Thinking about buying a park model home? It’s an exciting decision, one that could completely change how you live, vacation, or approach retirement. But like any significant investment, it deserves careful consideration and the right questions asked upfront.
I’ve seen people jump into park model ownership with stars in their eyes, only to realize they missed some crucial details. And I’ve seen others do their homework, ask the tough questions, and end up absolutely loving their decision. The difference usually comes down to preparation.
So let’s talk about the questions you need to ask before signing on the dotted line. These aren’t just casual curiosities, they’re the make-or-break issues that’ll determine whether a park model is right for you and which one fits your needs best.
Questions About Your Lifestyle and Needs
Before you even start looking at specific models or floor plans, you need to get honest with yourself about how you’ll actually use this space.
What’s your primary purpose for this home?
This might seem obvious, but really think it through. Are you looking for a vacation getaway you’ll use a few weeks a year? A full-time retirement residence? A rental property that generates income? Maybe it’s a home office retreat or a place for visiting family to stay?
Your answer shapes everything else, from the size you need to the features that matter most. A vacation home can get by with simpler systems and less storage. A full-time residence needs to feel like, well, a real home. Be specific about your intentions because that clarity guides your entire search.
How many people will regularly use this space?
Park models are efficient, but efficiency has limits. A couple might find 399 square feet perfectly cozy. Add grandkids for regular visits, and suddenly you’re feeling cramped. Think realistically about sleeping arrangements, privacy needs, and how many people will be in the space at once.
Also consider whether you’ll entertain. If you love hosting dinners or game nights, you’ll want a layout that accommodates guests comfortably. If you’re more of a solo or couples person, you can prioritize other features.
What’s your timeline for using this home?
Are you buying now for retirement in five years, or do you need to move in next month? Your timeline affects everything from financing options to how quickly you need to make decisions. It also influences whether you might want to wait for specific customizations or whether you need something ready to go.
Questions About the Location and Land
Where your park model sits matters just as much as the home itself. Sometimes more.
Where will you place your park model?
Do you own land already, or are you looking at RV parks and communities? If you own land, is it suitable-flat enough, accessible, with available utilities? If you’re considering a park or community, what are the rules, fees, and long-term costs?
Some people assume they can put a park model anywhere, then discover their property isn’t zoned for it or lacks the necessary utilities. Get clear on this before you fall in love with a specific model.
What are the local zoning and permit requirements?
This is huge and often overlooked. Zoning laws vary dramatically by county and municipality. Some areas welcome park models with open arms. Others classify them as RVs and restrict where they can be placed or how long you can occupy them. Still others don’t allow them at all.
Call your local zoning office, not just the county but the specific township or municipality. Ask explicitly about park model homes, and get any answers in writing. You don’t want to buy a home only to discover you can’t legally place it where you planned.
What about HOA or community rules?
If you’re placing your park model in a planned community or RV park, read those rules carefully. Some communities have strict guidelines about exterior appearance, additions like decks or sheds, pet policies, rental restrictions, and even how long you can be away from your home.
Make sure you can live with those rules long-term. They might seem reasonable now, but will they still feel that way in five years?
Questions About the Manufacturer and Build Quality
Not all park models are created equal. The manufacturer matters more than you might think.
Who builds the home, and what’s their reputation?
Do some research on the manufacturer. How long have they been in business? What do other owners say about their experience? Are there consistent complaints or red flags?
Look for manufacturers who build their homes directly and stand behind their product. When you’re buying straight from the manufacturer rather than through multiple middlemen, you often get better value and more direct communication if issues arise.
What’s included in the warranty?
A solid warranty shows confidence in the product. Ask specifically what’s covered and for how long. Structural elements should have a meaningful warranty, ideally at least a year, though some manufacturers offer more.
Also ask what’s not covered. Appliances might have separate manufacturer warranties. Cosmetic issues might have shorter coverage. Understanding this upfront prevents surprises later.
What materials and construction methods are used?
Not all park models use the same quality materials. Ask about wall construction, insulation types and R-values, roofing materials, window quality, and flooring. Better materials mean better durability, energy efficiency, and long-term satisfaction.
Don’t be shy about asking technical questions. A reputable manufacturer should happily explain their construction methods and why they make certain choices.
Questions About Customization and Design
This is where your vision starts becoming reality, but it’s also where budgets can spiral if you’re not careful.
What comes standard, and what costs extra?
Every manufacturer has a base model with standard features. Then there are upgrades and customizations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for budgeting.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included at the base price. Then ask about popular upgrades and their costs. Some things you might assume are standard, like certain appliances, upgraded fixtures, or exterior features, might actually be add-ons.
How much flexibility do you have with the layout and finishes?
Some manufacturers offer significant customization options, while others have more fixed designs. If you have specific needs, like a dedicated workspace, accessible features, or particular storage solutions, ask whether those modifications are possible.
Also ask about interior finishes. Can you choose different wall treatments, flooring types, or cabinet styles? Having options means you can create a space that truly feels like yours.
Questions About Costs and Financing
Let’s talk money, all the money, not just the sticker price.
What’s the total out-the-door cost?
The advertised price is just the starting point. Ask for a complete breakdown that includes the home, any customizations, delivery costs, setup fees, and taxes. Some buyers focus so much on the base price that they’re shocked when the final bill is significantly higher.
Get everything in writing. If a salesperson mentions something is “included” or “free,” make sure it’s documented in your contract.
What are the ongoing costs?
Beyond the purchase price, what will you pay monthly or yearly? This might include lot rent if you’re in a park, property taxes if you own land, insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
Many people underestimate insurance costs. Park models are often insured as RVs or specialty dwellings, which can be pricier than you expect. Get insurance quotes before committing to a purchase.
What financing options exist?
Park models occupy a unique space between RVs and traditional homes, which affects financing. They typically don’t qualify for traditional mortgages, but there are options like RV loans, personal loans, or credit union financing.
Ask the manufacturer what financing options they’ve seen customers use successfully. While they might not offer in-house financing, experienced manufacturers often know which lenders work well with park model buyers and can provide information to help smooth the process.
Questions About Delivery and Setup
Getting your park model from the factory to its final home involves more than you might think.
What does delivery include?
Does the quoted delivery price include just transport, or does it also cover setup and leveling? What about connecting utilities? Clarifying this prevents surprises when your home arrives and you realize you need additional services.
Who’s responsible for site preparation?
Someone needs to prepare the site before your park model arrives, levelling the ground, preparing the foundation (whether that’s blocks, pilings, or another method), and potentially bringing in utility connections.
Ask explicitly who handles what. Many manufacturers deliver to prepared sites but don’t include site prep in their services. You’ll need to coordinate this separately, which means finding local contractors and managing that timeline.
What permits are needed for placement and setup?
Beyond zoning approval, you might need building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, or septic permits. Who obtains these, you or the manufacturer? What’s the timeline and cost?
Understanding the permit process helps you avoid delays and ensures everything is legal from day one.
Questions About Long-Term Value and Resale
Think beyond tomorrow and consider years down the road.
How do park models hold their value?
Like RVs, park models typically depreciate rather than appreciate. However, well-maintained homes in desirable locations hold value better than others. Ask about typical depreciation rates and what factors influence resale value.
Understanding this helps you make smart choices about customizations. Some upgrades add value; others are purely personal preferences that you won’t recoup if you sell.
What’s the market like for reselling park models?
Is there an active resale market in your area? Some regions have robust demand for used park models; others have very limited markets. This affects your flexibility if life circumstances change and you need to sell.
Can the home be moved again if needed?
Park models are designed to be movable, but each move has costs and risks. Ask whether there are any limitations on future moves. Some communities require that homes placed there stay put, which affects your options later.
Questions About Day-to-Day Living
Now let’s get practical about what it’s actually like living in this space.
How energy-efficient is the home?
Ask about insulation values, window quality, heating and cooling systems, and average utility costs. Park models can range from minimally insulated to quite energy-efficient. In extreme climates, this makes a huge difference in comfort and costs.
What appliances and systems come with the home?
What’s included in the kitchen? What about heating and cooling? Water heater? Washer/dryer hookups or units? Understanding what’s standard versus what you’ll need to add helps you budget and plan.
How does maintenance compare to other housing options?
What regular maintenance should you expect? How accessible are systems if repairs are needed? Are parts readily available, or will you need to special-order components?
Red Flags to Watch For
As you’re asking these questions, watch for warning signs that might indicate problems:
If a seller or manufacturer is evasive or won’t answer questions directly, that’s a red flag. Reputable companies are happy to provide detailed information.
If pressure tactics are used, “this price is only good today” or “someone else is looking at this model”, be wary. Legitimate sales don’t require high-pressure tactics.
If the contract has vague language or lots of “subject to change” clauses, push for specifics. Everything important should be clearly documented.
Doing Your Homework Pays Off
I know this seems like a lot of questions. It is. But asking them now saves headaches, disappointment, and potentially significant money down the road.
Take your time. Visit multiple manufacturers if possible. Talk to current park model owners about their experiences. The more information you gather, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision.
If you’re exploring different options, looking at various floor plans and design features can help you understand what’s possible and what matters most to you. Every buyer has different priorities, and there’s no single “right” answer, just the right answer for your specific needs and situation.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Buying a park model home is a significant decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with these questions and a willingness to dig into the details, you can approach the process methodically and make a choice you’ll feel good about for years to come.
The people who love their park models are usually the ones who did their homework upfront. They knew what they were getting, understood the limitations and benefits, and made informed choices aligned with their actual needs. There’s no reason you can’t be one of those happy owners.
So start asking questions. Take notes. Trust your instincts. And when you find the right park model at the right price from a manufacturer you trust, well, that’s when the real excitement begins. That’s when you start planning how you’ll make this space uniquely yours and imagining all the memories you’ll create there.
Phoenix Park Models believes in transparency, craftsmanship, and customization. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and create a park model home that truly feels like yours.
