A camper or RV makes it so much easier to enjoy vacationing. However, a park model makes it even more convenient. Park models may be familiar to you. You may have seen them in your neighborhood at an RV park or campsite. Park models should not be confused with modular housing. However, park models are meant for recreational purposes only and not as permanent residences. Modular homes can be used as a full-time residence if they meet the requirements of the HUD – The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The HUD requires that people have a home larger than 500 square footage to live in as a permanent residence. Park model homes, however, are usually only 400 square foot. Although park models can be as large as 500 square feet in Canada, similar rules apply to most urban areas. Although they look similar, the two types of housing are designed for different purposes. Modular homes can be parked within a modular home community, while park models should be parked in RV lots. A park model is often purchased by people who want to live in a vacation home. Prefab park models start at $20,000, which is very affordable and easily accessible.
Park models are built on what is known as a single trailer chassis. They are typically 8 to 13 feet in width and can be lofted or decked. This doesn’t increase the home’s square footage. Prefabricated construction indoors allows for both modular and park-model homes to be built. This eliminates many of the problems that can arise from building a traditional stick frame house out in the elements. Both styles of homes can be made with vinyl lap siding, sheathing underneath the siding, or fiberglass exterior wall insulation.
Both have a fiberglass-shingled roof, roof insulation, ceiling insulation, ventilation, and truss rod system. The buyer can choose the color of the vinyl siding and trim as well as the interior cabinets and floors. People who buy a park-model will often find an area they enjoy traveling to and a park community to park it. The park model is rented out, so they don’t have high camping fees. Campgrounds can cost up to $40 per person, depending on the location. Additionally, gas costs can make it more expensive to travel by RV or camper. It’s nice to return to a place you know every summer to enjoy the local community.
Many park model companies can build prefabricated models and deliver them to your lot. Northlander Industries, located in Ontario, is one of the most well-known Canadian companies for prefabricated park models. General Coach has dealers in Alberta and British Columbia.
Woodland Park Models, which has locations across the U.S., and Kropf Park Model RVs, which also has dealers throughout the U.S., are two of the most prominent companies that build prefab park models. You can also find many pre-existing park models for sale in different areas. Keep looking in the area where you are interested to purchase one.
