From the Journal in Crosby, North Dakota, MHProNews.com has leaned that an oil boom is fueling dramatic growth in building permit numbers. In 2011 160 permits were issues in Crosby, an increase over the 100 issued in 2010. Another 11 homes were placed in a single permit for Crosby Meadows mobile home court, with more units expected to follow. According to the report, several of the new homes are modular or manufactured homes that were moved onto long-vacant lots.
Having been involved in the planning of a community in the ND oil boom area, I can attest to the enormous need for housing there and the role Manufactured Homes can fill. However, many developer types with little experience in the Manufactured Home industry are attempting to catch the wave there and run the risk of failure. Providing utility services to these projects is a major challenge since the demand for housing is outstripping the available water ans sewer capacities of these mainly rural communities. The short construction season and the high cost of construction due to lack of an available work force will no doubt catch some by surprise. Look for a steady stream of industry products flowing from industry plants to this housing starved energy boom area.
Having been involved in the planning of a community in the ND oil boom area, I can attest to the enormous need for housing there and the role Manufactured Homes can fill. However, many developer types with little experience in the Manufactured Home industry are attempting to catch the wave there and run the risk of failure. Providing utility services to these projects is a major challenge since the demand for housing is outstripping the available water ans sewer capacities of these mainly rural communities. The short construction season and the high cost of construction due to lack of an available work force will no doubt catch some by surprise. Look for a steady stream of industry products flowing from industry plants to this housing starved energy boom area.