Saturday, May 10, 2025

Your Summer Mobile Home Remodeling Guide

When it comes to remodeling your mobile home, it can be hard to find the right time to complete certain projects. For example, you wouldn’t want to install a new mobile home porch in the dead of winter, particularly if you live in Michigan.

But, that means that the summertime is a great opportunity to knock out some remodeling projects you’ve been waiting on. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, there are some remodeling projects that will benefit greatly from being completed in July, August, September, or even October if you’re in a warmer area.

Here are just a few ideas for remodeling your mobile home during the summer months:

Revamp Your Windows

Your windows play a very important role in your mobile home. They not only help provide natural light throughout your home, but they are important for insulating your home, too. That is, they keep the hot summer air out during the summertime, while keeping your cold air inside.

If you notice this summer that your windows aren’t fully sealed, or aren’t doing a good job of temperature control, it might be time to repair or replace them. Summer is a great time to undergo a mobile home window replacement because the weather is often nicer than it would be in the winter or spring.

We’ve talked before about mobile home windows on the MHVillager. But, it’s worth repeating that this is one of the best ways to remodel your home while giving it some extra value. In fact, it’s a great project to keep in mind if you’re looking to sell your mobile home anytime soon.

Try Some New Landscaping

Summer is also a great time to take care of your manufactured home’s landscaping. Whether you’re just laying down some new sod or planting some new bushes or even a tree, the summer is the perfect time to get your outdoor work done before the colder months set in.

Now, just because we’re midway through the summer doesn’t mean you can’t still get some landscaping work done.

Here’s a great idea you may not have considered: what is the landscaping like around your mobile home’s shed, if you have one? Is there overgrowth you’ve been meaning to get to, or have you been meaning to start a mini garden out there but haven’t had the time? Now’s the time to start clearing that land and getting it in good shape.

If you’re taking on a larger project such as planting bushes and you live in a manufactured home community, make sure you have clearance from your community before you do so.

Paint Your Mobile Home’s Siding

Here’s a fun project that you can do this summer: paint the siding of your mobile home!

How you’ll go about this project depends on what kind of siding you have. Vinyl siding, the most common type of siding for mobile homes, can be rather easily painted. Stone siding, which isn’t as common, can be more difficult to paint.

If you do decide to paint your mobile home siding, make sure you power-wash the surface first, as well as have the right equipment to do so. In some cases, you may need an aerosol paint gun, rollers, and other safety equipment to do the job right.

For those living in communities, again, check your community’s guidelines to ensure that you can paint your home before you begin any kind of paint work.

Renovate Your Mobile Home Porch

Do your family members or guests complain about the steps to up to your mobile home being cracked? Is your handrail loose or in need of repair?

Summertime is the perfect time to make repairs and remodel your porch. For example, you could consider placing new steps in front of your porch, or replacing your handrail. Some homeowners even choose to paint their porch to match their mobile home.

Like with your siding, check your community’s guidelines before undergoing any mobile home porch repairs if you live in a community. It’s especially important since some cities and states have safety guidelines that impact porches.

For example, there may be rules on how many steps your porch can have, or rules dictating whether or not you must have a handrail for safety purposes.

Start Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen remodel can be one of the most extensive projects you might undergo throughout your mobile home’s life. But, it can also be one of the most worthwhile. That, and you don’t have to do it all in one piece.

For example, one year you could replace your mobile home’s flooring, and the next you could paint the room. Or, maybe this is the season to upgrade some of your appliances.

The reason summertime is a good time to do a kitchen remodel is because, if you’re without a stove or microwave for a period of time, it’s a good time of year to grill outdoors. Why not time your remodel project with an evening of BBQ?

Where Can I Find Remodel Parts and Supplies?

If you’re in need of supplies for your mobile home remodel project, we recommend checking out MHVillage’s Mobile Home Parts and Supplies page.

No matter what your summer remodel may look like, this page can take care of your remodeling needs. Why stop at four different hardware stores near you just to get everything you need when you can go to the one-stop shop for mobile home remodels?

Here’s How Renting a Manufactured Home is the Best Alternative Against Sky-High Apartment Rents

You may have seen posts on social media from your friends, or from your favorite news outlet, about how apartment rents have skyrocketed in 2022. And, understandably, you might be concerned about how that might impact your cost of living in the future.

But, among all of the chatter involving sky-high apartment rents, it’s important to remember that there’s an alternative that’s much more cost-friendly and can even be of much higher quality: manufactured homes.

Renting a manufactured home in 2022 can be a much more desirable alternative for a number of reasons. In this post, we’ll go over the benefits of renting a manufactured home over an apartment. They might be more notable than you think…

Digging Into Apartment Rents

First, we should talk a little bit about just how high apartment rents have gotten over the past year.

Because of a multitude of factors – including the huge demand for apartments in 2022, inflation, and limited supply – apartment rents have seen a sizable increase.

In fact, according to Redfin, the median rent for apartments increased by 15% from last year. For the first time in recorded history, the average apartment rent is over $2,000 per month.

The Benefits of Renting a Manufactured Home

Fortunately, there are a ton of benefits that come with renting manufactured homes instead of apartments.

You Get To Live In Your Own Home

We could go on and on about the negatives of renting an apartment. Your neighbors are noisy and surround you on all sides, you have less space, you have less security, and you may have to live far above the ground if you’re in a downtown area.

However, by renting a manufactured home, you can rent a home that has more space and is more secure. And, you won’t have to hear your neighbors stomping above you at all hours of the day and night.

Your Rent May Be Cheaper

This is a big one to call out here. In some cases, you may be able to rent a manufactured home for much cheaper than you could rent an apartment.

According to 2021 Datacomp sales data, the average monthly rent for a manufactured home was $1,124 per month. When you compare that to the average of over $2,000 per month for an apartment that we referenced earlier, the cost savings are evident.

You May Have More Utilities Included

If you rent a mobile home in a community (which we’ll get into below), you may be able to save money on some of your utilities.

These days, many communities bundle in utilities such as water, trash pickup, and even high-speed internet. This is a great way to save on your monthly payments while renting your mobile home.

If you’re interested in living in a community and aren’t sure whether specific utilities are included, we recommend contacting the community directly for more information.

Renting in a Manufactured Home Community

Of course, we have to talk about the benefits of renting a mobile home in a community.

Most mobile homes that you’ll find for rent will be in a community. This is a popular way of living in a manufactured home for many residents. It’s especially huge with retired folks who live in 55+ communities.

One of the biggest benefits to renting a manufactured home in a community are the amenities. In a community, you may have access to a number of amenities as a park resident.

For example, you can take a dip in the community’s pool or sauna if they have one, or go for a stroll along their walking trail.

Many communities also have clubhouses or lounges that you can spend time in with your neighbors. And, of course, you can find homes for rent in pet-friendly communities, too!

Find Mobile Homes For Rent

If you’re convinced that renting a manufactured home is the right next step for you, then let MHVillage help you along the way.

MHVillage is the leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. If you’re looking for a manufactured home to rent near you, MHVillage is the place to be.

Simply head to our mobile home search page and filter your search based on mobile homes for rent. You can do this by simply clicking on the “Homes for Rent” option under the Listing Type menu.

Live The Mobile Home Park Lifestyle in These Year-Round Warm States

The summer months mean there’s plenty of time outdoors to be had. Whether you’re going out for a daily walk or spending time at the park with your family, there hasn’t been a better time to get some fresh air.

For many folks, there’s a question on their mind: how can I enjoy this warm weather year-round?

For others, there’s also the search for high-quality homes that don’t carry a high price tag.

Well, what if we told you that you could find the home of your dreams in a state with year-round warm weather, all at a great price?

Look no further: here is the MHVillager’s guide to living the mobile home park lifestyle in the most popular states with year-round warm weather.

Florida

Florida is the largest market in the United States for manufactured housing. It’s an incredibly large piece of the pie due to the amount of homes on the market, as well as the number of homes sold there each year.

For retirees especially, Florida is seen as a go-to destination for mobile home living in year-round warm weather. With so many parks to choose from as well as a lively tourist scene in Florida, it’s easy to see why the state is in such high demand.

If you’re looking for mobile homes in Florida to enjoy the warm weather all throughout the year, then you can’t go wrong no matter where you go.

Texas

We’ve written before about buying mobile homes in Texas, but it’s worth repeating that Texas is one of the most popular states for mobile home living in warm year-round weather.

Maybe you want to live near the downtown hustle and bustle of Houston. Or, perhaps something out in the country is more your style. Or perhaps even something on the Gulf so you can catch a swim every now and then.

No matter your style, Texas has something for you if you’re looking for warm weather year-round. You can start taking a look at Texas mobile homes today to find one for sale in your market of choice.

Arizona

Of course, Florida isn’t the only state that’s popular for retirement communities. Arizona is another state out further west that proves incredibly popular for those looking for warm weather no matter the time of year.

Besides being a stone’s throw from the Grand Canyon, there are a number of metropolitan centers in Arizona from Phoenix to Mesa. So, if you’re looking to move there for work, you have plenty of options to choose from.

And, there are a number of communities across the entire state for both all-ages and 55+ residents. Arizona mobile homes are in some of the best communities in the entire country, so take some time today to look at what’s out there to

California

If you’ve ever been California dreaming about a beautiful mobile home in the Golden State, now’s the time to turn that dream into a reality.

Manufactured homes in California get to do a lot more than soak up the warm weather. Of the thousands of manufactured homes for sale in this market, many are in highly-sought-after communities with top-tier amenities.

So, if you want to live in a California mobile home while playing shuffleboard or walking along the Pacific Ocean, you can do just that.

Outside of your community, you can find a number of things to do downtown or even upstate. Visiting Los Angeles, driving along the Golden Gate bridge, or visiting the mountain trails in Northern California can appeal to just about anyone.

How Can I Find Mobile Homes in These Markets?

If you’re looking to buy mobile homes in any of these states, let MHVillage help you out.

MHVillage is the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. You can’t go wrong with looking for a mobile home to enjoy the year-round warm weather.

Simply head to MHVillage to start looking for homes in your market of choice. If there’s a state you want to search for homes in that isn’t in this article, no problem! MHVillage lets you search for mobile homes in any state across the mainland U.S.

Understanding Your Mobile Home’s Central Air

Summer is in full swing! That means days lounging by your community’s pool, enjoying an ice cream, and soaking up the sun during the longer days and shorter nights.

For some, it also means enjoying the cool air inside your home when you can’t quite beat the heat. If you’ve ever wondered how your mobile home’s central air conditioning system works, then you’ve come to the right place.

Grab a seat by the pool and settle in for some summertime reading with this handy guide to mobile home central air.

How Does My Mobile Home’s Central Air Work?

If your mobile home has central air installed, then you’ll have air ducts flowing throughout your mobile home that deliver cool air. These are most likely the same ducts that also deliver heat to your mobile home during the winter, if you live in a colder environment.

Most likely, you’ll have a unit that sits outside the home, usually on the side or rear. Most central air units require an indoor unit as well. This unit can usually be found in a closet, or utility room if your mobile home has one.

The indoor and outdoor units work together to cool the air in your mobile home. They do this by circulating coolant between the two units which are connected by closed-loop tubing. When the coolant is in the indoor unit, it absorbs the heat from your home and transfers it to the outdoor unit. Once there, the outdoor unit uses a fan to dissipate the heat from the coolant, and the result is the cooled air you feel coming from your home’s HVAC ducts.

Does It Work the Same As a Site-Built Home?

These central air units for mobile homes function very similarly to those in site-built homes. There, an outdoor unit and an indoor unit work in tandem to deliver cool air throughout the entire home during warm weather.

If you’ve ever been in a site-built home and felt the blast of cool air hit you as soon as you walk in, you can rest assured knowing that the same sensation is possible in a mobile home.

However, there is one key difference that we want to talk about here.

In a site-built home, the indoor HVAC unit – sometimes known as a condenser – may be in a basement. However, you wouldn’t usually find an indoor HVAC in a mobile home basement.

Why?

Because mobile home basements usually don’t exist except for in rare circumstances where a basement has been custom built. This is more common in mobile homes on private land, but much more rare in communities.

In a mobile home, you’re much more likely to find an indoor HVAC unit inside a utility closet or room.

What if My Mobile Home Doesn’t Have Central Air?

Occasionally, you’ll find a mobile home that doesn’t have central air. But, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for sweltering in the summer heat.

There are a few ways you can go about cooling down your manufactured home during the summer time. And, all of these methods have varying levels of cost affordability, too.

Firstly, you could invest in some high-powered fans to place around your home. This is a great cost-effective way to cool down rooms that you spend a lot of time in.

Another option is to invest in a window air conditioning unit. These function similar to a central air unit, but primarily for one or two rooms in your mobile home. You simply mount the unit inside your window and plug it into an electrical outlet.

Various window units are available, each with different levels of power. You could buy a unit for one bedroom, or one that can cool down much of your ground level. For your basic window air conditioning unit, you’ll want to spend at least $200 to find a well-built unit.

Or, you can consider installing central air conditioning in your mobile home. Not every home may be able to accommodate central air after it has been built. But, if your home already has ductwork for a furnace, you may be able install central air as well.

This can run a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of your home, the cost of labor in your area, and the kind of air conditioning unit that you purchase.

One other option to think about is a “mini split unit.” These are ductless air conditioning units that, similar to a central air conditioning unit, have an indoor and outdoor component. They perform the same function as a central air unit with ducts, but are sleek and usually mounted on your wall inside your home.

How Can I Repair My Central Air?

In some instances, you may find that your central air conditioning unit in your mobile home is in need of repairs. These can be minor, such as if your unit isn’t working as powerfully as it used to. Or, you may find that you’re without air conditioning completely before a heat wave.

Generally, we recommend hiring a professional to handle major heating and cooling repairs. They will most often be able to diagnose the issue and quickly get it fixed so that you’re as comfortable in your home as possible.

For minor repairs, such as replacing a filter or floor register, those can very easily be done on your own. In fact, if you’re in need of parts and supplies for your air conditioner, MHVillage can help you out.

MHVillage’s Mobile Home Parts & Supplies page has everything you need to start your remodel or repair project. This even includes heating and cooling items in case you’re in need of some relief from the hot weather this year!

What Are The Biggest Mobile Homes Out There?

Manufactured homes on the market today offer the same size benefits as site-built homes at a fraction of the cost. Contrary to popular belief, they come with all of the same features you’d find in a site-built home such as kitchens with the latest appliances, multiple bedrooms, and ample storage space.

In fact, some mobile homes are so large that they almost have to be seen to be believed. But, you might be wondering – what are the BIGGEST mobile homes you can find? Do five-bedroom mobile homes exist?

The answer might just surprise you – but first, there are some basics to go over about how mobile homes work before we get into sizing.

Mobile Home Sizing Basics

Generally, you’ll still find that mobile homes are sized the same way as a site-built home, using square footage. However, there’s another consideration to keep in mind when it comes to manufactured homes.

Most often, you’ll hear a manufactured home referred to by the number of sections that it has. For example, a mobile home that’s just one section is called a single-section mobile home. You may also see it referred to as a single-wide mobile home.

Manufactured homes with more than one section are often called multi-section homes.

If a mobile home has two sections, it becomes a double-wide mobile home. A home with three sections, a triple-wide. And so on.

You’ll also see mobile homes referred to by their dimensions. For example, you’ll sometimes see a mobile home online described as a 16’x70’.

Here’s something that’s really important to keep in mind: not every home that has the same number of sections will be the same size. In fact, it’s common to find homes that vary quite a bit in their square footage, but have the same number of sections.

A single-wide mobile home is most commonly between 900 and 1,440 square feet, but can be bigger or smaller. Meanwhile, a triple-section mobile home can be as large as 3,600 square feet.

So, this begs the question…

How Big Can A Mobile Home Get?

Typically, you’d be hard pressed to find a mobile home with more than four sections. Those are called quadruple-wide manufactured homes, or quadruple-sections.

New manufactured home with red vinyl siding and windows with white lineals

However, mobile homes at that stage are quite massive. Like we mentioned earlier, a triple-wide mobile home can measure as large as 3,600 square feet. If a mobile home has four sections, chances are it can be much bigger than that.

Here’s another key thing to remember when it comes to manufactured homes: the number of sections will not equal the number of bedrooms in that home in most cases.

Do Mobile Homes With Five Bedrooms Exist?

Yes, it’s possible to find a mobile home with five bedrooms.

While they’re not as common, some multi-section manufactured homes can have as many as five bedrooms or more.

This is perfect for those with large families, or those who need a spare room that can be used for different purposes. Or, you can even mix and match if you wanna use four bedrooms for your family, and one as a flex room.

There are loads of other uses you can come up with for your spare bedrooms in a five-bedroom mobile home. These include:

Home office
Home gym
Children’s playroom
Remote schooling/Zoom studio
Craft room
Dressing room
Reading room
Home theaters or entertainment room

What About Mobile Homes With Five Sections?

Unlike a mobile home with five or bedrooms, it’s going to be much more difficult, if not impossible, to find a mobile home with five sections.

There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, a mobile home that has five sections would be too cost-prohibitive for many to reasonably purchase. This leads into the fact that most manufacturers don’t make homes with more than three or four sections at most.

Also, there’s the issue of size. For many plots of land, and definitely for nearly every community, it’s a challenge to find a plot of land large enough to hold a manufactured home that has five or more sections. However, this may be possible in rural areas where land is more abundant.

How Can I Find Mobile Homes Near Me?

No matter the size of home you’re looking for, you can look to MHVillage for your mobile home shopping experience.

MHVillage is the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting mobile and manufactured homes, with over 25 million annual unique visitors.

The MHVillage mobile home search tool can fine-tune your home search based on a number of criteria. This includes your search radius, location type, and even the number of bedrooms. And, yes, you can look for mobile homes with five bedrooms near you.

Three 55+ Manufactured Home Community Hidden Gems Across America

When talking about mobile homes, one popular option that always comes up is living in a 55+ manufactured home community.

The benefits of living in these communities are vast. They’re an affordable, yet high-quality way to live out the golden years in a secure, yet engaging environment. And, the amenities that many retirement communities offer are tough to beat.

What makes a 55+ community different from an all-ages community is, of course, the age restriction. That’s why these communities are so ideal for those who are retired or those who want a quiet reprieve as they get ready for retirement.

In this post, we’ll go over just three of the amazing retirement communities that you can find across the country. All of these communities are 55+, and offer various amenities. Oh, and they’re pet-friendly, too!

Dolce Vita – Apache Junction, AZ

Arizona is one of the most highly sought-after states for senior retirement living, and Dolce Vita is a great example of that.

Located in scenic Apache Junction, AZ, Dolce Vita offers the latest manufactured home models and top-of-the-line amenities. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a retirement community where you can take a dip in the heated swimming pool and enjoy social activities in the clubhouse, then look no further.

If you’re the athletic type, you can take advantage of the park’s workout facility, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and putting green! Then, you can take some time to relax in the on-site movie theater or card room.

Not only that, but Dolce Vita is pet-friendly, too! In many cases, you can bring your furry loved one with you to live out the best days of your life.

If you’re eyeing an Arizona move and are looking for the perfect retirement community, then check out Dolce Vita today.

Pine Ridge at Crestwood – Manchester Township, NJ

For those who want to live close to the riverside in an active retirement community, Pine Ridge at Crestwood might be for you.

You can spend time in their two active clubhouses featuring weekly social activities, along with their game room and shuffleboard courts. And, you can take a stroll along the tranquil natural scenery.

This community is also located right by the shore, perfect for a morning stroll. If the grandkids come to visit, you can even take them to Six Flags, located conveniently nearby!

Also, you don’t have to worry about driving for your errands at Pine Ridge at Crestwood. A private daily shuttle service is available to take you to local stores, fitness centers, and more.

Pine Ridge at Crestwood is all about convenience and peace of mind – so why not find out for yourself? Visit Pine Ridge at Crestwood for more information.

Golf Vista Estates – Monee, IL

For those looking for a prime mobile home retirement community in the Midwest, Golf Vista Estates just outside of Chicago is a strong choice.

Want to go golfing on the 9-hole golf course? You can do that at Golf Vista while checking out the on-site pro shop. Want to socialize with your neighbors at the on-site clubhouse? You can do that here too.

Golf Vista Estates is the perfect friendly, yet quiet atmosphere outside of Chicago’s hustle and bustle. Did we mention it’s pet-friendly, too?

Don’t miss out on this amazing Midwestern retirement community. To view available homes at Golf Vista Estates, including their recent 89-home expansion, act today.

The perfect retirement park for you should have the right amenities for you, and provide you with the right sense of security and peace of mind. These three retirement communities across the country are a great example that you should absolutely look at today.

If you’re interested in browsing available homes at any of these parks, simply click on the links above and get started.

10 Cost-Effective Tips For Your Mobile Home Bathroom Remodel

The summer season is a popular one for remodeling aspects of your mobile home. One room that’s a common one to remodel during any time of year, however, is your mobile home bathroom.

Whether you’re remodeling just one part of your bathroom or giving it a complete overhaul, you may be wondering how you can do so on a budget.

Thankfully, just because you’re remodeling your mobile home bathroom doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. In fact, there are some bathroom remodel projects you can do with just a few dollars, depending on what supplies you use.

Here are just 10 different ways you can remodel your mobile home bathroom while staying on a budget:

A Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the go-to remodel projects for your mobile home bathroom is a new coat of paint. If you have walls in your bathroom that can be painted, then this is a great way to bring in some new colors and new style.

According to Sherwin-Williams, neutral tones are some of the most popular choices for bathrooms in 2022. A muted green or gray are among the top expert choices, along with some light browns and blues.

If any of these colors speak to you, then you can order free color chips to preview them for yourself! Full cans of paint can vary in price, but can run you around $60, depending on the quality and color availability. You can even use Sherwin-Williams’ paint color visualization tool to help get you started.

Find New Mobile Home Bathroom Organization Tools

Bathroom organization is a must for any home. So, when you’re going about a bathroom remodel, consider new ways to organize your bathroom belongings.

Some modern ideas that have caught traction include a hanging basket to hang your everyday items. Meanwhile, the classic medicine cabinet behind the bathroom mirror is always a solid, reliable choice. These can be bought for as little as $100 new, and hang right on your wall, offering storage for your everyday bathroom needs.

Re-Whiten Your Caulk or Grout

If you have tiled floors or walls in your bathroom, then this tip is for you.

The grout that runs in between your tiles was most likely white when it was first installed. However, it may have yellowed over time due to age. Some grout may turn other colors, too, due to moisture building up over time in your bathroom.

Thankfully, you can re-whiten your grout (or the caulk around your bathroom window, if you have one) with a grout whitening pen. They’re cheap – you can find some for around $10 online or at your local hardware store. These can go a long way in making your bathroom sparkle with shine.

An “Anti Tile” Bathroom

For those who don’t prefer to have a tile bathroom, there are other options for you as well.

These days, it’s popular to go for easy-to-install, easy-to-maintain bathroom flooring for a manufactured home bathroom. Some alternatives to tile include peel-and-stick tile, which comes with far less maintenance than standard tile, and laminate flooring.

Both of these types of flooring are incredibly easy to install – they stick or snap right into place. And, you can find them for far cheaper than tile floors or other types of bathroom flooring.

Bathroom Wall Art That’s Smart

Sometimes, giving your bathroom a new look is as easy as finding new wall art. A simple painting or photograph framed on your wall can be the difference between a bathroom without much flair, and a modern bathroom that feels comforting and relaxing.

You don’t have to shell out the big bucks for a quality frame or a Picasso original, either. Many wall frames can be found at your local general store for just a few dollars. And, you can occasionally find art pieces there, too. Even your local thrift shop might have the perfect piece for your bathroom!

Think About Your Sink!

We can’t talk about manufactured home bathroom remodels without discussing your sink. However, you don’t have to fully install a new sink during a remodel. In fact, you can switch out the faucet while keeping things affordable.

However, we recommend being careful during a faucet replacement for your sink, as doing the job wrong may cause further damage to your sink or to your bathroom as a whole. You also don’t want to damage the plumbing that runs under your sink, so take extra care when swapping out your sink hardware.

But, the good news is that sink hardware isn’t all that expensive. You can find quality faucets at your local hardware store for as little as 20 or 30 dollars.

Don’t Replace Your Tub – Refinish It!

The bathtub can seem like one of the more daunting aspects of a remodel project. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Many people assume that to remodel a mobile home bathtub, you have to replace the entire thing. On the contrary, it’s never been more popular to refinish your bathtub to give it an all-new look.

Refinishing kits for your bathtub are widely available online and at your nearby hardware store. While this isn’t the easiest remodel project on this list, it might be one of the most rewarding. Here’s one example of a tub and shower surround that you can look at.

DIY Your Toilet Repair or Replacement

This is another remodel project that might take some research beforehand. But, if you’re looking to repair a toilet that won’t flush right, or replace it altogether, you might not need to call a plumber immediately.

Of course, you should seek professional help immediately for major damage or emergency repairs. However, for simple repairs, it’s easy to seek out and implement a solution yourself.

If you’re replacing your toilet altogether, you can do so yourself with a helping hand (or two) and some careful research. After all, you don’t want to ruin the plumbing and create a headache for yourself!

Install New Cabinet Hardware

Maybe you don’t want to fully replace your bathroom cabinets – and that’s okay! One thing you can do is replace your cabinet’s hardware.

This refers to the hinges and the knobs that make your cabinets operational. If they’re damaged, are squeaky or rusty, or just don’t look as good as they could be, consider replacing them with newer options. You can make your cabinets feel new without actually buying new cabinets!

Accessories with Accent

Take a look at the accessories around your bathroom. The towel hooks, the shower curtain, the cup that holds the family’s toothbrushes. Do they all match? If not, you can easily tie your bathroom together with matching accessories that serve as an “accent” for your bathroom.

For example, if your bathroom has blue walls, you may consider accessories colored white or gold, to serve as a unifying accent.

Where Can I Find Mobile Home Bathroom Supplies For My Remodel?

Are you getting ready to start a remodel project? If you are, check out MHVillage’s Mobile Home Parts & Supplies page.

Here, you can find all kinds of bathroom supplies, from replacement parts to bathtubs. It’s literally the one-stop shop for your mobile home bathroom remodel that you can’t pass up!

The Impact of the HUD Code on Today’s Manufactured Homes

Today’s modern manufactured homes are an engineering marvel. They’re high-quality, offer incredible features and amenities, and are in some ways indistinguishable from site-built homes. And, you can often find manufactured homes at prices that are much more affordable than site-built homes on the market today.

But how did we get here? How did manufactured homes become the best answer for affordable housing across the country?

The answer won’t be found in this century. Rather, it’ll be found in the last century – in 1976, to be exact.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the history of manufactured homes in the late 20th century, and how one key event in 1976 changed manufactured homes forever.

What is the HUD Code?

In 1976, the Department of Housing and Urban Development passed what is now known as the “HUD Code.” This was a set of guidelines that ensured mobile homes, as they were known back then, met strict safety and quality guidelines.

Here are just a few of the guidelines that became mandated under the HUD Code:

Manufactured homes are more energy-efficient. Manufactured homes that are built under the HUD code use less energy to produce and operate, thanks to efficiencies in the construction process and the increasing use of energy-saving materials – particularly over the past ten years.
Manufactured homes are fire-resistant. Today’s manufactured homes are built with flame-resistant materials to better protect against fire conditions.
Manufactured homes are wind-resistant. Manufactured homes offer increased wind resistance in areas where high winds are common (more on this below).
Manufactured homes go through additional approvals. Before building a manufactured home and having it sited, they must go through additional approvals during the construction process.
Manufactured homes are more structurally sound. Under the HUD code, manufactured homes are built on a steel frame that keeps the home structurally sound while it is being transported and while it’s sitting on its home site.

Under the HUD code, manufactured homes are now set on a permanent foundation once they’re set onto the home site. This means that there’s significantly more room for higher quality when you consider that the home won’t move nearly as often, if ever, once it’s been sited.

But, perhaps the biggest change that manufactured homes ushered in were to how we classify them. Any home built after June 15, 1976 is called a “manufactured home” under the HUD code, and not a mobile home. The term “mobile home” is used only for those homes built before the HUD code became law. However, the two terms are used interchangeably to this day.

What Were Mobile Homes Like Pre-HUD Code?

Just because the HUD code introduced tighter safety standards does not mean that mobile homes were automatically of lesser quality.

The HUD code introduced the above safety requirements as a federal standard. So, every manufactured home built and sold in the United States MUST adhere to those guidelines.

Many mobile homes built prior to the HUD code already implemented these standards. What the HUD code did was standardize them to usher in a new era of high quality for the entire industry.

How Did Mobile Homes Change?

Because a standard was set in place for quality and safety with post-HUD code manufactured homes, new features slowly became commonplace.

For example, it’s now common to find manufactured homes with premium quality roofs made of asphalt shingles, TPO, rubber, or metal. And, having modern manufactured homes built to HUD code means it’s easier to find high-quality siding and skirting materials.

Not only did manufactured homes change, but the process by which they’re made was streamlined too. The factory-build construction process could now be streamlined now that all manufactured homes were made to the same standards.

So, this has helped keep manufactured home costs low over the decades, and to this day they’re one of the most affordable sources of housing out there.

With all of these changes in mind, you can see how manufactured homes have started to look more and more like modern site-built homes.

Are There Still Any Regional Considerations?

The HUD code mandates safety and quality requirements for manufactured homes across the United States. However, there are some additional requirements for certain parts of the country.

Many areas of the country are categorized into thermal zones and wind zones. So, if you live in a wind zone that experiences higher wind speeds, your manufactured home was built with additional protection against wind damage thanks to the HUD code. The same goes for areas with increased risk of fire damage and the need for additional heat resistance.

Where Can I Find An Affordable Manufactured Home Near Me?

If you’re ready to look for an affordable manufactured home, look no further than MHVillage.

MHVillage is the leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. With over 80,000 homes sold last year, it’s impossible to find a platform that sells manufactured homes better than MHVillage.

You can visit us to browse for mobile homes near you and find the home of your dreams today!

Can You Move a Mobile Home Into Your Neighborhood?

The concept of manufactured homes has boomed in popularity over the last several years. It’s easy to see why: they’re incredibly affordable and offer the same home ownership benefits as a site-built home.

Many people often wonder if a manufactured home can be moved into a neighborhood of site-built homes. While it is possible to move a mobile home from one site to another, the answer can be a bit more complex than that.

So, we’ll go into more detail about where you can, or can’t, move a mobile home.

How Mobile Homes Are Moved

First, we should talk about how the process of moving a mobile home works.

If your mobile home has two or more sections, it will first need to be separated so that each section can be transported separately. A multi-section mobile home cannot be moved in one piece for safety and construction reasons.

Your mobile home will have its own chassis and be moved from its old site to its new one. From there, your home will be installed the same way it was installed at the old site.

Sounds like a straightforward process, right? Well, the reality is that there’s a lot more to consider.

Can You Move a Mobile Home Into a Neighborhood?

The answer depends on a lot of different factors. Sometimes, however, the answer will be no.

One reason why it’s usually not possible to move a mobile home into a neighborhood of site-built homes is because of local ordinances or deed restrictions. Your city or township likely has requirements for what kinds of homes can be built or sited on residential land. Plus, the neighborhood might have deed restrictions with specific requirements for what kind and style of home can be built in that subdivision.

Also, it’s incredibly difficult in 2022 to find open plots of land in residential neighborhoods. If a neighborhood was designed and built with blocks of site-built homes, they’re likely going to stay that way.

Of course, there may be some exceptions. If you have private land in a neighborhood near you, you may be able to move a mobile home there. This would depend on local zoning laws in your area. Check with your City Hall or the website for your city or township to find what those zoning laws or deed restrictions may be.

Can You Move a Mobile Home Onto ANY Private Land?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s very common for mobile homes to be sited on land that’s privately owned.

There is, of course, a process you must follow when moving a mobile home to private land. For one, you’ll need a permit to have your manufactured home moved from one site to another.

This also means that you CANNOT, under any circumstances, move your mobile home by yourself. This is because moving a mobile home is an incredibly complex process that can cause damage to your home, your property, and to yourself if not done properly.

You also have to make sure that the land you’re moving your home to has been properly sited and evaluated. To put a home on private land, you will need a foundation, hookups for sewer and water, plus electric and gas service. Your land will also need a driveway.

What About My Modular Home?

No. You cannot move a modular home to a new location, unlike manufactured homes.

This is because when a modular home is assembled into its final form on its home site, it’s intended to stay there permanently.

It’s true that a modular home is similar to a manufactured home in that they’re shipped to their home site. However, with a modular home, the sections that form to become the full home should not be separated again.

Where Else Can I Move a Mobile Home?

Many homeowners choose to move their mobile home into a manufactured home community.

If you’re able to find an empty lot in a community near you, you could have your new manufactured home moved there. This is a great way to buy a mobile home that’s currently outside your community.

This could be your best option if you’re looking to live in a mobile home park with great amenities and reasonable lot rent. Check in your area to see if any parks have open lots.

If you’re looking to move a mobile home in the near future, check out MHVillage’s Movers page. Here, you can find a directory of recommended movers across nearly every state in the country. They can help you determine how to best go about moving your manufactured home safely, efficiently, and affordably.

The Ins and Outs of Buying a Mobile Home in Texas

Texas: the Lone Star State. It carries a reputation for many things: the Alamo, the great BBQ eats to be found, and for being the largest of the 48 mainland states.

However, Texas is also known for being a large (and still growing) market for mobile homes. Often, we’ll receive inquiries about how to find mobile homes in Texas, or how to navigate the process of finding a mobile home in a park.

So, here, we’ll cover the ins and outs of buying a manufactured home in Texas, along with some other things to know along the way to help you get into your dream home.

Texas as a Mobile Home Market

To look for Texas mobile homes near you, you can visit MHVillage to get the process started. Simply head over to mhvillage.com/homes/tx to view available homes in your market.

If you’re looking to live in a Texas mobile home park, you’re in a great state for that, too. The Lone Star State is home to thousands of parks that list their information on MHVillage.

So, if you’re curious about when your favorite community will have mobile homes for sale, or want to know which parks near you have your favorite amenity, then you’re in a good place to start looking for the answers you need.

Finding the Right Mobile Home For You

Since there are so many manufactured homes to choose from in Texas, it’s important to find a mobile home that best meets your needs. This is similar to how you would shop for site-built homes. As you’re looking for your new digs, keep the following considerations in mind:

Private Land or Community Living?

This is one of the biggest factors to keep in mind when shopping for manufactured homes. You’ll have the choice between buying a home in a manufactured home community, or on your own private land.

Many homeowners prefer to go the community route. In mobile home parks, you may have access to a number of amenities that range from walking trails to clubhouses to pools and saunas. And, you may have some of your utilities covered under your “lot rent” – such as water, trash pickup, or even high-speed internet.

You can read more about the benefits of living in a manufactured home community.

The other primary option is living in your manufactured home on private land. This also has many benefits for the homeowner. For one, you can have your Texas mobile home moved to a lot that’s as big as you like, provided it’s gone through the right site preparation. Many homeowners also prefer the privacy that comes with a mobile home on private land.

If you’re interested in reading up on what it takes to own a mobile home on private land, check out this blog post from the MHVillager.

Home Size

How many people will live with you? Do you want extra space in your kitchen for entertaining? Would you like an extra room to use as a home office or a flex room?

These questions are just a few that you’ll want to think about as you consider what size of home you should buy. Single-wide manufactured homes can offer enough space for a family and offer the most value. Or, if you want something bigger, you can also consider a multi-section home that offers even more space and options.

Cost

Of course, you have to ensure you have a budget laid out for your mobile home purchase. You want to ensure you have enough saved up to cover the down payment for your new home, as well as for closing costs and any renovations you may want to make once you move in. It’s also important to remember that the cost of mobile homes on average are usually far less than that of site-built homes.

The Offer, Inspection, and Closing

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, you’ll likely want to tour it, either virtually or in-person, and decide whether you’ll make an offer on the home. When you decide to offer, you’ll contact the owner to begin the sale process. Keep in mind that the sticker price rarely matches the final selling price on the home, depending on what you decide to offer or what the seller’s counter-offer may be.

When your offer has been accepted, there are just a few more things to take care of before you’re ready to move in. First is the mobile home inspection. Even if the seller has ordered an inspection prior to listing the home, you’ll want to have one done yourself to make sure you fully understand the condition of your new Texas mobile home.

Before the home is officially yours, you’ll also have to sign the closing paperwork. What exactly you sign will vary from state to state when it comes to mobile homes, but you can generally expect to sign a transfer of ownership agreement, along with a bill of sale.

Texas-Specific Considerations

In many states, a “title” is the document that certifies you as the owner of a mobile home. In the state of Texas, this document is referred to as a “Statement of Ownership and Location” – or SOL. This document functions similar to a title, but is more online-friendly. In fact, you may not even need it for the closing paperwork.

Something else that Texas has is an online network of registered mobile homes in the state. If you’re interested in buying a mobile home and want to learn more about a home you’re looking at, you can search it using this database and see if it has any active liens, or to verify its age or ownership status.

Ready to look for mobile homes in the Lone Star State? If you are, then head over to MHVillage today to get started!

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