How are Park Homes Built?

If you’re thinking about moving into a residential park home, you’ve likely wondered exactly how they’re made and whether they really are fit for full time accommodation all year round. 

We often get asked about how our residential park homes are built, with many people assuming that they’re constructed in the same way as holiday homes. This simply isn’t true.

To give you a better insight into how park homes are built, we have put together this handy guide so you know exactly what you’re getting when you move into one of our homes.

Park Home Building Regulations

The first thing to note is that just like any other type of accommodation, park homes are built in line with existing legislature. In the case of parks homes this is BS3632. It was first drafted in 1963 and was revised in 2005 and again in 2015 in line with technological advancement and an improvement in living standards across Britain. This is not the same as BSEN1647 which applies to majority of the holiday homes.

BS3632 stipulates that all mobile homes intended for residential use must be built with:

• Double glazed windows and doors
• Hot water thermostatic control
• Added insulation within the floors, roof, and walls
• Soundproof walls
• Appliances such as fridges and cookers that are A rated
• Central heating throughout
• The addition of alternative and/or renewable energy sources for power

These regulations are what you’d expect from a traditional house constructed from bricks and mortar. This is because, whilst park homes qualify as mobile homes and can be moved in one or two parts, they are homes nonetheless. Residents should, in theory, notice no drop in the standard of living when they move from a traditional home into a park home. In fact, the only real noticeable difference should be in the size.

Bungalows and park homes are often compared, and whilst they do share a number of similarities, the main difference is that park homes are restricted in size. They cannot exceed:

• 65 feet (20 metres) in length – Allens’ allow max 50x22 on our Parks
• 22 feet (6.8 metres) in width
• 10 feet (3.05 metres) in height (internally)

Don’t worry though, our park homes are expertly designed to make the most out of the available space, with clever storage and innovative layouts ensuring our homes feel light, airy, and spacious.

Offsite Construction

Now we’re clear on building regulations, let’s talk about the actual build. Park homes are constructed offsite rather than onsite. What this means is that when a traditional house is built, it’s built on the spot, but with a park home, it’s built offsite (at Manufacturer’s factory) and then transported to its intended park position.

Sturdy Frame Construction

It’s a common misconception that park homes are neither rigid nor well built, but this simply isn’t true. Whilst they can be moved in either one or two pieces, they are incredibly durable and can enjoy a lifespan upwards of 80 years with the right care and maintenance. This is because they are built to an exceptional standard from the core. The timber frame of a park home is mounted onto a steel chassis to ensure it can withstand being moved (although most homes are not moved once they’re sited).

Internal Wall Structures

Once the frame is in place, it’s time to install the walls. They are typically made using plasterboard walls. These are exactly the same as plasterboard walls in a traditional house, and under BS3632, they are constructed to include additional insulation and to be soundproof. This stops noise from travelling and makes for a warmer, more energy efficient home.

Many of our new homes are capable of having things mounted onto them, including TVs, shelves, and more. There’s no risk of damaging the walls, so you are free to decorate your home in the same way you’d be able to in a brick house.