Can Manufactured Homes Be Remodeled and How

Manufactured homes are great because they can be pretty stunning, comfortable places to live in. Not to mention you can buy them for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home. For starters, it is much easier to get a mortgage loan and become a homeowner of a manufactured home. Therefore, it makes sense to talk about the range of remodeling possibilities you have at your disposal. Thus, the burning question here is if manufactured homes can be remodeled and how. Read on to find out.

One problem owners of manufactured homes face is that the value of these homes tends to depreciate over time. Unlike stick-built homes, where any remodel will automatically increase its value, large-scale remodeling of manufactured homes usually does not make much sense. That is, it is prudent to choose the remodeling projects very carefully.

In addition, all changes to your manufactured home should follow the HUD code or the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. In other words, local building regulations do not apply to manufactured homes. Aside from this, legally, you are allowed to make as many internal and external changes to your manufactured home as you like.

Comparing your manufactured home

If you ever choose to put your home up for sale, every remodeling project you undertake will make more sense if you get the invested money back when you sell it. Of course, remodels primarily serve to make life in your home more enjoyable. However, most extensive renovation projects might turn out to be nothing other than a financial black hole a few years down the line.

Even the minor cosmetic updates you introduce to your manufactured home should be invested in smartly. For instance, it makes sense to invest in updates that will make your manufactured home more energy-efficient.

If you are in it to sell it, one way to find out if and how you should remodel your manufactured home is to appraise the value of your home as it is right now. Then you will be able to compare it to the market value of recently sold remodeled homes. It will allow you to make an informed assessment of the condition of your home and which remodeling projects to consider.

Minor improvements go a long way

As counterintuitive as it may seem, a manufactured home will benefit more from minor updates and changes both visually and in terms of value. So, unless you have major structural problems, stick to low-cost cosmetic changes such as interior and exterior painting, carpeting, light fixtures, cabinets, and countertops.

Changing just one element can brighten up the entire room.

Of course, it is always great when you can fix up all of these elements simultaneously so that you can enjoy your home’s fresh look to the fullest. However, manufactured homes can be relatively narrow, making renovations extremely difficult to execute if you leave your belongings in the house. In that sense, you should consider placing some or all furniture from your home into a safe storage unit to keep items safe and speed up the remodel.

Introducing layout changes is not optimal for manufactured homes. Manufacturers are careful to design manufactured homes in the most efficient way possible. That is why manufactured homes mostly have the same layout and design. Also, it is not possible to get a loan to buy a manufactured home over 25 years old. In that sense, investing in complex remodeling may not be an excellent financial decision.

How to remodel a manufactured home

There is a lot you can do to improve your home’s aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. Most of the updates we mention improve your living space both in terms of function and appeal.

Replacing the skirting

Skirting replacement is one of the most lucrative remodeling projects for manufactured homes out there. Even though homeowners rarely pay attention to it, skirting is quite an essential component of your home.

Essentially, your home’s heat and wind insulation will depend on the condition and quality of the skirting. In addition, new skirting can ‘rejuvenate’ an older manufactured home. So, aside from lower energy bills, better heating, and cooling, you will also make your home aesthetically much more pleasing.

Skirting is both an aesthetical and a functional improvement.

Yet, new skirting is not enough to ensure your home is well-insulated. Also, the construction materials and techniques in older modular homes may falter after years of living in your home. For this reason, it makes sense to invest in quality insulation for the walls, doors, and windows.

These remodeling projects might appear as if they are too costly or time-intensive. However, experienced contractors can wrap up the job in a day or two. For homeowners, this kind of renovation project might noticeably improve their quality of living, so it makes sense to invest in good insulation.

If in doubt, invest in good insulation.

Use energy-efficient fixtures in kitchen and bathroom

If you are reluctant to go into full-scale kitchen and bathroom renovations, you can always compromise and invest your money into energy-efficient light fixtures. Not only will this help you save energy and make your home more environmentally friendly, but it will also make your manufactured home feel brighter and more welcoming.

The importance of having good lighting is often overlooked as people usually get used to whatever light they have. However, rather than having subpar yellowish lights in your kitchen and bathroom, you should remodel your lighting system so that your rooms appear nice, bright, stylish, and spacious.

We hope this article has given you the answers to whether manufactured homes can be remodeled and how. We wish you all the best with the renovations you plan to introduce to your manufactured home.