If you’re shopping for a manufactured home, you may see some that are within manufactured home communities, or mobile home parks. These are great options for anyone looking to buy a mobile home for a few reasons.
For one, you may have access to a wide array of amenities. From swimming pools to walking trails to clubhouses and lounges, a manufactured home community can offer high-quality living in both all-ages and retirement settings.
The affordability is another great factor that draws many people to manufactured homes. On average, manufactured homes cost just a fraction of a site-built home, while offering the same opportunities for homeownership. While the exact cost-savings vary from state to state, it’s virtually impossible to find a less than stellar manufactured home at a crazy affordable price.
And, because communities may sometimes bundle in utilities such as trash pickup with your lot rent, you stand to save even more money every month.
With all this in mind, you may be wondering how you can find the mobile home of your dreams in the perfect mobile home park. Here, we’ll show you three amazing communities you should absolutely check out that offer high-value amenities and a high-value lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a great retirement community with a quaint, yet active atmosphere, then Mid Florida Lakes is for you.
This community in Leesburg, FL offers many amenities for its residents. Are you up for playing billiards with your neighbors? What about parking your boat on the private boat dock? Or maybe even taking a dip in the community swimming pool, which overlooks the pristine Lake Melody? Mid Florida Lakes has you covered.
There are many other amenities to check out at Mid Florida Lakes, including:
Horseshoes
Bocce Ball
Basketball Court
Tennis Court
Shuffleboard Court
Library
Laundry Facilities
Fitness Center
Boat/RV Storage
Gated security
Mid Florida Lakes also features pet-friendly neighborhoods and a wide variety of multi-section homes. And, the community is only an hour from the Orlando metropolitan area, meaning the perfect day trip is not far away at all.
Are you searching for an all-ages community that offers up a quality western lifestyle? If you are, look no further than Pueblo Grande in Pueblo, CO.
This gated, all-ages community in northern Colorado features a sparkling swimming pool and a spacious clubhouse perfect for private parties and events. You can even kick back in the movie room while the kids spend time in the game room!
For the nature lovers, this community has you covered, too. Pueblo Grande features a park and picnic area perfect for enjoying the year-round warm weather with your small pets. And, you can venture to Pueblo’s historic downtown area, rich in shopping and dining options.
There are so many other amenities to check out at Pueblo Grande – so what are you waiting for? Visit Pueblo Grande and get ready to be part of a high-quality manufactured home community, Colorado style.
What if you’re looking for a scenic mobile home park in the Midwest, with lots of natural scenery and waterfront views? Well, Willow Lake Estates in Elgin, IL might just be the perfect retirement community for you.
Nestled right on the Fox River and in the heart of the country forests, Willow Lake Estates also features a private lake and boat dock. This makes the community perfect for those desiring a waterfront view. Oh, and did we mention the heated community swimming pool?
There are plenty of ways to stay active in this pet-friendly community, too. Willow Lake Estates has a spacious clubhouse, fully-equipped fitness center, and plenty of space for walking your pets or getting that morning stroll in. There’s even an on-site playground for when the grandkids come to visit!
If you want to get away from country life every now and again, you’re in luck. Willow Lake Estates is located in the Chicago metropolitan area, meaning that you’re never too far away from downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Willow Lake Estates is a prime maintenance-free community, meaning that your snow removal and trash pickup are covered by the on-site management. There couldn’t be a more tranquil place to call home in the Midwest – but don’t just take our word for it.
Find out for yourself just how serene mobile home living can be in Illinois by visiting Willow Lake Estates today and inquiring about mobile home availability.
All three of these communities offer a high-quality manufactured home lifestyle that can’t be beat. Whether you’re looking for the Florida sunshine, Colorado atmosphere, or Illinois serenity, these mobile home parks offer breathtaking amenities at an affordable price.
So, if you’re looking to move into the mobile home of your dreams, don’t wait. Get in touch with these communities to learn more about how you can be a manufactured homeowner today.
When you own a manufactured home, you may need to make repairs and fixes here and there. Over time, these repairs can add up in cost. However, with enough preparation and handiness, you can make these fixes the right way and with the right know-how. And, you can add value to your mobile home in the process.
What do we mean by value? Well, when you go to sell your mobile home, its value won’t be the same as when you bought it. The price you’re able to sell your mobile home for will depend on a variety of factors. This can include any recent fixes or renovations that you’ve made to the property.
Here, we’ll go over just a few of the manufactured home fixes that can add value to your mobile home:
Flooring
If you think about it, your floor is one of the most sturdy aspects of your home. After all, you walk on it every single day. Whether you have carpeted or hardwood floors, it’s important to keep them in good condition.
You can read more on mobile home flooring in the MHVillager. But, it’s worth mentioning again that a mobile home floor can be maintained or repaired on a budget. It’s not hard to find affordable, yet stylish hard flooring options for just a few dollars per square foot.
If you’re not looking to place new flooring down, you can maintain your current flooring. Hard floor polish and carpet cleaners are two easy ways to keep your floors looking good as new.
Roof
While fixing up your mobile home’s roof might be one of the more costly repairs, it can also add some of the most value.
When you browse for mobile home listings, you may find some that mention that the roof was replaced within the last five to ten years. This is a high draw for many buyers for many reasons.
For one, a mobile home roof is an incredibly important feature of your home. It protects you from all kinds of weather, and even offers some energy efficiency benefits. That said, it’s a large investment that can sometimes take years of planning before you undergo a roof replacement. Because a roof is so important and large, it’s one of the most valuable mobile home fixes you can make.
Here’s some more good news: mobile home roof repairs can be done even if you’re on a budget. We’ve written before about mobile home roof repairs, but it’s worth mentioning again in this blog as there are some great ways to go about this repair.
One of the most cost-friendly roofing materials is rubber roofing. Also known as liquid roofing, this option can run you as little as $600. Compared to the value that it can add to your mobile home, it’s a great investment to make. However, this might not be a one size fits all solution for all mobile home roofs. For example, you likely won’t be able to replace a shingled roof with a rubber roof.
Windows
Windows play an important role in managing your mobile home’s energy efficiency. Without the right seal on your windows, the right size of windows, or even windows that are aged or damaged, you risk losing money over time due to increased energy bills.
That’s why mobile home windows, when fixed up right, can be a value add when you sell your home. This is because they’re often seen as a larger upgrade in the same vein as your siding, your doors, or even your roof. This is why, like other items on this list, you’ll see home listings that mention new windows as some of their selling points.
We’ve talked before about how to replace your mobile home windows. We recommend checking out this guide before you get started with your window project!
Smart Appliances
You may also see some mobile home sellers mention whether there are new appliances in their listing. This can include the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and even your thermostat.
If you’re getting ready to replace your appliances, consider upgrading to smart appliances. Modern smart appliances can offer features such as in-unit displays, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistants, and even connectivity with your other devices. So, if you wanted to start a load of dishes or turn on the oven remotely, you could do exactly that!
A home with modern smart appliances can be a selling point because it means that a potential homebuyer won’t have to worry about replacing older appliances down the line. And, because smart appliances are high in demand, you’ll not only have a fridge that can create virtual shopping lists, but can help add value to your mobile home.
Smart thermostats are another one worth calling out. When you install a smart thermostat in your home, you can more accurately track your energy usage. Not only that, but you can use it remotely from your smartphone. This is a very useful feature if you want to control your thermostat while you’re away on vacation.
Think of it this way: because a smart thermostat offers immense energy savings, it can literally pay for itself over time.
There are a few brands of smart thermostat to choose from. Two of the most popular ones are Nest and ecobee. In fact, many modern manufactured homes now come pre-fitted with ecobee smart thermostats.
Are you looking for a mobile home to call your own? Spring is a perfect time to buy a mobile home and spruce it up to your liking. With MHVillage, the mobile home buying process has never been easier. Visit MHVillage and start your mobile home search today.
Manufactured homes offer a variety of benefits over site-built homes. One benefit is the fact that they offer all the features of a site-built home in one factory-built package. In fact, you may find that having so much space in a manufactured home means you’ll want to find ways to maximize your new living space for a comfortable, organized home.
If you share your home with your family or have lots of space to work with, you may be wondering how to make the most out of your new manufactured home. Thankfully, the MHVillager has some tips to help you streamline your storage in your manufactured home so you can be an organizing pro:
Storage Cubes
Storage cubes are a fantastic way to make storage in your manufactured home more compact. They can stack on top of each other and are great for shoes, books, clothes, small boxes, and other items you might not have space for elsewhere.
Storage cubes are often made of mesh, cardboard, or wood. Some are even collapsible so that you can stow them away when not in use.
Furniture With Storage
These days, it’s common to find furniture in a manufactured home that doubles as storage space. This is great because it allows you to use your manufactured home living space for other purposes.
One of the most common examples of this is an ottoman with built-in storage. Useful as a footrest or as a seat, you can also store various items in them to save on storage. This is handy for video game controllers, pillows, or other odds and ends in your living room.
Seating benches also serve a similar purpose, but on a larger scale. And, you can park a bench against a wall, making for a multipurpose seating option.
These aren’t the only kinds of furniture with storage built-in. Bed frames can come with storage drawers under the mattress. Kitchen tables are another popular furniture item that can come with built-in storage these days. You can even find coffee tables with drawers perfect for ensuring you never lose your T.V. remote.
Furniture That…Folds?
Many modern furniture designs are built to fold away when not in use. This is perfect for when you’re entertaining large amounts of guests and want to open up the space for a dance floor or birthday party.
Here are just a few examples of space-saving furniture:
Tables: many dining room or living room tables fold away to take up less than half the space they do when not in use. This makes it convenient to store them against a wall or behind a shelf.
Chairs: folding chairs are a staple in many households. You can set them out when you have company over, and then simply stow them away once the party has ended.
Desks: many desks can now fold into themselves when not being used. This is especially ideal for those who work remotely from home, but don’t have a full office to themselves.
Space-Saving Appliances
There are many appliances on the market today that tout compact storage as a feature.
For instance, smart refrigerators now offer more compact storage options. These allow you to store even more food, beverages, and ingredients. Then, you can store more things in your fridge that might go in your pantry, such as bottled water. More space in your fridge means more space in your pantry. More space in your closet means more storage elsewhere in your kitchen.
You can also take advantage of other smaller appliances that fold away. Many vacuums and even air fryers now feature stowable, compact designs. So, they can take up less space in your closet or on your kitchen counter.
We’ve also written before about other ways to get smart with your kitchen’s storage space. For example, you could install an appliance garage for appliances you might not use as often. This way, they don’t take up space on your countertops, meaning you’ll have more space for that air fryer you got for Mother’s Day.
Sheds
Many mobile homes come with outdoor sheds for storing larger tools and outdoor appliances, such as lawnmowers. But, if you don’t already have a storage shed, it’s worth looking into getting one.
You can find various sizes of storage sheds at your local hardware store. Some of the most common sizes of sheds are 4 x 6, 8 x 10, and 12 x 16.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you know exactly how much space you’ll need for your shed. You can use a measuring tape to measure the land where you want to put your shed, and use that as a starting point.
Have you ever wanted to tour a manufactured home for yourself? Are you unsure of what manufactured housing is, and want to see the latest evolutions in this type of affordable home?
If you have, then get ready: Several manufactured homes are coming to Washington D.C. for not only consumers, but lawmakers too. This is all part of an event called Homes on the Hill, in conjunction with HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase. This event is hosted by the Manufactured Housing Institute.
Homes on the Hill, which will take place from June 7-12, 2022, will bring three manufactured homes to the National Mall in an effort to raise awareness of the value of factory built homes as a whole.
The homes will be on full display so that the general public can see manufactured homes in 2022 for themselves and catch up on the latest innovations being made to these affordable, stylish homes.
“Manufactured housing is an extremely affordable and accessible housing solution for millions of homeowners,” Darren Krolewski, Co-President and Chief Business Development Officer for MHVillage, which is a gold sponsor for Homes On The Hill. “Events like Homes On The Hill are great for raising even more awareness about just how great manufactured housing can be for those that aren’t in the loop.”
All three manufactured homes are HUD-Code certified and are some of the latest models built by Skyline Champion and Cavco Industries, two manufacturers in the industry.
While this isn’t the first time manufactured homes have been hosted at Homes on the Hill, it is the first time in three years that the event has been held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2019 event saw public comments from Dr. Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, highlighting the advantages of manufactured housing.
“When people realize that a manufactured house…looks just as good as a site-built home, costs 30-40 percent less, is more resilient when it comes to weather, all of these kinds of things are things that people don’t know,” Carson said at the 2019 event.
Carson added that he hoped Congress would notice these homes and place more emphasis on manufactured homes in their states.
Various members of the current administration, including policy makers and lawmakers, will be present to view the homes and discuss opportunities for innovative and affordable housing.
You can find out more information about Homes on the Hill on MHI’s website. Please note that while manufactured homes will be on display at the National Mall for the general public, some meetings taking place on Tuesday, June 7 and Wednesday, June 8 are for MHI members only. If you can’t make it to Washington D.C. but want to check out some manufactured homes for yourself, you’re in luck. You can visit MHVillage, the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes, to view manufactured homes for sale near you. You can filter your search for homes that offer virtual tours, so yo
You may have heard about it in an email, phone call, or directly from your park manager: your mobile home park has been sold.
Understandably, you may have many questions about what this means for you, the resident. A changing of hands can mean change for your community living experience. However, there’s no need to worry as you seek out answers to those questions.
Because your new park owner has invested a lot of money into your park, they will likely work to ensure your best interests are considered.
If you’re wondering what changes you might see, here are just a few of the things that might happen when your mobile home park is sold:
Why Mobile Home Parks Are Sold
Before we go into what might happen when your mobile home park is sold, it’s important to discuss the why behind the sale.
One common reason is that your current park owner may choose to retire. Often they may choose to leave the park to a family member or trusted business partner. However, if they have no one to turn the park over to, they may choose to sell it.
Other times, your current ownership may choose to sell to an owner that’s more equipped to make upgrades and renovations. In these cases, you may see your owner sell to a larger company that’s experienced in park upgrades.
You May Have A New Park Manager
This is one of the most common occurrences when a mobile home park is sold. You’ll often see a new park manager or managers on the property. In fact, they may introduce themselves to the residents as they get to know everybody and learn what mobile home park residents are thinking about when it comes to their community.
After your park is sold, you may see more of your new park manager over the next few months. They often take this time to figure out what priorities they need to take to improve or maintain your community.
A New Name For Your Park
It’s common for a mobile home park to receive a new name shortly after it is sold.
A few months after your park or community is sold, you may see some changes to the signage around you. Specifically, you may see signs that say “Under New Management,” or signs with a new name for your park entirely.
There are a few reasons why a new park owner may choose to change its name. The most common is that, as your new park manager is making upgrades and renovations, they want a new name to reflect an all-new look.
What this won’t change, however, is your address. Because home addresses are usually registered with your city, those wouldn’t be changed if your community has a new name. So, if you live at 742 Evergreen Terrace, your address will stay the same, even if Pinewood Acres turns into Newport Village Estates.
This tradition didn’t start with mobile home parks. Many apartment buildings and condo complexes undergo similar naming changes when they are bought, too.
You May Get Some New Facilities
As time goes on after your park is sold, you may see some construction taking place. As your new park owners invest in your community, they may decide to build new facilities for the residents, or upgrade existing fixtures.
For example, your new park owner may decide to repave some of the sidewalks, or install new street lamps. These fixes would be geared toward the resident’s safety. Or, they may build new community amenities, such as a clubhouse or pool.
This, of course, is not a guarantee. Some park owners may choose to create new facilities on a longer-term basis, or not install any altogether. If you feel that your community needs a new amenity or facility, it’s best to contact your manager or owner directly. Thankfully, you can check out the MHVillager’s handy guide on contacting your park management or ownership.
You May See A Change In How Utilities Are Billed
No two manufactured home communities are alike when it comes to how they bill for utilities. For example, some may include internet as part of their monthly lot rent. Others may not include internet in their lot rent, but instead include trash pickup or the water bill.
If your park or community has a new owner, make sure you know whether the same utilities are covered under your lot rent. They may also let you know whether the covered amenities are changing. These days, it’s more popular than ever to bundle high-speed internet in with your lot rent, so your new ownership may choose to do that, for example.
You May Sign A New Lease
We saved one of the most important changes for last. If a park changes ownership, you may need to re-sign your lease with the new management.
The biggest reason you might need to do this is so that your new management has documentation that you’re a current resident of that park. Your old ownership most likely turned over all leasing documents to the new owners. However, your new management may want fresh leases under their own name.
If this is the case, your new management may meet with you to discuss your new lease. Alternatively, they may write you a letter or email detailing the new conditions of your lease.
Your new lease may go over some of the changes we talked about earlier. This would especially include whether there are any changes to how your utilities are billed. If your new management has adjusted rent to be in line with the local market, you’ll likely find that in your new lease as well.
Sometimes, the new park management may simply ask you to re-sign for the amount of time that was left on your prior lease. However, you may consider signing a full 12-month lease with your community, extending it that much further.
Are you looking for a new park to call home? If you are, head over to MHVillage to search for mobile home parks near you. On the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes, you can search for mobile home parks near you based on a number of criteria. These can include parks with virtual tours, parks that allow pets, and parks with homes for rent.
A manufactured home can be the perfect place to live for you or your family. This is especially true if your manufactured home is right next to a beautiful scenic view. Thankfully, it’s not hard to find a manufactured home that’s right next to your favorite view.
In this article, we’ll go over what makes a scenic mobile home, well, scenic. Not only that, but we’ll also discuss where in the United States you can find a home that fits the bill.
Waterfront Views
Waterfront views are some of the most popular features to a mobile home. In fact, many homebuyers specifically seek out manufactured homes that sit near an ocean, lake, or river.
Waterfront living has many benefits. You have a great outlet for oceanside swimming, lakeside strolls, and other aquatic activities. Depending on local guidelines, you may even be able to get some fishing in!
Are you looking for a mobile home near the water? If you are, then Florida is one state you should absolutely look at. Florida has many waterfront communities brimming with manufactured homes. Florida is also a great state for popular tourist attractions and theme parks. If you need a break from the water for a day, then these are perfect.
You can also check out Minnesota, also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” With so many lakes, it’s not hard to find a manufactured home near a body of water. In fact, there are OVER 10,000 lakes in the state to choose from!
Beautiful Forests
The United States has some of the most beautiful forests in the entire world. Many of them are scattered throughout the country, from the Appalachian to the Pacific Northwest.
Living near a lush forest is great if you’re an adventurer at heart. Or, if you’re into bird watching as you go for a nature walk, then a nearby forest could be for you.
Washington and Oregon are two popular states in the Pacific Northwest chock-full of forests. Or, maybe you’re looking for something on the East Coast. You’d be surprised to hear that Maine has some of the most forest cover in the entire country.
Mountains
If you’re a hiker, rock climber, or simply looking for a view from way up, you may want to live near a mountain range. While not every state has its own mountain range, you can easily find a state where there are mountains aplenty.
There are two states in particular where you can find a manufactured home near the mountains. Near the Appalachian Trail, you have Pennsylvania. There are thousands of manufactured homes for sale in the state near a mountain range.
Or, if you want to stay closer to the West Coast, then Arizona might be for you. The state is brimming with all kinds of mountain ranges that are ideal for hiking or exploring.
The Perfect Road Trip
But what about a state where you can embark on a road trip at any moment? What about a state where you can drive for hours and find an endless amount of interesting things to do along the way?
Believe it or not, Michigan is a very popular state to take a road trip. The lower peninsula has many lakes, tourist attractions, parks, and other fun things to do. For example, did you know that Kalamazoo, MI is home to the Air Zoo, full of aviation history?
And that doesn’t cover the Upper Peninsula, famous for its beautiful natural scenery. A top highlight is the Pictured Rocks, which has boomed in popularity as a locale for canoeing, hiking, and swimming.
Recently, we wrote about the importance of mobile home exterior doors. Whether you’re replacing your door or want to give it a refresh with some paint, it’s important to know how they impact the exterior of your home.
But, there’s another component of your mobile home’s exterior that’s worth discussing: your windows. If you need to, a mobile home window replacement is a great way to add value to your mobile home while enjoying other benefits such as increased energy efficiency.
Like any mobile home project, there are some things you should know before you get started. Here’s everything you need to know about mobile home window replacement.
Are Mobile Home Windows Different From Site-Built Home Windows?
If you’re replacing your mobile home windows, you may have questions about which windows you can use. Specifically, you may be wondering if mobile home windows are different from windows in site-built homes.
The short answer is no. Generally, you can shop for windows without having to look for windows specifically branded for mobile homes. This is because you’ll shop for windows based on their size, which we’ll get into more below.
However, you may find that there are different types of windows that are popular for mobile homes. This can be because of their cost, their energy efficiency, or their ease of installation. We’ll talk more below about the different types of mobile home windows that are available, too.
Why Would I Need To Replace My Windows?
There are a variety of reasons why you might need to replace your windows:
Your windows don’t keep out cold air from outside.
The glass is chipped, cracked, or completely broken.
You have trouble opening or closing your windows.
The wood around the windows, known as the frame or the jamb, is damaged or rotten.
The window seal is disrupted.
No matter why you need ro replace your mobile home window, you want to make sure you get the job done right.
Can Mobile Home Windows Be Replaced?
Yes, absolutely. You can replace your mobile home windows with newer models that are of better quality and promote increased energy efficiency for your mobile home.
There are, of course, some things to keep in mind when taking on this kind of mobile home project. First, you’ll need to figure out how big your replacement needs to be.
This doesn’t just involve measuring the length and width of the window itself (though, you will need to do that, of course). You’ll also need to take a look at the window jamb, which is the framing around the actual window pane. If it’s misshapen, the wood is rotting, or is damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire frame down to the studs. It’s certainly possible to do this on your own. However, it may be worth calling a professional contractor who can get the job done relatively quickly.
The good news is that if your window jamb is in good condition, you can use a “pocket window” for your mobile home window replacement. These are a budget-friendly option if you need to replace just the window, and NOT the jamb. Essentially, these replacement windows are simply slipped into the jamb and screwed into place.
What Types of Mobile Home Windows Are There?
You’ll quickly find that there are three types of windows out there that are popular with mobile homes: fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum.
Fiberglass Mobile Home Windows
The biggest draw to fiberglass mobile home windows is that they’re much more durable than other types of windows. The seamless frame is perfect for painting, and has a ton of weather resistance because of its durability, too.
With the added durability comes added cost, however. Fiberglass mobile home windows are among the most expensive kinds you can buy. And, they’re among the heaviest, too. This means that you’ll need a helping hand if you’re installing them on your own.
Fiberglass windows are great if you want to paint the frame and blend it with the exterior of your mobile home. This is because vinyl windows, as we explain below, aren’t typically painted.
Vinyl Mobile Home Windows
Vinyl mobile home windows are by far the most common type of window you’ll find in mobile homes. In fact, many manufacturers in the industry rely on vinyl windows when building new manufactured homes. They offer a strong, tight seal that makes them more energy efficient than other types of windows. And, you won’t have to paint them over time.
For the price you’ll pay for quality vinyl mobile home windows, you’ll get incredible durability in both the color and the build quality. Because they’re so durable, you won’t need to install a storm window in most cases. You’ll have more than enough energy efficiency and weather protection with a vinyl mobile home window.
One other thing to keep in mind: you may see some vinyl mobile home windows that are described as “double pane” or “single pane.” A double-pane window has even more energy efficiency compared to a single-pane. Both types, however, are highly popular among manufactured homeowners.
Aluminum Mobile Home Windows
Aluminum mobile home windows are not as common these days compared to the past few decades. However, they still offer many benefits for mobile homeowners.
One of the biggest benefits is cost. You’ll find that aluminum mobile home windows are a fair amount cheaper than their fiberglass and vinyl counterparts. And, they often offer sound dampening that makes it harder for outside noise to get inside. If your neighbor has a loud dog or children, these windows may be able to help with noise reduction as a result.
Compared to fiberglass and vinyl, you won’t get as much durability. Aluminum windows may be more susceptible to rust or cosmetic damage. This is because aluminum is a lighter material. However, this means that you’ll have an easier time with installation, especially if you have to install multiple windows.
Also, aluminum windows are not as effective at creating a tight seal around the frame. As a result, your windows may suffer from reduced energy efficiency. Some models of aluminum windows have gotten better at keeping cool air inside during the summertime. However, their ability to keep warm air inside during the winter can still fall behind.
How Can I Replace My Mobile Home Windows?
If you’re going the DIY route for replacing your mobile home windows, there are steps you should take before you start working.
First, before you buy any supplies, you must measure the window. To do this, you’ll take three horizontal and three vertical measurements. For the horizontal measurements, you’ll measure the top, center, and bottom of the window. For the vertical you’ll measure the left side, right side, and center. From there, you’ll be ready to order your new window based on the smallest horizontal and vertical measurements.
You’ll also need to measure the windows from each side jamb, as well as from the head jamb to the window sill.
As you’re replacing your mobile home window, make sure you have the right supplies, too. These can include:
Safety glasses
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Hammer
Power drill
Screwdriver
Putty/utility knives
Now, you’re probably ready to start on your mobile home window replacement. The exact process will depend on what kind of window you’re replacing. And, it will depend on the scope of the project. We recommend searching for a mobile home window replacement tutorial based on what kind of window you have, as well as whether or not you need to replace the jambs.
Where Can I Buy What I Need For A Mobile Home Window Replacement?
If you’re getting ready to start a mobile home window replacement, let MHVillage help you out. Head over to our Parts & Supplies page to grab anything you may need for your mobile home window project. Whether it’s a screen or some hardware that you may need, you can take your window shopping (get it?) online quickly and easily.
2022 has seen an emphasis on wellness and simple living above all else. In a time where costs of living are going up, there has never been more interest in simple, frugal living.
For the minimalist at heart, now is the perfect time to dive into the single-wide mobile home lifestyle. They’re a great source of affordable living, are a minimalist’s best friend because of their reasonable size, and are great for downsizers as well.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Is A Single-Wide Mobile Home?
Often, you’ll hear a mobile home described as a “single-wide” or a “double-wide.” This distinction has to do with the mobile home’s size. However, it can carry other implications, too.
What are the dimensions of the average manufactured home? Well, for single-wides, it depends. A single-wide mobile home usually measures between 12 to 18 feet long, 40 to 80 feet wide, and just over 13 feet tall. The exact height usually comes in at around 13 feet, 6 inches.
Because the length and width of a single-wide mobile home can vary, that means there is no one square footage for all single-wides. That said, the square footage can vary from 480 square feet to 1,440 square feet or more. Generally, you’ll find single-wide mobile homes that are 900 square feet or more.
What makes a single-wide comes down to how it is built, too. When a mobile or manufactured home is built in the factory, it is constructed in sections. For example, a double-wide mobile home is built in two sections at the factory.
What does this mean for single-wide mobile homes? Well, it’s simple. A single-wide mobile home is built in a single section at the factory before being transported to the home site. This is why you’ll sometimes see people refer to them as “single-section” homes.
So, now that we’ve covered the basics of what a single-wide mobile home is, let’s take a dive into what makes them so appealing to millions of people across the country.
They’re SUPER Affordable
Right away, this is one of the strongest benefits on the list. Single-wide mobile home prices are well-known for being extremely affordable for families everywhere. Let’s take a look at some numbers.
The average cost of a pre-owned manufactured home was $60,733 in 2021, according to Datacomp sales data. While that doesn’t cover single-wide manufactured homes exclusively, single-wides often sell for at or below this average price.
In comparison, the average price of a site-built home was $408,000, according to 2021 Statista data.
Now, it’s important to remember that living in a single-wide mobile home offers many of the same benefits as living in a site-built home. For one, the amount of space you may have is comparable, as many site-built homes are in the 900 – 1,400 square foot range.
More importantly, you can OWN your home for a fraction of the cost. This is a huge upgrade over renting an apartment that’s only a few hundred square feet while costing a thousand dollars or more.
This means that you can get the homeowner lifestyle for a fraction of the cost. You’ll have more privacy, more security, and more freedom. Manufactured housing, as a result, is the PERFECT choice for those looking to own a home without all of the frills.
They’re Perfect For A Minimalist Lifestyle
If you need to declutter or take on a more frugal lifestyle, you should absolutely look at single-wide mobile homes.
Single-wides offer everything you need – bedrooms, bathroom(s), kitchen, living room, storage space, and even some yard space. However, you don’t have to worry about having too much grass to mow if you buy a single-wide on leased land. And, of course, you won’t have to worry about having a lifestyle of excess or clutter in a single-wide mobile home.
This means that arranging furniture, cleaning your home, taking on projects such as painting – all are as simple as can be in a single-wide mobile home. Even larger projects, such as painting your home with new single-wide mobile home exterior paint colors, are a breeze.
They’re a Great Alternative for Other Types of Housing
Many Americans opt to purchase vacation homes away from where they live. This can be in the next town over, or several states away.
Additionally, you often see retirees that relocate to Florida, Arizona or other warmer states in their golden years. They’ll either purchase second homes, or condominiums that offer benefits such as lakefront access.
Not only that, but there’s a THIRD type of home that’s gaining momentum: the tiny home. While these have been a popular option for homeownership, particularly with younger homeowners, they have not been in strong supply since they’re still rather niche. Park model homes are a similar model that’s gaining popularity.
So, what type of home can answer the needs of all three? Why, the single-wide manufactured home, of course!
For those who seek out an affordable vacation home or retirement home, single-wide manufactured homes answer the call. Like we mentioned earlier, they’re several times cheaper than the average site-built home. This makes them a friendly option for those who want a vacation home separate from their main home.
Their budget-friendliness makes them great for retirement homes, too. Many retirees like to travel and explore new hobbies that were unavailable to them when they were working. So, this means that cutting back on living expenses during retirement is often common. With single-wide manufactured homes, reducing your living expenses when you’re retired becomes that much easier.
They’re also great for those seeking out something similar to a tiny home to call their own. While some tiny homes can be more expensive because of their short supply, mobile homes are routinely cheaper than their site-built counterparts.
They’re Perfect For Downsizing
When moving from one home to another, downsizing is a common tactic. It means more affordable living and less clutter, which makes it an appealing option for many.
Downsizing, to many people, means compromise. This can include moving into a home that’s smaller than you’re comfortable with, doesn’t have enough storage space, or just isn’t the right fit for you.
However, downsizing shouldn’t have to come with unnecessary drawbacks. That’s why single-wide mobile homes are such a popular choice for those looking to downsize. Because they continue to offer the benefits of homeownership, it means you give up less by downsizing and simplifying your lifestyle.
Downsizing into a manufactured home also means you can potentially take advantage of new amenities. If you live in a mobile home park, you’ll have various amenities at your disposal. These can include dog parks, walking trails, clubhouses, and a swimming pool, among many others.
And, living in a community means that some utilities, such as internet and garbage pickup, are included in your lot rent. This makes downsizing that much easier when you have one less expense to worry about.
Now that we’ve gone over the zen of the single-wide mobile home lifestyle, are you ready to experience it for yourself? If you are, start your search today with MHVillage.
MHVillage is the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured and mobile homes. With over 80,000 mobile homes sold in 2021, many of which were single-wides, you truly cannot go wrong with shopping for your mobile home on MHVillage. You can visit our home search page to find a single-wide mobile home for sale near you.
We’ve talked before on the MHVillager about different ways to remodel your mobile home. If you’re getting ready to start a mobile home remodel, you might want to see other projects that can make your home shine.
It’s always satisfying to see “before and after” photos of a mobile home remodel done right. So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best mobile home remodels out there to give you some inspiration for your next remodel project.
A Stand-Out Single-Wide Mobile Home Renovation
There are times where it can be challenging to remodel a mobile home if you’ve recently moved into one. The previous owner may have left some belongings behind, you may want to switch out the carpet for hardwood, or perhaps even add new life to your mobile home kitchen.
The team over at Living Hope Renovations did all of that and more in a series of videos from 2021 chronicling the before and after of their single-wide mobile home remodel.
Perhaps the most notable standout of the project is the kitchen, which features updated cabinetry while keeping the vintage 80s countertops. Of course, they took advantage of their tall windows facing out into the yard. Because they let in so much natural light, it made sense to remodel around those.
If you’re looking for a great mobile home remodel that mixes old with new, look no further.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
An Exterior Mobile Home Remodel That Shows Off The Goods
When remodeling the exterior of your mobile home, you have many factors to consider. Do you want to remodel your skirting and siding? What about updating your mobile home’s external A/C unit, if it has one? Maybe you even have the opportunity to update your mobile home’s windows.
YouTuber Timothy P. Livingston, who tours and remodels homes all over the country, checked off all three of those boxes during a recent mobile home remodel. He started by replacing the mobile home’s siding with a modern faux-wood finish. Then, he installed an all-new A/C unit that promotes energy efficiency.
After a quick refresh to the skirting, he refitted the windows to give the exterior a sleeker look. All of these renovations made the exterior of this mobile home really stand out and bring this mobile home into the modern day.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
Freshening Up a Mobile Home Farmhouse
Many mobile homeowners prefer a more rustic feel to their home. For some, this means moving into a farmhouse-style mobile home with decor to match. Of course, this may involve some mobile home remodeling to get the look you’re going for.
A YouTube influencer of all things rustic living, Living it Country toured a mobile home that had been remodeled to achieve that farmhouse-like aesthetic. This remodel project involved completely removing a center column and upgrading the home’s walls. Not only that, but the floors were completely redone, too. What was once tile and spare carpet turned into beautiful hardwood flooring throughout.
With dark wood finishes and all-white walls and cabinets, this mobile home remodel is one that achieves the farmhouse look in style. Head to 4:07 in the video to check out their work.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
A Double-Wide Mobile Home Remodel
It goes without saying that not all mobile home remodels are one-size-fits-all. Larger mobile homes, such as double-wides, may require more work during a remodel. This is simply because of its larger size compared to a single-wide mobile home.
But, that didn’t stop approachthemike and his family from remodeling their double-wide mobile home. From installing a new deck to touching up the trim and crown moulding, this mobile home remodel is one that you have to see to believe. They even replaced flooring that had been damaged by a faulty water heater.
The exterior of the home post-remodel is where things really get interesting. They fully repainted the mobile home exterior and added all-new skirting. Fun fact: in installing that new deck we mentioned, it took Mike and his family several THOUSAND screws – and a broken drill along the way – to get the job done.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
Taking A Mobile Home Apart And Putting It Back Together
Some DIY aficionados that remodel mobile homes may choose to completely replace everything. The doors, the windows, the walls, the whole shebang. That’s exactly what the folks over at DIYfferent did with their recent mobile home remodel.
They turned a fixer-upper mobile home into a modern beauty by replacing everything they possibly could. This included the siding, the roof, and even some of the wood within the home’s walls. Their goal, they said, was to make a home that they liked themselves, without the hangups of professional interior design.
“Everybody’s gotta do their own thing,” DIYfferent host Doug says in his video.
That said, their mobile home makeover certainly looks the part of being a professional job, with beautiful white siding and an all-new shingle roof that shines thanks to some stellar tree removal.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
Cooking Up A Kitchen-Focused Mobile Home Remodel
The kitchen often gets the most attention during a mobile home remodel, and for good reason. It’s the room you spend a LOT of your time in. Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and more. So, when going through a mobile home remodel, you may be giving extra thought to how you can spice up your kitchen.
Let LifeWithDanie’s manufactured home kitchen remodel give you some inspiration. After taking out their old cabinets and wallpaper, they gave the kitchen an all-new modern look with sleek white cabinets.
One of the highlights of their mobile home kitchen remodel are the countertops. Their old countertops were replaced with a marble-style countertop finish, complementing the white cabinets quite nicely. The added lighting fixtures are also a great touch hanging over the new kitchen island! You can check it all out by checking out the video below at the 2:18 mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuWMuY9mbww
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
Remodeling A Mobile Home From The 1960s
If you’re remodeling a mobile home built before the HUD Code was enacted in 1976, you may have some extra considerations to think about. You may need to revamp some things so that they’re HUD Code compliant. Or, you may have to replace some hazardous materials that are in your home.
YouTuber LittleLyman took a mobile home built in the 1960s and saved it from demolition within the park that he manages. This involved taking up some of the flooring that had been rotten through, as well as a full kitchen remodel. A new sink, countertops, and cabinets, along with all-new appliances, help bring this mobile home to life!
After plenty of hard work and “a few dozen coffees” (in LIttleLyman’s words), his mobile home is looking like the cream of the crop. If you’re getting ready to remodel a mobile home, LittleLyman’s remodel is a great example of how you can turn the old into new.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
Remodeling A Mobile Home For Your Family
Families that live in mobile homes should have a home that’s clean, upscale, and modern. So, a mobile home remodel for families is one way to get there. This may involve laying down new flooring that’s stain-resistant or upgrading your furniture for those family movie nights.
Rachall and her family over at Johnson Branch Farm recorded their experience as they remodeled their single-wide mobile home over the course of a year. The results were quite stunning, to say the least.
Along the way, they found new methods of repurposing old furniture for their family, too. For example, old cabinets turned into storage units for remotes and DVDs. The bedrooms were remodeled with the future in mind, too. Her daughter’s room has a subtle, neutral tone that allows for new design ideas as she grows older.
Are you getting ready to move into a mobile home with your family? If you are, then this mobile home before and after remodel video is a must-watch.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
A Full-Scale Remodel That Turns A House Into A Home
Sometimes, a mobile home remodel may need to be extensive. An extensive mobile home remodel may involve installing new drywall, repairing any damage from smoke, or completely replacing all of the furniture.
In 2021, lifestyle and thrift haul influencer Little Blessed Nest documented her and her dad’s journey completely remodeling a 1988 single-wide mobile home. After purchasing the home for just $1,000 and moving it for another $2,500, they got to work completely replacing the drywall, flooring, furniture – everything. To them, starting from square one made the most sense, especially since they bought the home at such an affordable price.
The end product is simply beautiful, from the paint job to the new flooring installed throughout. Little Blessed Nest’s remodel is one of the best ways we’ve seen to remodel a mobile home on a budget, all while highlighting the affordability and quality of mobile home living.
The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.
If you’re asking yourself, “Can I remodel a manufactured home?” Know that the answer is a resounding YES. We hope that these videos have given you some mobile home remodel ideas as you get ready to start your own projects.
If you need parts and supplies for your mobile home remodel project, we’ve got you covered there, too. Head to our Parts & Supplies page to get what you need to help preserve and improve your home value. From skirting, to doors, to furniture, to kitchen and bathroom remodeling supplies, our Parts & Supplies page is destined to be your one-stop shop for all things mobile home remodeling.
What if you’re getting ready to sell a mobile home that you just remodeled? With MHVillage, you can sell your home on the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. Give us a visit today to get started!
Mobile Home Fixes You’d Need To Call a Contractor For
Often, we’ll give advice on how to go the DIY (do-it-yourself) route for various mobile home repairs. This can go for small repairs, such as fixing your countertop or adding an appliance into your home. Or, if you have the right know-how, you could take on a skirting or roof repair on your own.
However, there may be times where you need to call a professional mobile home contractor to handle certain projects. They can be repairs that you don’t feel equipped to do yourself, or some that should never be done on your own.
Here are just a few examples of work that you’d want to call a contractor for:
Major remodeling work inside your home, including but not limited to cabinet installation or laying down a new hardwood floor.
Repairing your mobile home exterior. This can include the roof, siding, skirting, or any landscaping work.
Repairing your electrical wiring, circuit panel, or other electrical work.
Finding a Mobile Home Contractor or Carpenter
A mobile home contractor or carpenter can take on a number of different jobs around your mobile home. Whether it’s re-flooring your kitchen, installing new cabinets throughout your home, or a roof installation, there are a few different ways to find a professional to help out.
The first is to do a search online for “mobile home contractors near me” to find professionals that specialize in the work that you need done. Running a search for “hardwood flooring mobile home,” followed by the state or city you live in, can also net you plenty of results.
You can also go through a website such as Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor. These websites aggregate contractors across all different kinds of specialties that operate in your area. This gives you plenty of options when you’re looking for a mobile home contractor.
Or, you could check with your community management to see if they have any recommendations. In some cases, a community will handle calling out a contractor for you.
For any contractor that you find – including a plumber or electrician – you should try and find one that works with manufactured homes. If they have a website, look for a bullet point about servicing manufactured homes. Or, give them a call and ask if they service manufactured or mobile homes.
Finding a Mobile Home Plumber
Maybe you need a new mobile home water heater. Or, you want to remodel your bathroom in a way that necessitates moving the sink and toilet to a different part of the bathroom. In any case, it’s easy to find mobile home plumbers near you.
It’s important to make sure that the mobile home plumber you hire has strong reviews. Wherever possible, when you’re looking for mobile home plumbers, look for those that have more than four stars out of five (or eight points out of ten, if they’re rated on a scale of one to ten). You want someone that’s high-quality in their work, so avoid cheaping out for a plumber that doesn’t have good reviews.
Of course, this piece of advice goes for any contractor that you would hire, not just plumbers.
You can also use Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor (linked above) to find plumbers, too. Just make sure that they service manufactured and mobile homes before you call them out to your home. Otherwise, you may have to pay a service fee or consultation fee for a service they cannot render.
Finding a Mobile Home Electrician
Electrical work in your mobile home is something that you should never try and do on your own. Major electrical repairs should ALWAYS be handled by a professional due to the dangerous nature of the repairs, even for minor work such as installing a new power outlet.
To find a mobile home electrician, you could start on those websites that we listed earlier, as they offer easy ways to find electricians as well. Not only that, but the electricians that promote on those websites usually have to be highly rated and properly licensed and insured to perform electrical work. This means that you’ll have plenty of peace of mind the next time you want to install a new light fixture.
If you live in a mobile home park, your management staff may have a recommendation for an electrician. They may even have one on speed dial that helps service that community specifically. If you also need plumbing work done, they may be able to help you there as well.
Check With Your State Association, Too!
Whether you need a mobile home contractor, plumber, or electrician, there’s one additional source that we recommend checking out: your state association for manufactured housing.
Your state’s manufactured housing association may have recommendations on their website for professionals across the state that can work on any project in your home. This is a great resource because you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have options for your project from a professional that you know works with mobile homes specifically.
In some cases, you may need to move your manufactured home completely. You may do this if you’ve bought land that you’d like to move your home to, or if you’ve bought a manufactured home, but want to move where it currently sits.
In either case, you’ll need to contact a professional to help move your mobile home. You CANNOT move a mobile home yourself.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find professional contractors that can help do the job. MHVillage’s directory of mobile home movers has contact information for movers all over the country, meaning you can find someone to get it done no matter where in the country your manufactured home is.
Of course, there may be times where you’d rather sell your mobile home and leave the repairs to the buyer. In this case, we have a recommendation for you.
The best option would be to sell your mobile home through MHVillage, the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting mobile homes. Over 25 million people visit MHVillage annually, meaning you’ll potentially have thousands of eyeballs on your listing on any given day.
And, because MHVillage is exclusively for manufactured and mobile homes, you won’t worry about having to compete with other types of real estate for views.
Or, if you’re interested in buying a manufactured home on MHVillage, you can do that too! MHVillage offers multiple search criteria, such as location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and homes for rent or for sale by owner (FSBO). All of these search options help to make your mobile home search that much more successful.
Heads up, Southeast Michigan! The Novi Home Show will host six stunning manufactured homes for public display at the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA)...
This weekend, October 7th through the 9th, 2022, is your opportunity to tour six model homes as part of the Manufactured Home Showcase.
The Showcase,...
