Double Wide Homes: Your Complete Homebuyer's Guide

What are double wide homes?

A double wide home is essentially what it sounds like – a manufactured home created by joining two sections together to form one spacious residence. Unlike single wide homes that come in one piece, double wides are built in two separate sections at the factory, then transported to your property and carefully joined together during installation. This construction method creates a much wider footprint than traditional single wide manufactured homes, giving you significantly more interior space and layout flexibility.

What really sets double wide homes apart from both single wides and traditional site-built homes is their unique combination of factory precision and residential comfort. While single wide homes are limited in width and room arrangement, double wides open up possibilities for open-concept living, larger bedrooms, and more creative floor plans. They’ve become incredibly popular among families, couples, and retirees who want the convenience and efficiency of manufactured housing without sacrificing the space and features they’d expect in a traditional home. Most double wide homes range from about 800 to over 2,000 square feet, offering plenty of room for comfortable living.

Key benefits of double wide homes

Why buyers love double wide homes

Spacious interiors with flexible layouts – Double wides typically offer 2-5 bedrooms and open-concept living spaces that feel just as roomy as site-built homes, with thoughtful design that maximizes every square foot
High-quality features come standard – Many models include Energy Star readiness, smart thermostats like the ecobee®, LED recessed lighting throughout, and modern appliances that you’d expect to pay extra for elsewhere
Appealing designs with modern touches – From gourmet kitchens with quartz countertops and European range hoods to spacious walk-in pantries and luxurious primary suites with glass barn doors, today’s double wides don’t compromise on style
Extensive customization options – You can personalize everything from cabinet finishes and flooring materials to exterior features like covered porches, garages, and upgraded roof loads for different climate zones
Faster timeline from decision to move-in – While site-built homes can take months or even over a year to complete, double wide homes are constructed efficiently in climate-controlled factories and can be installed and ready for occupancy much more quickly

Why choose a double wide instead of building a home?

The convenience factor alone makes double wides appealing to many homebuyers. When you choose a double wide, you’re getting a home that’s been built to precise specifications in a controlled factory environment, then delivered to your site for professional installation. There’s no dealing with weather delays, contractor scheduling issues, or the endless decisions that come with traditional homebuilding. Your home arrives with all the major systems installed and tested, from the Carrier furnace and smart thermostat to the Samsung stainless steel appliances.

Many double wide models also come pre-equipped with features that would require expensive upgrades in traditional builds. Think 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, walk-in showers with glass enclosures, and energy-efficient packages with R-33 floor insulation and R-50 roof insulation. The construction process is streamlined and predictable, which means you can plan your move-in date with confidence rather than hoping everything comes together on schedule.

Are there downsides to double wide homes?

Lingering stigma in some areas – While attitudes are changing rapidly, some neighborhoods or communities may still have outdated perceptions about manufactured housing, though modern double wides often look indistinguishable from site-built homes
Land requirements – You’ll need to either own suitable land or find a spot in a manufactured home community, and not all areas have the same zoning flexibility for manufactured homes
Different appreciation patterns – Double wide homes may appreciate differently than traditional site-built homes, though this varies significantly by location and the specific features of your home
Zoning and permitting considerations – Local regulations vary, and you’ll need to ensure your chosen location allows manufactured homes and meets foundation requirements
Financing variations – While financing is readily available, the process might differ slightly from traditional home mortgages depending on your lender and whether the home will be on a permanent foundation

Popular features found in today's double wide homes

Sophisticated interior finishes – Modern double wides feature tape and texture walls throughout, 8-9 foot flat ceilings, and recessed LED can lighting that creates a bright, contemporary feel
Gourmet kitchen spaces – Large eat-in islands with quartz tops, spacious walk-in pantries, 42-inch hardwood cabinets with adjustable shelves and hidden hinges, plus 36-inch stainless steel European range hoods make cooking and entertaining a pleasure
Smart home technology integration – ecobee smart thermostats, LED lighting systems, and Carrier Smart Comfort furnaces help you control your home’s comfort and energy efficiency from your smartphone
Durable, attractive flooring – Options like Congoleum Lux linoleum and shag carpets with Rx2 stain protection technology are both beautiful and practical for busy households
Energy efficiency packages – Climate zone-specific insulation ranging from R-22 to R-50, argon gas low-E windows, and architectural shingles with 30-year warranties help keep utility bills manageable
Customizable exterior features – Craftsman-style front doors, architectural dormers where applicable, covered porches, attached garages, and even WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) fire certification for areas prone to wildfire risk

Choosing the right size and layout

Compact models (800-1,000 sq. ft.) – Perfect for singles, couples, or those who prefer a more manageable living space. These homes typically feature 2 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms, with efficient layouts that don’t waste any space.
Family-sized homes (1,200-1,600 sq. ft.) – The sweet spot for many families, offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with room for everyone to have their own space plus common areas for gathering.
Large double wides (1,700-2,000+ sq. ft.) – Ideal for multi-generational living, those who work from home, or anyone who simply wants extra space for hobbies, guests, or future needs. These often include 4-5 bedrooms and up to 3 bathrooms.

When choosing your layout, consider practical elements like storage solutions, walk-in closets in the bedrooms, and kitchen size relative to how much you cook and entertain. Many double wide homes include thoughtful details like ceiling fan preparation in living areas and primary bedrooms, spacious walk-in pantries, and large walk-in showers in the primary suite.

Double wide homes vs. other manufactured homes

Double wide homes occupy the perfect middle ground in the manufactured housing world. Compared to single wide homes, they offer significantly more space, better layout flexibility, and typically higher resale value. You’re not constrained by the narrow footprint that limits single wide floor plans. On the other hand, while triple wide and CrossMod homes offer even more space and features that closely mirror site-built homes, double wides provide an excellent balance of space, features, and practicality. They’re the ideal choice for buyers who need more room than a single wide provides but don’t necessarily need the premium features or larger footprint of the most expensive manufactured trailers available.

What to look for when buying a double wide

Key buyer checklist:

Construction quality details
Pay attention to insulation specifications (look for R-33 floors, R-21+ walls, and R-50 roof insulation), frame construction, and roofing materials like architectural shingles with long-term warranties

Energy efficiency certifications
Features like Energy Star readiness, eBuilt certification, and smart home technology integration can significantly impact your long-term comfort and utility expenses

Interior quality and durability
Examine flooring options, cabinet construction (hardwood doors with adjustable shelves are preferable), lighting systems, and included appliance packages

Exterior options and weather resistance
Consider features like covered porches, garage compatibility, upgraded roof loads for snow or wind zones, and fire-resistant materials if you’re in a wildfire-prone area

Local compliance factors
Verify that your chosen home meets local zoning requirements and foundation specifications, and understand what permits and site preparation will be needed

Rethinking home: The double wide advantage

Double wide homes represent a smart, modern approach to homeownership that combines the efficiency of factory construction with the comfort and features people expect in their daily lives. Whether you’re drawn to the gourmet kitchens with quartz islands and European appliances, the energy-efficient building techniques that include smart thermostats and LED lighting throughout, or simply the practical appeal of moving into a quality home without the delays and uncertainties of traditional construction, today’s double wides offer something for nearly every lifestyle and budget.
The range of customization available means you’re not settling for a one-size-fits-all solution. From compact homes perfect for empty nesters to spacious family layouts with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, plus all the modern conveniences like walk-in pantries, glass shower enclosures, and ceiling fan preparation throughout, you can create a living space that truly fits your needs. Many models even include luxury touches like covered porches and attached garages that help them blend seamlessly into traditional neighborhoods. When you’re ready to explore your options or get personalized recommendations, local dealers can walk you through the features and layouts that make the most sense for your situation.

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Affordable Home Concepts is a Utah-based company, serving the entire Intermountain West. Call or text us today to learn more!

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