2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How to Thaw Pipes Under Mobile Home

How to Thaw Pipes Under Mobile Home

Mobile home living has its perks, but it also comes with some unique issues. If you are experiencing your water pipes freezing for the first time since moving in, you might need to deal with this problem each year unless you find a permanent solution.

Why do we have to deal with mobile home frozen pipes?

The water pipes in a mobile home are usually underneath the unit itself. They are exposed to the colder air and damp ground. When the cold weather hits, you may get frozen water pipes.

Are Frozen Water Pipes a Major Problem?

Fortunately, the location of the mobile home pipes means that they are very accessible. No one has to break open your mobile home floors or walls.

In fact, if you are handy, it may even be possible to work on the exposed pipes without calling in a professional. This project could be one of the manufactured home maintenance tips that all owners must know. 

How to Thaw Water Pipes Under Mobile Home

Are you experiencing frozen pipes under your mobile home? Do not let the cold air outside deprive you of your water supply!

If you are ready to learn how to thaw those mobile home pipes, take a look at the guidelines below:

1. Locating the Problem

When all your faucets stop producing water and there is cold air outside, you may assume at least one frozen pipe. Now, you have to locate the source of the issue within your plumbing system.

How to identify the frozen pipes in a mobile home is not a challenging task, though.

First of all, turn on all the faucets in your mobile home and check if they are all working or not. If none works, it means that the problem is probably within the main water line. This is where all the pipes congregate.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

If the bathroom faucets are working, but the kitchen faucets are not, the supply line under the kitchen is probably the issue.

Once you locate the particular pipe with the problem, go there and look for any signs of frozen pipes. These include:

• Frost
• Unusual coloring
• An unusually cold part
• A less hollow sound when hit with something like a screwdriver (a solid sound means that the water is frozen inside)

Why We Need to Act Quickly

Of course, it is best to prevent frozen pipes if at all possible. If water pipes freeze, they can rupture and crack. Ice expands, so the issue will only get worse if you don’t take action quickly.

You also do not want to buy a mobile home with damaged pipes. Inspecting the water line and all the pipes should be among the main things to look for when buying a manufactured home.
If the frozen pipes issue is too severe, call a professional. However, you can also read up on how to thaw frozen pipes on your own before things get out of hand.

2. Try to Thaw the Pipes

Though mobile home water pipes tend to freeze regularly, you can thaw them out quite easily. In fact, you may already have the equipment necessary to thaw those frozen pipes right away. Here is how to start:

Turn the Faucets On

Before you start thawing frozen pipes, turn on all the faucets in your mobile home. This will help to relieve some pressure from the ice. Once you start thawing the mobile home frozen pipes, the open faucets will also help to break the ice apart and make the process easier.

Warm the Frozen Pipes

The next step in thawing frozen pipes may consist of different methods, depending on what you have at the moment. Check out these methods and see what seems most convenient:

• Use a hair dryer: A hair dryer is among the most popular methods for thawing a frozen pipe. Just turn it on and hover it near the frozen pipes in a mobile home.
• Heat gun: Use the heat gun on a frozen pipe in the same way as a hair dryer. However, keep in mind that a heat gun might be a fire hazard.
• Space heater: Not everyone has a heat gun lying around, but space heaters are pretty common for those living in cold areas. If you have one, place it near the frozen pipes to thaw them out. A small battery-operated space heater will be best, as it won’t need an outlet and can fit better next to the freezing pipes.
• Heat lamp: Again, this device takes up space and may not always fit by your frozen pipes. Too much heat can cause damage to the pipes, so be careful with such devices.
• Warm towels: You can also wrap pipes with warm towels in an effort to thaw them out. This method requires some effort, though, as you have to dip the towels in warm water or hot water and wring them out. You also have to replace them after 5-10 minutes for the most effective result.

Avoid Pipe Damage

Hair dryers or heat guns might melt or damage PVC pipes. Make sure that their heating elements are set to a low setting and measure the temperature, if possible. For other pipe materials, check the melting points and adjust the heat settings accordingly.

You have to be especially careful with plastic pipes, or the damage could be irreparable. This could result in major construction projects, such as replacing the whole central heating system.

Damaged pipes will also result in water damage, which could ruin a mobile home’s subfloor first of all. If this has already happened, you may also want to read up on how to replace a mobile home subfloor.

3. Pouring Salt

If the heat gun, hair dryer, space heater, or other methods don’t work on thawing the water line, try salt. This method involves pouring salt down the drain in the sink.

Salt will lower the ice’s melting point, but don’t use too much at a time. Just pour one tablespoon into the sink and wait a while. It takes some time to unfreeze pipes, so be patient.

4. Check the Skirting and Underlayment for Any Holes

While there may be several reasons why your pipes froze in a mobile home, the skirting could be the main culprit. If there is a hole in that area, it will be letting out warm air and letting in the cold.

Thoroughly inspect the mobile home skirting for any signs of damage. If you find any, work on them before or immediately after you deal with that frozen pipe or pipes.

Checking the Underlayment

After the skirting, you need to make sure that the mobile home underlayment is completely secure. The underlayment is located on the bottom of the mobile home; it is a sort of barrier that is made of plastic. Its main purpose is to prevent water damage, pests, and other threats to your peace of mind.

Another role of the underlayment is to insulate your water pipe system on the underside as well. Again, you need to make sure that there is no damage to this area.

5. Make the Interior Warmer

Since the pipes in a mobile home are usually on the underside, turning up the thermostat inside won’t always help to thaw them. However, it may assist in enhancing the heating process to unfreeze pipes in a mobile home.

Put the interior temperature at about 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Open your interior doors and let the air circulate throughout the whole mobile home.

You can also save on energy costs by looking up how to add insulation to a mobile home. These steps could help to keep the main water line warm and unfreeze pipes during the winter.

6. What NOT to Do

When it comes to working on frozen pipes, you should also know what methods are useless or downright dangerous. For instance, using an open flame is not safe for thawing frozen pipes.

The same goes for a propane heater, a kerosene heater, lighter, or blow torch. Using any of these is a fire hazard in any case; they will also destroy the pipes and possibly the water heating room.

7. Take Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Mobile Home

Prevention is always better than the cure, so it makes sense to prevent frozen pipes in the first place. Taking such steps as soon as possible is also one of the best tips for moving into a mobile home during winter.

Again, there are a few designated methods that can help us prevent such issues safely and easily. Let’s take a look at these now:

Invest in Some Heat Tape

Using heat tape is probably the most popular prevention method for frozen pipes. If you have not used heat tape before, be aware that it looks more like a cord or cable than a regular tape.

Heat tape has an electrical wire casing, which means that we can wrap it around both plastic and metal pipes. This method will regulate the pipes’ temperature when the weather is cold. However, the heat tape will require an outlet nearby to keep warming up the pipes.

Insulate the Pipes

If the winters in your area are not too harsh, consider insulating the pipes. The insulation material for this project may include foam, spiral-wrap, fiberglass, and many others.

With insulation, we may hope to slow down the heat transfer between the pipes and the air outside. You can also use insulation tape and wrap it around the pipes. The layers need to be even with no thin spots. The simulation will greatly lower the chances of your water pipes freezing during bouts of cold weather.

All of these steps are ways to winterize your mobile home. Consider them and take action before the next winter rolls around.

Heat Tape for Hard Winters

For areas with very cold winters, investing in new heat tape is your best option. As long as you have working heat tape, your pipes are unlikely to freeze at all.

Leave the Faucets On

Not at full blast, but leaving your taps on just a smidge during the night could help to prevent freezing. Since it releases pressure on the pipes, it might break up any ice and prevent a complete blockage.

The Takeaway

Repairing or replacing the water pipe system on a mobile home is difficult and costly work. This is why you need to stay alert and make sure that the cold weather is not freezing your water pipes. A little bit of care right now can save you a lot of money and hassle in the future.

Whether you are thinking about thawing out your frozen water heater room or working on a certain pipe, it is essential to take steps right away. If winter is just around the corner or already here, start your inspection and see how you can thaw frozen pipes if the need arises.

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2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on 30 Extremely Helpful Manufactured Home Tips

30 Extremely Helpful Manufactured Home Tips

Manufactured homes are an excellent alternative housing option and an increasingly popular choice for many Americans. A manufactured home or mobile home is a more cost-effective option than a site-built house or apartment these days.

The process of finding a manufactured home can be a bit stressful. First time mobile home buyers may not be aware of how to find  mobile homes for sale. They might be looking for manufactured home loans or would be wondering how mobile home living works. However, finding a supportive real estate agent and utilizing the helpful info online can really help out.

Buying a mobile home is not just about picking the most attractive unit available at the best price. You have to find the right manufactured home dealers, a decent manufactured home community, reasonable lot rent, and much more. You do not want to be stuck in a manufactured home community with a bad reputation or have a very high monthly payment.

Manufactured Home Tips

Living in mobile and manufactured homes can give you a lot of benefits, but it is a bit different from life in traditional site-built homes (see: mobile home vs. stick-built). The land you are on is someone else’s personal property, which adds another layer to the experience.

Whether you choose a double–wide or single–wide mobile home, regular manufactured home maintenance is unavoidable. Even in a new manufactured home, one can not guarantee that every square foot will stay in pristine condition for too long. There are also several additional aspects to keep checking even in a brand new mobile home, such as the belly wrap underneath.

Manufactured homes might be a challenge to find and maintain, but there is no need to worry. The following helpful tips might be all you need for living in a manufactured home:

1. Be Aware of the Profit Margin

Think of manufactured home builders and dealers as a car dealership. They have a similar system of commissions and mark-ups. In general, a manufactured home salesperson may get an average of $2,200 per sale. This sort of earning means that it is logical for a salesperson to do anything that will sell a mobile home. The incentive is quite tempting, so take everything a salesperson says with a pinch of salt. You do not have to believe everything they say. Doing your own research is necessary.

2. Make a List of Priorities

Research mobile homes and their prices in your desired location. You should have some idea of the materials, manufacturers, floor plans, and features that will suit your requirements. Make a list of all these and have a range that allows for a little flexibility.

The priority list will also help to narrow down the search for suitable mobile homes. However, you should ensure that your intended budget is enough to cover these priorities.

3. Consider Some Upgrades

Any upgrades to a manufactured home will raise its price. Look up some smart upgrades for enhancing your manufactured home lifestyle. If there are things like better insulation, such projects will pay for themselves quite soon (learn how to add insulation to a mobile home here). If the only reason for the upgrades is aesthetics, you might want to wait and do them yourself after the purchase. Here are some other upgrades that professionals recommend:

• A shingled roof
• A six–inch eave
• Larger doors
• Replacing particle board subflooring
• 7.5 feet exterior walls or higher
• A shutoff valve for every plumbing fixture

4. Know About the Three Levels of Manufactured Home Types

A manufactured home can come in at least three types when it comes to quality levels. There are high-end models, those in the middle range, and those that just scrape the bottom of the barrel. Your double-wide may only cost around $50,000, but there will be compromises in the materials, fixtures, and quality of construction. Keep in mind what you are paying before complaining about the cheaper materials. It is best to focus on decent construction, and then look at other factors.

5. Check Out the Manufactured Home Competition

Make sure to visit three lots or more before deciding to go with any manufactured home or a manufactured home dealer. Mobile homes and manufactured homes can come under dozens of different brands. The three lots will be three different competitors with varying prices and quality. You may want a manufactured home to be a single-family home, so choose and make decisions accordingly. Some lots may offer such mobile homes, while others will discourage the very idea. Be firm and stay in control.

6. Shop Around for a New Manufactured Home

Once you know your preferred manufacturer for mobile homes, do not stop shopping around. Hop online and check out as many reviews and as much feedback as possible. Since mobile homes are not legally real property, but considered personal property, the laws about them are a bit different. You may ask current manufactured home owners about their experience as well.

The main focus here should be getting the best possible price for the desired features in a manufactured home. Dealer markups can vary, so it is wise to get regular updates.

7. Get a Mobile Home Appraisal

NADA can appraise any new manufactured home that you are considering. This appraisal can act like a negotiation base for getting the price you want. Since the profit margin on mobile homes is so high, most dealers and salespeople do have a decent bit of wiggle room. You can also check out the model and make and derive the most reasonable price from home value reports online. This will put you more in control and help in saving money for your final purchase.

8. Make Comparisons with Other Mobile Homes and Parks

There are several housing options out there, so don’t dismiss them just yet. Find out if the houses, apartments, and condos in your area are within an affordable range. This could be helpful if you live in a place where the real estate market is seeing a rapid increase or decline. By knowing about the local lot rents, as well as the monthly maintenance costs for them, you can get an idea of your own monthly costs. Make the comparison and decide accordingly.

9. Consider All Added Costs

Before signing or finalizing anything, evaluate each and every cost you can think of. Home ownership costs include financing charges, taxes, insurance, land rental/cost, and many others. You may have to pay certain fees for living in a certain manufactured home community, but that could translate into paying less for other things, such as security, maintenance of land, and so on. In certain places, you might have pet fees, high transport costs, etc. Including all these will give you a better idea of manufactured home living.

10. Think About Location Before a Permanent Foundation

The placing of your manufactured home is a very important consideration. There are the usual factors, such as proximity to work or educational institutions, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and so on. However, you also want to consider whether your mobile home should be within a rental community or not. Even if the community is a friendly and safe one, it will likely reduce chances of getting equity from your manufactured home. This is because the community can change ownership and increase your rent at short notice.

11. Do Not Give Out Personal Information

Manufactured home dealers might ask for your personal data to run a credit check before they finalize a purchase. While this might be fine if you are absolutely sure about buying, giving such sensitive information to multiple dealers is not a very good idea. This does not mean that they will misuse it, but that multiple checks on your credit can reduce your overall credit score.

Instead, request the dealer for a home price and an estimate of the terms you will have to deal with.

12. Stay Away from Pushy Dealers

Salespersons from all sorts of industries usually follow the ABC or “Always Be Closing” rule. This means that they want to finalize a deal with a customer as soon as possible. The moment you get in touch with them, establish your serious attitude and your knowledge of manufactured homes. You might also want to drop the names of certain manufactured homes instead of just saying that you are interested in a double-wide mobile home. Also mention the features you want, the time period you have, and maintain control.

13. Do Not Name the Monthly Payment

There is no need to tell the dealer what price or monthly payment you can potentially pay. Request the total price or the invoice price, and then start negotiating. This will make it fairly simple to get to a good price, but keep in mind that most dealers will resist such methods.

You want to buy a mobile home within your budget, but the salesperson will probably try to sell up. No matter what the dealer’s reasons are, insist upon considering only the total cost.

14. Visit Several Times Before Paying a Deposit

Visit the lot and the manufactured home as many times as it takes to be sure of the purchase. You do not have to sign anything legally binding unless you are absolutely sure of getting a certain mobile home. When it comes to real estate and urban development, some might not even think of mobile homes as real property. However, they are very much real when the dealers take your money and don’t let you change your mind. This could even be an issue if you require customization. Learn how to customize a manufactured home here.

15. Do Not Leave Everything to One Person/Entity

Your mobile home dealer, or the company behind them, might offer several additional services; for a price, of course. It seems convenient to use the same people as your maintenance in-charge and real estate broker. Even if they are competent at these services, however, you will not get the best deal for them. Instead, you should hire other services separately, which could slash the cost by 25%, or even 50%. Plus, you get specialized services from a professional in their field.

16. Know the Difference Between Types of Homes

There are various types of alternative housing – the four main ones are mobile homes, manufactured homes, modular homes, and park homes. They offer different kinds of floor plans and lifestyles:

• Mobile Homes: These were initial trailers on wheels, much like RVs – however, the term is now interchangeable with manufactured homes
• Manufactured Homes: These are homes with off-site construction and are sent to the buyer’s chosen location
• Modular Homes: Same as a manufactured home, but transported in sections
• Park Homes: Basically RVs, but in a one-bedroom model

17. Do Not Fall Under Pressure

There will be a lot of sales tactics performed to put you under pressure of agreeing on a certain home or location. The thing to keep in mind here is that no salesperson really has any special deals to offer you. They do not have a personal relationship with you (unless they really are your close friend or relative). They also don’t have to run anything by their boss most of the time. Do not sweat it and don’t forget that they are not on your side.

18. Know the Right Buying Slot

The pricing of manufactured homes can fluctuate quite easily. While the average cost could be low, the price you pay can depend on the time of the year and the state of the economy. There could be discounts at certain points as well. For now, the best time for these seems to be from January to March (inclusive). If you can manage it, wait a little and observe past trends as well. You might be able to get a great bargain for your dream home!

19. Stay Aware of Mobile Home Sizes

Mobile homes come in at least three sizes. These are single-wide, double-wide, and even triple-wide options. For single-wides, the width is usually around 15 feet. For double-wides, the width can be about 26 feet. Finally, triple-wides are a bit uncommon and can run more than 45 feet wide.

Keep in mind that these are all width measurements and do not guarantee any type of floor plan. It is usually best to go as big as you can when buying mobile homes; they will be like small houses anyway.

20. Find Out About Warranties

Make sure to ask about any kind of home maintenance you will have to do on a regular basis. For instance, some carpet manufacturers only keep their warranty if the customer gets a yearly professional cleaning service for their carpet. The costs of these cleanings could add up over the years, especially if you have other warranties to consider as well. The installers, component manufacturers, and retailers for various items in a home will have warranties with a lot of fine print. Therefore, you should read carefully, and then decide.

21. Know the Mobile Home Blame Game

You may notice that certain items in your new home start failing even though they are within warranty. If you contact the dealers to complain, they will put the blame on the builders. The builders will then put the blame on the dealers, which will waste time and, eventually, the warranty will run out.

The homeowner will then have to bear the expenses and hassle themselves. To avoid such issues, ask for a list of the dealers’ responsibilities and the builders’ responsibilities before the final deal.

22. Get a Factory-Built Home from Factory Dealers

Be aware of the types of dealers, there are two main ones. You can get a dealer right from the factory that manufactures the mobile homes. Alternatively, you can go with an independent dealer. The latter will be selling various brands of homes, while factory dealerships will only be selling their own brand.

The factory choice means that you are cutting out the middleman. Also, people who go with the factory dealership have less after-sale issues. There is also less hassle with this choice.

23. Get an Inspection and Prep the Site

Request a thorough examination and inspection of your lot. You want to make sure that the site preparation is up to the warranty standards or you will be the one paying for it later on. Remember, you do not have to spend anything on the utilities or site prep until you are in possession of the lot. Some dealers might want to pressure you into paying for the installation services, utility poles, or other things before you even rent the lot or start living there.

24. Always Read the Fine Print

Before signing any kind of contract, always read it thoroughly and at least twice. The fine print can hold a lot of terms and conditions. Mobile homes and manufactured homes do cost a fair bit, even if their prices are much lower than site-built homes.

If you can not fully understand the terms in a manufactured home contract, have a lawyer look it over. They will let you know if there is anything fishy in the fine print. Remember, the small details are almost always the most important ones.

25. Know Your Customization Limits

You can customize a mobile home, but there are certain limitations. The design of the mobile home, its square footage, and even its location will all influence the options for customization. The good news is that a lot of high quality materials and luxurious amenities are available for mobile homes today. If you are ordering a brand new mobile home anyway, see if you can invest in these customizations at the same time. It will make daily life much more comfortable and convenient for all the occupants in the manufactured home.

26. Buying a Mobile Home in a Park

When you are buying a mobile home that is in a mobile home park, there are certain items to double-check. Here are just a few of these considerations:

• You may have to pay a homeowner’s association fee, so find out how much that is and add it to your calculated mobile home cost
• Check the communal areas of the park, if any
• Ask about gated security and how to comply with it
• See if you are getting enough privacy and space to fulfill your requirements

27. Check Out the Community

The mobile home community you are considering is an important factor in your final decision about getting a mobile home. In addition to looking at the specific lot for your manufactured home, take a look around and check out the whole area. What is the management company like, what are your potential new neighbors like, and what can you accomplish by living here?

When choosing a new home, one has to consider their future as well as how they currently want to live. This includes looking at the surroundings before making any decisions.

28. Review the Local Laws About Manufactured Housing

Just because there is a mobile home park in a certain area does not mean that it is there legally. Even if you are just paying rent on a lot, you might get into trouble if the business is not all above board. As a potential homeowner in the area, it is your responsibility to check up on the building codes and zoning restrictions in the area.

If something seems fishy to you, you should contact a lawyer and see if all is well. Do not sign unless you are 100% sure that the operation is all legal. This way, you will be able to have a safe purchase.

29. Ensure the Utilities

Having proper utilities will ensure that your day goes smoothly. We may not always notice and appreciate when the plumbing, sewerage, and power systems are all working without issue; and the same goes for the internet service. However, if there is a little delay or issue with even one of these utilities, it could translate into a major problem.

Before moving in or signing on the dotted line, make sure that you won’t have any worries regarding these aspects. If you do end up dealing with these problems, they could seriously lower your quality of life, daily mood, and productivity.

30. Make Sure the Mobile Home Paperwork is Clear

The rule should be that any agreement or any verbal contract is to be in writing, too. This way, you can not be fooled by false promises or assurances that have legal standing. All the details of your deals, especially the date of the ownership transfer, should be in black and white. Make sure to get the required signatures as well.

Above all, do not sign any contract that still has blanks in any section. Once signed, you should request copies of the contract right there and then. Do not leave without them.

The Takeaway

Since so many of us are used to site-built homes and other traditional home options, we might hesitate before contacting a manufactured home dealership.

There are also some misconceptions about safety and/or status when it comes to living in a mobile home park as opposed to site-built homes. Once you know what to look for when buying a manufactured home, though, the search will become much easier. The tips above should give you a good start in mobile home life, so call up your local manufactured home dealerships today!

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2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How to Replace Mobile Home Subfloor

How to Replace Mobile Home Subfloor

Quality mobile home flooring is essential for having a decent lifestyle. Even a little damage can be hazardous, so it is important to know how and when to replace the subfloor in a mobile home. In general, it is important to know as much about mobile home repair as possible. Knowing how to replace flooring and fix a window or roofing issue can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

About the Subfloor in a Mobile Home

The sub flooring in your mobile home is the floor underneath all the other flooring layers. This is the layer resting on the joist. Its most important role is to give support to the flooring layers above.

About Particle Board

As a structural part of your mobile home floor, the sub floor traditionally used to consist of particle board. This is mostly glue and sawdust mixed together, which does not really make for the best results. Particle boards are quite susceptible to dampness, moisture, soft spots, warping, and rot. Some might say that a particle board mimics a sponge when it comes into contact with any moisture. Even a little dampness in particle board will quickly result in warping, rot, soft spots, and bowing.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Fortunately, particle boards are no longer part of the latest and newest mobile homes. For a modern mobile home floor, you will usually find a sub floor consisting of oriented strand board (OSB) or higher grade plywood. These options are much more suited to resisting dampness and have a moisture barrier, thus mostly preventing further issues. However, there might be tiny leaks of water exposure that might still damage the subflooring material.

You can read up on the best tips for buying a manufactured home in order to avoid getting a low quality mobile home subflooring.

Checking for Damage in Mobile Home Floors

So, how do you know if there is a soft spot or any other damage in your sub flooring? There are some common signs of damaged subflooring material that are worth identifying. These might lead to the following:

• A spongy, uneven sub flooring
• Holes in flooring, for severe cases
• A soft spot causing unlevelled areas

Particle boards are extremely absorbent as compared to more modern materials. As a result, one may notice more soft spots and damage when buying a used, older mobile home. Learn how to find used mobile homes for sale here.

What To Do in case of Mobile Home Subflooring Damage?

If your mobile home subflooring has suffered water damage and is exhibiting the symptoms above, installing a new subfloor is the only way to go. Simply repairing the soft spots will not do, as it will cause further damage to the new flooring. Saving a bit of money now can lead to higher costs down the line, so it is best to take action now.

The good news is that you probably do not need new flooring for the entire mobile home. You are most likely to have mobile home subflooring damage in moisture-susceptible areas, such as the bathroom, laundry room, around the kitchen sink, or wherever there is a leaking pipe. If that is the case, your mobile home floor replacement might only be necessary in those areas.

The Cost of Replacing Mobile Home Subflooring

Other than soft spots, you may also want to have a new subfloor in order to prevent future damage. If you are looking to customize a manufactured home, it makes sense to replace the old particle boards. This way, the entire floor will provide a more permanent foundation.

Here is what you need to replace that manufactured home or mobile home subflooring:

• Subflooring materials
• Extra materials, such as vinyl tiles
• Labor

The exact costs of replacing your mobile home subflooring will depend on where you live. The size of the damaged area, the condition of the joists underneath, leaks that need fixing, and energy costs are a few more factors that contribute to the price.

Can You Do It Yourself?

If you are experienced in DIY projects and have the tools for handling mobile home subflooring replacement, it might be possible. However, novices and newbies who have not worked on manufactured homes and do not know all of the manufactured home maintenance tips should not be handling this job. You do not need specialty tools, but the difficulty scale is around a 7 out of 10.

What Tools Do You Need?

If you are not calling in a professional, here are the tools you need to collect before attempting a new flooring in manufactured homes:

• Circular Saw
• Pry Bar
• Knife or some other kind of blade
• Hammer
• Scraper

Here are some materials you also need to have on hand:

• Liquid nail adhesive
• 2×6 lumber (the exact amount will depend on the square feet of the damaged area and the perimeter of the room)
• Suitable subflooring material
• Galvanized screws

How to Replace Mobile Home Subfloor

It is best to take this floor replacement as a step–by–step process. Here are the major steps you need to take when installing a new subfloor:

1. Remove the Floor Coverings and Trims

You first want to remove the topmost layer of the floor. This includes the floor covering, finished flooring, and the trim. The trim and floor covering might be of various types, so the details will differ accordingly. The following tips will help you in getting a new floor without risking much:

• After you remove the floor covering, check for any leaks and repair them (this is also necessary when you are upgrading the entire floor)
• Remember, mobile homes and manufactured homes consist of layers, with the walls coming in after the subfloor; this means that a new subfloor will require specific tools
• Inspect the subfloor part that is under your wall; if there is no damage there, do not disturb it
• Inspect the crawl space for any leakages or seepage

Mobile homes have a somewhat different structure than traditional housing (see mobile home vs. stick-built). Before starting this job, you may put things into perspective by looking up how long it takes to build a manufactured home.

Inspecting for Possible Leak Sources

After removing the floor covering, it will be possible to trace leaks more accurately. You can see where the damage is now, so follow it to the source. More often than not, the sources will be some sort of roofing issue or window problem. Even minuscule cracks can cause water to come in and run down your mobile home wall.

Other common leak sources can include damaged water supply lines or pipes. Bad toilet rings are also a risk factor here. The more you know about mobile home plumbing, the better you will be able to seek out these issues and start working on them.

2. Cutting Out the Subfloor

After the floor covering is gone, you have to remove the damaged or current subflooring. This is a challenging job; make sure not to disturb the floor joists as they are a structural component of mobile homes.

If this is a DIY project, you will be responsible for measuring at every step. At this point, measure the subfloor thickness – this will usually be either five-eighths or three-fourths of an inch. This measurement will tell you the right setting for the circular saw. You may then cut the subfloor, starting at six inches away from the mobile home wall. If you want to make it a closer cut, use a Dremel tool or knife.

Going Deeper

After going through the perimeter, cut the subflooring up into smaller, more movable pieces. If the floor joists have no wires or pipes running between them, see between the subfloor pieces and remove. The saw setting should remain at the same thickness as the subfloor in order to prevent damage to the floor joists.

If any of the under-wall subflooring has soft spots or other damage, cut it out around an inch to prevent further issues. This should enable you to put in the new floor afterwards.

3. Check the Joists

This is the part where you can see the joists underneath the subfloor very clearly. Use this opportunity and check them thoroughly. In case of damage, you might want to reinforce the joists with some lumber or outright replace them. It will be easier to simply reinforce any minor damage to avoid replacing it in the near future. While you are at it, check the other parts of the home, too. It might be helpful to look up how long a mobile home roof lasts and do any reinforcements now.

4. Putting in Insulation

You may be wondering how to add insulation to a mobile home. Without proper insulation, you lose up to 40% of your heat. In a mobile home, you can put insulation in your flooring while also doing away with those soft spots. Make sure to add insulation under pipes and wires in order to get all the heat to it.

While it is not mandatory to add insulation at this point, this step is highly recommended. You may have to spend an extra bit of money, but it should be well under $100 for a decent-sized mobile home. With the insulation, you will be able to save on your energy costs. The installation and material will probably pay for itself within the year.

5. Lay Out the New Subflooring

Laying out the subflooring is actually two steps; it consists of laying it along the perimeter first, and then the room.

The perimeter is the first step; you attach a 2×4 all around the room to make a new self for laying a subfloor. Where one unit of plywood ends and the other starts, make sure to reinforce the seams. You will also have to put in a 2×4 lumber between each original joist. This will give you a place to nail down the piece of plywood and glue it in place.

Keep in mind that the new subflooring should be in the same direction as the previous one. These will usually be running perpendicular to your floor joists.

6. Install the Floor Covering

This is a fun part of the job; you can choose a new floor and install it now! There are a lot of options for mobile homes when it comes to flooring. Here are some of the best ones:

• Ceramic tile
• Luxury vinyl
• Hardwood
• Engineered wood
• Laminate

You will need to stock up on enough materials to put in the new floor. Get some extras as well; the lack of even one square foot can cause a lot of hassle. You may have to buy a lot of new materials if you live in a double-wide.

Marine-Grade Plywood

If you are planning to replace the floors of your kitchen or bathroom, you might want to look at marine-grade plywood. While it is one of the more expensive options, it has inbuilt waterproofing. This option will ensure that your floors are better able to withstand any seepage or leakages in the future.

Nothing can absolutely guarantee that there will be no more damage in the years to come, but choosing a better kind of flooring can give you some peace of mind. If marine-grade plywood is too expensive for your budget, you may want to check out the thickest vinyl within an affordable price range.

Sealing the Marriage Line

The marriage line is what we call the connection for an additional section in a mobile home. When replacing or repairing the subfloor, seal this line properly. If you don’t, air and moisture is likely to leak through and cause frequent damage.

The Most Difficult Parts of Subfloor Replacement

Certain parts of the floor replacement process might be more difficult than others. Most professionals would say that removing the previous flooring and building the perimeter joists are the biggest challenges of this work. The various types of floors make it even harder; if you have tiles in already, someone has to rip them up before you even get to the subfloor. For a carpet, you may have to cut into strips and remove it permanently. Finally, it is quite a task to keep everything level. This is the floor we are talking about, so even a little unevenness can make your daily movements inside very troubling.

More Ideas for Properly Replacing Your Mobile Home Subfloor

Deciding to replace your mobile home subfloor can increase the quality of your daily life. You can walk about easily without worrying about tripping over a warped or bowed part of the floor. The replacement process will also mean a new floor, which means that the appearance of your mobile home goes up. It is just much more satisfactory to have a new floor when you also know that the foundations are safe and sturdy. This will also ensure that the new flooring does not face damage too quickly.

Get a New Thickness

If the previous thickness of your mobile home subfloor was three-fourths of an inch, make it five-eighths of an inch this time around. Plywood is one of the most recommended options, so ask your professional contacts if it is viable for your home. If you use an OSB, some sources recommend that the thickness should be at least 23/24 of an inch. This additional thickness is for holding both the fasteners and the plywood area.

It is also possible to paint the subfloor of your mobile home. While the sub floor would not be visible, the paint might add an extra layer of protection. Again, you should consult a professional source for the best kind of paint to use along with the proper application.

Putting New Subfloor Over Old

Some mobile home owners might try to save money or make their task easier by putting a new subfloor material over the old one. This way, they attempt to go around the difficult project of cutting away and removing the pieces of the old subfloor. However, this is not the best way to go about it, especially if the old subflooring is particle wood.

As mentioned before, particle wood will soak up all the dampness around it. If and when that happens, the new subflooring on top is also very likely to sustain damage. In some cases, however, plywood on top of the old subflooring might be a strong foundation for floor coverings, such as carpet, vinyl, laminate, or hardwood.

The Takeaway

Replacing the subfloor of your mobile home is not going to be an easy task. If you are a DIY expert, you can probably manage to accomplish this task and save a bit of money. Even in this case, however, we recommend that you watch videos, look at images, and get proper visual information for replacing that subfloor. This is a fairly complex project, so it really helps if you can watch someone do it before the first attempt.

Even if you decide to work on your mobile home subflooring yourself, a professional should be at hand. If you can not get someone to supervise, at least have an experienced professional conduct the inspection and confirm what the flooring requires. A mobile home bathroom is the most susceptible to subfloor damage due to moisture, and its plumbing can be very complicated. So call in a professional today and start on your subfloor as soon as possible!

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2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Manufactured Home Renters Insurance: Why You Should Have It

Manufactured Home Renters Insurance: Why You Should Have It

Protecting your belongings and having peace of mind in case of disaster can be highly beneficial.

Mobile homes are not built in the same fashion as traditional houses, which requires a different kind of insurance that not all insurance providers offer.

However, understanding the benefits of manufactured home renters’ insurance, what it can offer, and how to find the best possible coverage to protect your home and personal belongings can leave you much more prepared for the unexpected.

This guide will cover all of the frequently asked questions and fully explain how manufactured home renters’ insurance works.

We will detail why renters’ insurance for mobile homes is so beneficial and what will be covered under your policy.

Let’s start by covering some of the basics.

Manufactured Home Renters Insurance

So, what is the life expectancy of a manufactured home? Manufactured homes are built to last. However, that does not mean that things don’t come up and the unexpected can’t happen.

As mentioned previously, mobile homes are constructed differently than traditional homes (see: mobile home vs. stick-built).

Manufactured homes are also more exposed to damage from weather, wind, or catastrophic events (learn about wind zones for manufactured homes here). Due to this, mobile home renters’ insurance requires an insurance company that offers this coverage.

Later in this discussion, we will discuss what an average mobile home renter’s policy costs and what questions you should bring up with your insurance agent when purchasing your coverage.

Let’s first cover what you can expect to be covered under a manufactured home renters insurance policy.

What is Manufactured Home Renters Insurance and How Does it Work?

Mobile home renters’ insurance works like any other renter’s policy you would commonly find renting an apartment. However, the primary difference is that not all insurance companies will offer coverage for mobile homes.

While many do, the shopping process for coverage will be more limited. Once you find a company to offer coverage, mobile home renters’ insurance can give you some peace of mind by providing the following protection and coverage:

Protection of Your Personal Property

This can also be known as replacement cost coverage.

This is important. Often overlooked is everything that goes inside your mobile home.

In a renter’s policy, protection for your personal property will pay to repair and replace all your personal items.

Typically, this occurs during catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, or even less devastating events, such as break-ins and robbery.

Regardless, your manufactured home is not the only thing to consider valuable. Your personal belongings need protection, too.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is also included in a mobile home renters insurance policy.

Liability coverage will cover expenses or damages when you are at fault or an incident occurs on your property, such as injury or the off chance that damage to property that belongs to someone else occurs at your fault.

It is 100% worth having this extra layer of protection. You never know what may happen.

Loss of Use Coverage

Loss of use coverage refers to the expenses you take on due to having no home to live in as a result of the damages that have taken place. This often requires other living arrangements while the mobile is repaired or replaced.

Loss of use coverage can also help you cover eating expenses and transportation while replacing or repairing damages.

Medical Payments

We can all agree that medical payments can add up quickly and even cause financial disaster for families with coverage.

Medical care, in general, is extremely costly and only becoming more expensive. Not being prepared for the event medical payments arise could certainly devastate you and your family.

Medical payments coverage is another big positive that you can rest easy knowing is in place with a manufactured home renters’ policy.

Medical payments will cover medically related expenses to others on the property.

How Much Mobile Home Renters Insurance Should I Purchase?

With most insurance companies that offer mobile home insurance policies, the standard amount of coverage is $100,000.00.

However, if you require more coverage for your belongings or manufactured home, speak to your insurance agent. They can assist you and inform you if you have other options for coverage that better fits your needs. You can also ask if any potential discounts are available or if additional protection riders can be added to the policy, such as flood insurance.

You can often get lower rates for things such as home security systems installed on your mobile home as well, so it is worth being thorough and asking all necessary questions while purchasing your policy.

Discounts work in a very similar fashion for renters’ insurance as they do with car insurance/auto insurance and homeowners’ insurance.

Now that we understand the basics of manufactured home renters’ insurance, we want to point out a few more reasons why renters’ insurance for a manufactured home can be beneficial.

6 Reasons Manufactured Home Renters Insurance is Recommended and Ideal

1.) Your Manufactured Home is Worth Protecting

We have briefly touched on this previously in this discussion, but it is worth noting and emphasizing.

Mobile homes are not cheap to replace or repair, and things happen. That is life. Finding a mobile home required time, effort, and you potentially have even added custom manufactured home options that cost you additional money.

Having a layer of protection in place to protect this investment will save you from financial ruin if something happens in the future.

We can not predict the weather or other unfortunate events. Prepare now, spend a little bit of money and rest easy knowing you are covered.

2.) Having Extra Protection and Additional Coverage is Ideal

Injuries and accidents are also typical causes of significant financial strain. They can cause financial disaster without proper coverage in place.

A primary renter’s policy for your manufactured home is a great way to ensure you have coverage in place to cover yourself, your family, and others visiting on the property.

Not to mention it is nice knowing you have coverage in place for other events, such as:

• Falling Objects
• Fire and Lightning
• Smoke
• Theft
• Weight of Snow or Ice
• Weather

3.) Mobile Home Renters Insurance Won’t Break the Bank

This is one of the benefits we should focus on the most. The cost of renters insurance for a mobile home will not break the bank for the safety and flexibility it can provide if something happens.

On average, for 2022, a renters insurance policy will range between $15.00 and $40.00 per month.

When you add up the protection it will provide and the potential payout it can give you if something happens, that seems like a no-brainer if you ask us.

Compared to homeowners’ insurance or car insurance, renters’ insurance for a mobile home will be cheaper.

While homeowners’ and auto insurance are typically required by law and renters’ insurance may not be, it still seems like a wise investment to have a policy in place.

4.) The Personal Belongings in Your Mobile Home Costs Money

We touched on this previously, but we did not cover or paint the complete picture of what can be replaced with a manufactured home renters’ policy.

Lumping all your belongings into one category is one approach, but considering the value of items individually may help you realize how beneficial coverage could be.

For instance, a renter’s policy for your mobile home can also offers personal property coverage, such as jewelry, collectible items, all furniture, and costly electronics.

Things such as collectibles or jewelry may be worth a large amount of money.

If you know the value, it would be best to inform your insurance agent when purchasing your renter’s policy to insure those specific items would be covered.

Sometimes, the policy would cover all belongings, and sometimes an additional rider for specific high-value items may be necessary.

5.) You May Not Have the Option to Decline Manufactured Home Renters Insurance

The last thing we have not discussed is that you may not even have the option to decline a renter’s policy for a manufactured home.

Typically, this will happen if your landlord mandates you to carry a renter’s policy. Some landlords or property owners may require renters’ insurance.

This is typically to provide great flexibility for the entire mobile home community and ensure everyone is covered in case something happens.

If you are against getting a renters insurance policy, it would be advised that you ensure that the mobile home community you are considering does not mandate this coverage.

The Takeaway: Mobile Home Renters Insurance Protects Against the Unexpected

As you can probably see, manufactured home renters’ insurance is not overly complicated.

Mobile home insurance can be very beneficial and protect you against the unexpected.

A mobile home insurance policy can help protect your belongings, protect you against injury or damage to others or their property.

Not to mention, not all areas you can choose to live in are considered as safe as others. Break-ins and theft certainly happen and being prepared is the best approach.

While it may be considered as optional coverage, it is worth considering. Significant investments and personal belongings are worth protecting in case a disaster arises.

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2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Lake Fenton Estates vs. Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community

Lake Fenton Estates vs. Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community

Living in the Fenton suburb of Michigan is not a bad idea. There are many reasons why this place is so popular among growing families, retirees, and young professionals. Between the alternative housing options and thriving community, potential residents can expect to lead a great lifestyle here.

Are you in search of suburban surroundings, a somewhat conservative community, and convenient locations? If that is the case, the choice might boil down to either Lake Fenton Estates or Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community. There are many benefits of living in a manufactured home. So, considering these two options is a good idea.

Lake Fenton Estates

Housing prices are rising at rapid rates, but we do have alternative housing options to fall back upon. Traditional homes in and around Fenton, MI might be out of reach for many people. However, manufactured, mobile, and modular homes now offer an excellent quality of life without having to go into lifelong debt.

There are quite a few options available when it comes to mobile home parks or manufactured home communities. Of all these, you might get confused between a Lake Fenton Estates home or a place in the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community. Want to clear up this confusion? Look no further; we have got a detailed discussion of both communities below:

About Lake Fenton Estates

Located at 11429 Harbor Cove, Fenton, MI 48430, Lake Fenton Estates provides affordable living spaces in various floor plan options. It is a mobile home community where you find mobile homes for rent in Fenton, MI, buy them.

Wondering why you should consider Lake Fenton Estates? Here are some perks of living here:

1. Beautiful Surroundings

At Lake Fenton Estates, waterfront views greet the community locals and anyone who comes to visit. There is a down to earth feel here, with everyone getting a warm welcome from the community as well as the professional on-site management.

2. Pets are Allowed

At present, there is a reasonable mobile home community pet policy here. A Lake Fenton Estates home can have a maximum of two pets. There is a 35-pound limit per pet, with a pet deposit and monthly fee as well.

The neighborhood of Lake Fenton is also a pet-friendly one. Lake Fenton residents report that many people come here to walk their dogs and get them some much-needed exercise.

3. A Convenient Location

When your new address is in Lake Fenton Estates, you have easy access to highways like I-75 and US-23. These make it easy for residents of Lake Fenton to get to Detroit and Ann Arbor, respectively. With this convenience, work commutes, day trips, and shopping in Fenton, MI are quite easy. Even some Fenton, MI schools are within walking distance.

3. A Caring School District

The Lake Fenton School District gives all their students a caring atmosphere and useful programs. This practice ensures that the children get all sorts of benefits while they are pursuing a good education.

4. A Friendly Neighborhood

For the most part, Lake Fenton Estates residents are known to be a friendly group. The citizens here show concern and kindness to one another.

Possible Downsides of Living in Lake Fenton Estates

There are always some flaws in a place. So, let’s have a look at the downsides on living in Lake Fenton Estates:

1. A Lot of Maintenance for Some Units

According to reviews online, not every home in Lake Fenton Estates is perfect. If you are planning on buying a home, keep in mind that you will probably be responsible for all the manufactured home maintenance issues. Just a few of the reported problems included a bad furnace, the electricity shorting out, and leaking vents.

2. A Lot of Rules

While there are rules in every mobile home community, some residents of Lake Fenton Estates feel that the program here might be a bit too excessive. Residents have to work hard to keep up the appearance of their place, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

3. A Car-Dependent Area

The feedback online also indicates that the residents of Lake Fenton Estates will probably need to own a car to get around. While it is possible to get by on a bike within a certain tedious area, most shopping centers and parks in Fenton, MI are only easy to access if you have a car or take a cab.

Overall, residing in Lake Fenton Estates might be easy on the pocket. You might even be able to lead a decent lifestyle. However, there will be some compromises. Before making any decisions, we should consider alternative options to Lake Fenton Estates, such as the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community.

About Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community

We will now come to Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community. This is also set in an attractive location and offers affordable manufactured homes for those who want to settle down.

Can Tyrone Woods have your dream home? Let’s have a look at the main benefits of living here:

1. A Range of Options

In Tyrone Woods, you have a wide range of homes to choose from. They have some of the best new and used double-wide mobile homes for sale in Michigan.

2. A Central Location

Whether you are in a new manufactured home or a pre-owned one, Tyrone Woods offers the same convenient location to every resident. There are easy commutes to downtown Fenton, MI, commercial activities, community events, and cultural hubs. One will also find it easy to access shopping centers, recreation points, schools, and workplaces. In short, there will be something within convenient distance for every age range.

3. Updated Units with A Lot of Space

The mobile homes for sale in Fenton, MI at Tyrone Woods have renovated floor plans, modern amenities, and master suites. Just a few examples here include stone fireplaces, pitched roofs, and vinyl siding. These perks make sure that you get a spacious and comfortable space.

All of the homes they offer are double-wide options, and they go up to 2,200 square feet. All floor plans contain at least 3-bedrooms and at least 2-bathrooms. If we compare places like Cider Mills Crossing to Tyrone Woods, there won’t be amenities like this in the former.

4. Pet-Friendly

The atmosphere at Tyrone Woods is especially friendly towards pets. For a reasonable deposit and a small monthly fee, pet owners can keep their furry friends and let them explore the vicinity without any worries.

5. Amazing Amenities

The amenities in Tyrone Woods’ manufactured homes include:

• Central heating
• Air conditioning
• Manufactured home sheds
• Personal parking
• New water filtration system
• Services from the management team

6. Option to Customize

Tyrone Woods prides itself on making its residents feel happy and comfortable in their own space. This is why they allow residents who own their unit to customize the place as they see fit. If you have been wondering whether you can customize a manufactured home within a community, contact Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community and their management team today.

7. A Lot of Social Activities

Social connections are important when it comes to making a place your own. At Tyrone Woods, you have a vibrant, friendly community and a lot of attractive social activities to participate in.

8. Gorgeous Scenery

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states to live in, and the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community allows you to enjoy this natural beauty to the fullest. Some units offer lagoon views, while others give you a sight of the lovely rolling hills in the area. When you venture outside, there are several clean and open spaces for playing, walking, and having picnics.

9. A Top-Notch School District

Families with school going children place a lot of importance on the nearby schools when they are planning to move. If you are one of those, Tyrone Woods is one of the best choices you can make. This place is part of the Linden Community Schools District, which has won many awards. The schools here are sure to shape your child’s academic future in the best way possible.

Possible Downsides of Living in Tyrone Woods

There are no foreseeable or permanent downsides of Tyrone Woods that we can discuss at the moment. For some people who have to work in Lansing, the commute might be quite long. However, the main downside is that the units at Tyrone Woods may not be available for too long. Do not let others snap them all up; get a mobile home tour and reserve your unit as soon as possible!

The Takeaway

The community locals at Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community seem pretty satisfied and happy with their lot. There is no doubt that this option provides professional on-site management, a down to earth feel, and homes where lagoon views greet the occupants each day. While Lake Fenton Estates might be a nice compromise, Tyrone Woods seems to offer a much better deal overall. Do not forget that the schools in Tyrone ensure that all their students have the best and most well-rounded education possible.

All in all, we won’t recommend waiting any longer. Once you read up on what to look for when buying a manufactured home, call up the Tyrone Woods management and book a tour today!

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2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Can You Customize a Manufactured Home?

Can You Customize a Manufactured Home?

A manufactured home is a great form of alternative housing. If you get a ready-made one or even a used manufactured home, the price could be much lower than that of a traditional home.

However, it is understandable that a homeowner wants to have their personal touch when it comes to a home’s interior and exterior. Fortunately, there are several customization options when it comes to manufactured or modular homes.

Can You Customize a Manufactured Home?

While manufactured homes do have somewhat similar floor plans, Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community offers some variety in this regard. If you have your own mobile home, it is possible to try out customization options such as taller roof pitches, room dividers, modern faucets, decorative posts, and your preferred architectural themes, like adding your very own logo design.

The changes can be major or minor, but the end goal is to have your dream home in place. You might even be able to tweak the floor plan with the right equipment and effort.

How to Customize Your Own Manufactured Home

Have you been wondering how to get a custom mobile home design? At the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community, we understand how important it is to have your own custom home. Whether it is interior design or exterior design, every homeowner deserves to have a unique setting for their family life. Of course, it helps to have an idea of what to look for when buying a manufactured home.

So, how do you set about planning the customization of your modular home or manufactured home? Without further ado, let’s have a look at the different aspects of making your dream home:

Interior Design: Floor Plans

The interior design options in modular homes or manufactured homes can be endless. While the floor plan is one of the first things a buyer checks out, you do not have to live with the same setup every single day. Here are just a few tweaks to consider for your custom mobile home:

• Dividing up large living rooms to create different zones, such as an office space or crafting area
• Relocating bedrooms
• Adapting floor plans to fit the preferred exterior design

Analyzing the Floor Plans

When you are planning to buy a manufactured home or modular home, first make sure to look at every floor plan available. While there might be hundreds to choose from, you can narrow down your search by asking for the specific size you need. In case a larger floor plan has features you want in yours, ask the management if the same aspects are applicable in your required floor plan.

Customizing the Living Room

Living in manufactured homes or modular homes does not mean that you have to give up on having large gatherings. Anyone living in a manufactured home can easily host sleepovers for their children or a huge Super Bowl party every year.

Check Out Living Room Space Options

Whether you want to hang out with friends on a daily basis or need a quick change for a party, there are living room options for every occasion. Some manufactured homes in Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community might even have two living room spaces to accommodate large families. Just a few more customizations may include:

• Wooden ceiling beams
• Fireplaces
• Inbuilt entertainment centers
• Various porch designs for manufactured homes
• Room dividers for immediate or temporary changes

Customizing the Kitchen

We call the kitchen the heart of every home, and there is a lot of truth in this saying. This is where the necessary cooking takes place, even if it is just heating up meals or making smoothies. When you are in a mobile home, it is possible to make the kitchen more functional and, hence, more attractive for healthy, everyday home cooking. This is good for those who love to cook or those who want to get on a healthy track and start cooking at home more.

Customization Options

Here are just a few customization options to consider for your manufactured home kitchen:

• Updating your cabinets with easy to assemble options
• Renovating the setup for more cabinet space and counter space
• Changing the cabinet paint or finishes
• Go for a larger sink or one in a different design
• Changing the countertop materials for better appearance and function
• Choose an attractive backsplash for behind the stove
• Have a kitchen island for easier preparation or for serving and eating meals
• Replace old models with new stainless steel appliances or any other theme

Customization for Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an essential feature in all manufactured homes. Customizing these will make your living experience better than before. Luckily, there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to customization options for bathrooms. Just a few examples include:

• Tiled showers or glass-walled shower enclosures
• Jetted tubs or Jacuzzis
• Installing a vintage, claw-footed tub
• Undermount or overmount sinks with vanities for more storage space
• Modern faucets with materials like bronze for better aesthetic
• Unique cabinet designs with various colors and textures
• Upgraded ventilation systems, including vents and exhaust fans as well as windows

Exterior Design: Architectural Themes

Some mobile home owners might want to begin customizing the exterior first. After all, the exterior of any home is what you first see. Here are just a few aspects to consider while thinking about customizing the exterior of a mobile home.

Customization Options

• The exterior color, which could vary according to the environment and the owner’s personal taste; another influence might be what the manufactured home park allows
• Changing the dormers and siding of a home can both upgrade it and make it stand out from neighboring homes
• Changing the roof color or material for a better appearance or better function
• A possible second story for more space to accommodate growing families
• Changing the colors or design of the doors and windows (window treatments may also fall under this category)

There is a lot to do when you consider the exterior of any home, whether it is an alternative or traditional choice. Let’s now discuss customization for certain exterior aspects in more detail:

A Porch or Deck

Porches are a popular addition to any American home. They add a nice, peaceful touch to any structure and can really tie a home together. You may want to go for a covered porch, a wraparound porch, or something that is open from almost every side in order to fully utilize the breeze. With a space like this, you will have a common place for socializing, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying some quality family time.

Porch Accessories

Some people might want to enjoy the porch as a place to relax and just watch the world go by. Some porch furniture is necessary in any case, but you can also consider getting a porch swing, a hammock, or a rocking chair for even more comfort.

If you are more of a private person, you can consider getting a back porch instead of a front one.

Exterior Colors

There is a wide variety of exterior colors that can help homeowners customize the style of their homes. It always helps to have experts assist in selecting colors that will be both suitable, yet a bit different from the usual stuff. An expert consultation also helps when you want a color combination to break the monotony.

What to Consider Before Customizing a Manufactured Home

Even if you own a manufactured home, keep in mind that you can’t just make changes without consulting the local authorities. There are also several considerations before starting a customization project. Before you hire a contractor or start stripping rooms down, make sure you are aware of some points.

Some Considerations

• The local zoning government office or manufactured homes community personnel must review the selected design and approve it
• A custom modular home or mobile home can be quite expensive, especially for certain products or features
• You may not always find just the right features you envision for your dream modular home or mobile home
• Selling a customized mobile home can be difficult, as the new features may lower the price; here’s a guide to selling a manufactured home in Michigan
• It takes  a lot of effort and time to get the floor plans just right
• If your modular home is in a park, the park management will have to approve your plans before anything else

After all this, you also have to consider the life expectancy of a manufactured home or modular home.

The Takeaway

When you have your own manufactured home, your natural instinct is to start thinking about making it a dream home for the long run. You may envision various styles and features, making the most out of existing floor plans for designing new ones. With modular construction and manufactured homes becoming more common, it is time we learned how to customize floor plans, interiors, exteriors, and much more.

Of course, it is not just about tweaking a floor plan and working on the immediate exterior of a manufactured home or modular home. The surrounding areas are part of what make up a dream home. Just to start with, think about whether you should get a shed for your manufactured home.

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