to build a garage or carport for a mobile home can vary widely based on materials, design, location, and whether the garage is attached or detached.

Permits, electrical wiring, and concrete work can add to the total cost, especially for full garages. However, keep in mind that a well-built garage can also increase the overall appraisal value of the manufactured home, potentially offsetting part of the investment.

If you don’t have the budget to make your dream renovation work, remember that manufactured home lenders like 21st Mortgage may be able to help you through financing.

Finance Your Dream Home with a Mobile Home Loan from 21st Mortgage

If you're looking to upgrade your lifestyle with a garage for a manufactured home or add a mobile home carport, 21st Mortgage can help. That’s because we offer financing solutions designed specifically for mobile and manufactured home buyers. Whether you're buying a manufactured home with a garage already included or adding a garage when you purchase a used or repossessed mobile home, our loans can cover both home and improvement costs.

By working with a lender that understands the unique needs and costs of mobile home ownership, you’ll gain funding, peace of mind, and the opportunity to achieve your renovation dreams. Get in touch with one of our loan officers today to learn more.