Manufactured homes have been fantastic for decades when it comes to providing affordable and versatile options for living spaces. Classic homes like the 1983 Harrison manufactured home, model 245521, offer durability alongside functionality. See below for important features of the 1983 Harrison manufactured home, its resale value, how to maintain it, and everything you need to know about owning or purchasing one.
What is the 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home 245521?
The 1983 Harrison manufactured home, model 245521, is a long-standing manufactured home tradition that became very popular in the U.S. in the late 20th century. Harrison Homes was an established manufacturer of mobile and manufactured homes back in the day, and this model is known for being durable, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Key Features of the 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home 245521
- Size: 245521 typically has 2 or 3 bedrooms, one with 1-2 bathrooms
- Measurements: 12×50-14×70 feet; the model and customization may vary
- Building Materials: Almost entirely of a steel frame with wood framing in walls and floors
- Design: Single-boxed simple structure with standard windows and doors, often including a small front or back porch.
- Interior: Ground floor units tend to have two or three-room central space living, kitchen, and bathroom(s) on one end and bedrooms on the other
Harrison Manufactured Homes in the 1980s: A Brief Overview
In the 1980s, manufactured housing entered a sea of change, primarily because manufacturers embraced even stronger construction methods to abide by new HUD standards. This certainly represented the Harrison manufactured home model from 1983, which represented the post-1976 era of the HUD code that adhered to higher standards for safety, energy efficiency, and design. Manufactured housing began to become a more accessible form of housing for middle-income Americans, especially those in rural and suburban areas.
Growth of Manufactured Homes in the 1980s
- By 1983, manufactured homes represented approximately 20 percent of new single-family homes sold in the U.S.Peak sales for manufactured homes occurred in the late 1980s, with 242,000 units sold in 1988.The average size increased from 1,080 sq. ft. in 1970 to around 1,400 sq. ft. by 1983, and wider units were now more commonly produced.
Common Features and Specifications of the 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home 245521
While features of the 1983 Harrison manufactured home could differ depending on customization, here are some standard specifications for this model that are commonly accepted:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Year Manufactured | 1983 |
| Manufacturer | Harrison Homes |
| Model Number | 245521 |
| Bedrooms | 2-3 |
| Bathrooms | 1-2 |
| Square Footage | 840 – 980 sq. ft. |
| Materials | Steel frame, wood walls, and vinyl siding |
| Roof Type | Flat or low-pitch roof with asphalt shingles |
| Heating System | Electric or gas furnace |
| Cooling System | Optional air conditioning units |
| Plumbing | Basic plumbing system for water and waste |
| Floor Plan | Open floor plan, kitchen near the front |
Resale values of used manufactured homes vary significantly; they depend upon conditions, locations, and demand for affordable homes. It is important to note that, generally, older manufactured homes, such as the 1983 Harrison model 245521, depreciate more with time. However, there are exceptions with a well-maintained home that stays in a desirable area.
Resale Value Stats
- The average resale value of an excellent 1983 manufactured home runs in the $15,000 to $30,000 range, depending on condition and location.
- Land cost also has something significant to do with resale value. The resale figure for homes located in desirable places is usually higher.
- Manufactured homes’ resale values are usually lower than homes on individually owned land for those within land-lease communities.
While homes built post-1976 generally last longer due to advancements in building codes, manufactured homes retain a normal lifespan ranging from 30 to 55 years, regardless of origin. Thus, the 1983 model, like the Harrison 245521, remains attractive for today’s home buyers if looked after properly.
Maintenance Tips for 1983 Harrison Manufactured Homes
It is highly essential to maintain an older manufactured home like the 1983 Harrison model so that it may live longer and be more useful. Here are some primary maintenance tips for the homeowners:
Roof Maintenance
Many manufactured homes developed during the 1980s have flat or low-pitched roofs, which collect debris and will certainly make holes if it is not kept in good shape.
- Recommendation: Inspect the roof yearly for any damage and remove debris, such as leaves and branches, that might cause this water pooling.
- Roof Life Expectancy: Around 20-30 years is the average life expectancy for asphalt shingle roofs. You will have to replace the roof if it has not been done yet.
Foundation and Skirting
After some time, sometimes the foundation or skirting of a manufactured home deteriorates, which causes structural issues.
- Recommendation: Inspect the skirting occasionally to ensure it is in good condition and free from pest infestation. If it is damaged, that particular section must be repaired or replaced.
Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Even older manufactured homes may have old plumbing and electric installations that may not meet modern safety standards.
- Recommendation: Every year, a licensed plumber inspects the water and waste systems for leaks, blockages, and corrosion. Electrical systems should also be periodically inspected, especially if you notice flickering lights or power surges.
Heating and Cooling
The original HVAC systems of old manufactured homes generally are no longer energy efficient.
- Recommendation: Upgrade the HVAC with a more energy-efficient one to reduce utility bills. Clean and change the filter regularly to run properly.
Manufactured Home Industry in the Early 1980s: A Historical Perspective
The 1980s also saw dramatic transformations in how manufactured homes became understood and controlled. Before 1976, manufactured homes were typically called mobile homes, designated as low-priced portable housing. However, following the publication of the U.S., everything changed when the standards were regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1976. HUD enforced the regulations that would enforce strict safety standards and stronger construction requirements upon these houses, hence building a quality unit such as the 1983 Harrison manufactured home 245521.
By 1983, the manufactured housing industry had continued to advance steadily, and the market increasingly considered it a viable long-term option. The market was advancing with wider homes (double-wides), improved insulation, and more sophisticated heating and cooling systems. Harrison Homes did just as well at this time of advancement, producing homes that offered better living conditions to house the growing middle-class market.
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1983 Harrison Manufactured Home: Construction and Materials
This 1983 Harrison manufactured home was constructed according to national post-HUD regulation standards. Hence, it would suggest the home adheres to the required national safety and durability regulations. The construction method and materials applied within this model were carried out such that affordability was supposed to harmonize with resilience.
Steel Frame Foundation
The second major attribute of the 1983 Harrison manufactured home is its steel frame foundation. Manufactured homes were constructed on a steel chassis instead of stick-built homes and, therefore, were mobile and more structurally sound. It served as its base in transportation and could be easily leveled on different types of terrain for setting up.
Exterior Siding and Roofing
The external cladding material in the 1983 Harrison manufactured home was mostly made of vinyl and aluminum, which were protective and weather-resistant, among other benefits. These materials made the house light in weight but adequately protected against the elements.
- Vinyl Siding: Provided resistance to moisture and thus was low in maintenance; it therefore remained very popular in many of the manufactured homes.
- Aluminum Siding: This light material reflects the sun, keeping the air inside cool.
- Roofing: The 1983 Harrison home features a flat or slightly pitched roof with asphalt shingles, with an average life expectancy of 20-30 years.
Energy Efficiency and Upgrades for the 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home
While houses manufactured in the 1980s, such as the model 245521 Harrison, may not have been nearly as energy efficient as contemporary houses, they can easily be retrofitted into more efficient houses. Generally, the older manufactured houses are expensive to maintain for the following reasons: less insulation, single-pane windows, and inefficient heating systems. However, there are several upgrades the owners can take so that household energy consumption decreases and comfort improves.
Insulation
Most homes built during the early 1980s, such as the 1983 Harrison manufactured home, had little insulation installed. Tough enough for moderate climates, colder climates must be upgraded with additional insulations to hold warmth throughout the prolonged winter days. Besides, insulation on the walls, floors, and ceiling would help to save much in heating and cooling costs.
- Recommendation: Install R-19 in the walls and R-30 in the ceiling for better energy efficiency.
Windows and Doors
Manufactured houses built during the 1980s or before tend to have single-pane windows, which are not strong enough to protect against temperature extremes. Besides saving energy, insulation can be significantly improved with double- or triple-pane windows.
- Recommendation: Replace all old windows and doors with Energy Star-certified doors and windows to avoid air leaks and conserve energy.
HVAC System Upgrades
The original heating and cooling systems used in the 1983 Harrison manufactured homes would have been electric or gas furnaces. Functional but not nearly as efficient as today’s HVAC units, these may be exchanged for an energy-efficient unit such as a heat pump, which can cut energy use by as much as 50%.
- Recommendation: Install a high-efficiency heat pump or ductless mini-split for better energy management.
Buying a 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home: What to Consider
Many considerations focus on an older manufactured home like the model 1983 Harrison. The biggest advantage of purchasing an older manufactured home is the comparative affordability of comparable constructed houses. On the other hand, basic issues of assessments in the condition required repairs, cost, and whether the house meets modern standards are important considerations.
Inspection and Condition Assessment
How much does a 1983 Harrison manufactured home cost? A good professional inspection should be done before buying a 1983 Harrison manufactured home to evaluate its condition. Over time, many things in a house deteriorate, including the foundation, water supply, and electrical systems.
FAQs: 1983 Harrison Manufactured Home 245521
What is the resale value of a 1983 Harrison manufactured home?
The resale value of a 1983 Harrison manufactured house can vary from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the home’s condition and location.
How long does a 1983 manufactured home last?
Generally, a 1983 manufactured home, if properly taken care of, will last between 30 and 55 years. The number one influential factors are materials used in construction and general maintenance of the systems of a house.
Is a 1983 Harrison manufactured home energy-efficient?
Units manufactured before the 1980s are less energy efficient compared to newer units. New insulation, windows, and HVAC might be installed to enhance the unit’s energy efficiency.
What are common maintenance issues for a 1983 Harrison home?
Common issues include roof leaks, discarding foundations, outdated plumbing, and old HVAC systems. Maintenance can prevent severe problems and add years to the life of a home.
Can I remodel a 1983 Harrison manufactured home?
Old manufactured houses, indeed, can be refurbished. Some popular refitting includes changing the flooring, rehydration of the kitchen and bathroom, and even improving the thermal value of the house by enhanced insulation.
Conclusion: A Solid Housing Option with Proper Care
The 1983 Harrison manufactured home, no model 245521, still looks good against the time test as a viable housing solution for many homebuyers, especially when looking for a cheap living solution. With proper care, maintenance, and refitting, the house could remain fit for living comfortably for decades. Older homes like this require a bit more labor, but they are still perfect for offering buyers the opportunity to make them their own and restore them to normal.
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