What Do I Expect When I Visit a Park Model Retailer?

One of the most important steps during the process of buying a park model is visiting an independent retailer.

Not only will you ultimately purchase your park model from a retailer, but you’ll also work with them to tour models, pick your floorplan, and select custom features. They can also offer expert insights on all things park models from local zoning regulations to helping you choose the right layout based on the size of your lot.

Get an overview of the top things to expect when you visit a park model retailer with help from Ted Hollen of Not So Tiny Homes, an independent park model retailer in California.

Visiting an independent retailer can help you understand local rules and regulations for park models, tiny homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It’s common for municipalities to have zoning laws that affect where you can place a park model. Your retailer will be able to review regulations and setback requirements for your area, so you don’t have to sift through the regulations yourself.

Once you’ve gone over any local requirements, your retailer will discuss your goals for the project and your lot size. They’ll point you in the right direction in terms of floorplans and access points (door locations).

If you’re interested in placing your park model in a community, your retailer can also recommend communities in your area to explore. There are park model communities across the country, especially in popular coastal spots and vacation destinations.

READ MORE: Guide to MH Communities 

You can definitely tour park models at a retailer! After you discuss your goals for your project, the next step is exploring models at the retail center.

Some people like to tour models on their first visit so they can keep the process moving along quickly. Others prefer to have an initial conversation with a retailer about their goals, and then they return to the lot at a later date later to tour models based on that discussion.

It’s common for people to tour two or three models to get an idea of what they’re looking for, although you can tour as many models as the retailer has on the lot if you want to be extra thorough.

After you tour park models in person, the typical process is to talk with the retailer during the next two or three weeks to select your floorplan. You can connect with them over the phone or email.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to select one of the park models you toured on the retail lot. These models are usually only a fraction of the floorplans a retailer will offer, and the tour models simply serve as inspiration. 

You’ll have a follow-up appointment to officially select your layout and choose your customizations. You can choose from these customization options depending on the model:

• Loft 
• Porch with option for outdoor fireplace
• Stackable washer/dryer area 
• Built-in desk or coffee station
• Entertainment center in the living room with an electric fireplace 
• Studio-style layout option
• Full-size kitchen appliances including a farmhouse sink 
• En-suite bathroom
• Bar seating in the kitchen

You’ll also be able to select the finishes and fixtures for these items depending on the model:

• Bathroom and kitchen cabinets
• Kitchen tile backsplash and appliance finishes
• Shower tile 
• Flooring or carpet color
• Exterior siding, roof, and window trim colors 

After you select your floorplan and customizations, the retailer will officially place your order with the manufacturer. Delivery costs will be included in the overall price. The retailer will also connect you with an installation company to set and finish the home on your lot when it’s time to move in.

Ready to find your future park model? Champion has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floorplans you’ll love. For more information about our park models, find the best Champion home for you, or contact a Champion retailer in your area. You can also contact our Homebuyer & Homeowner Assistance line Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm EST at 877-201-3870, or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Note: Not So Tiny Homes is an independently owned and operated park model retailer located in California unaffiliated with Champion Homes. Not So Tiny Homes is a wholesale customer which retails homes built by Champion Homes’s Lindsay, CA, and Corona, CA, facilities to the public.