Associations
West Virginia Housing Institute
The West Virginia Housing Institute is the trade association for the factory-built housing industry in West Virginia. Its membership is made up of hundreds of retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, lenders, community owners, and contractors, organized around expanding affordable homeownership in the state.
The association describes itself as the legislative advocate and unified voice for the industry in West Virginia, and publishes state law and regulation material for members. It organizes its support by role, with separate resources for community owners and managers, transporters moving homes, lenders financing them, suppliers, and retailers.
For consumers, the Institute publishes explainer content on how HUD-Code manufactured homes differ from pre-1976 mobile homes, what financing is available, and how to place a home on private land. It will also refer a caller to a dealer or contractor in their area by phone or email.
Membership is open to anyone involved in the factory-built housing industry in West Virginia and is applied for through the site. The association's office is at 1579 Washington St E, Charleston, with a mailing address at PO Box 2182, and its published line is (304) 346-8985.
Best for
West Virginia community owners, retailers, transporters, lenders, and suppliers who want legislative representation and state regulatory updates, plus consumers looking for a referral to a local dealer or contractor.
What they do
- Legislative advocacy for the factory-built housing industry
- State law and regulation updates for members
- Membership for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers
- Membership for community owners and managers
- Resources for transporters and installers
- Resources for lenders financing manufactured homes
- Dealer and contractor referrals for consumers
- Consumer education on manufactured housing
Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Nonprofit |
What stands out
- Membership comprises hundreds of retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, lenders, community owners, and contractors in West Virginia.
- Describes itself as the legislative advocate and unified voice for the factory-built housing industry in the state.
- Refers consumers to a dealer or contractor in their area on request by phone or email.
- Offices at 1579 Washington St E, Charleston, with a mailing address at PO Box 2182.
Common questions
- How is a manufactured home different from a mobile home?
- The term mobile home generally refers to homes built before June 15, 1976, when the federal HUD regulations took effect. Manufactured homes built after that date meet federal standards for safety, construction, and energy efficiency.
- Can a manufactured home be placed on private land?
- Yes. Manufactured homes can be installed on private property or in a designated manufactured home community. The Institute advises checking local zoning regulations and land-use requirements before deciding.
- Are financing options available for manufactured homes?
- Yes. Many lenders offer financing for manufactured homes, including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Some homes may qualify for financing similar to site-built housing, especially when placed on a permanent foundation.
- Who can join the West Virginia Housing Institute?
- Membership is open to anyone involved in the factory-built housing industry in West Virginia, including retailers, manufacturers, community owners, transporters, lenders, suppliers, and service providers.