Can You Renovate a Manufactured Home and Increase Value

There is a common myth within the real estate community that manufactured housing is more akin to a car than a house - that it depreciates quickly and does not provide a good return on investment. While it is a fact that the market dynamics are different for manufactured housing than for traditional housing, the notion that one cannot appreciate the value of a manufactured home is simply not true. As a common destination for people searching for home renovation near me, we have witnessed the power of a good renovation to turn a dated home into a very attractive one.

Smart renovations are more than functional, as they can greatly enhance the ‘resaleability’ of your property. But the process is different for smart renovations than it is for a standard residential renovation. You have to consider the cost of the renovation and the resale value of the properties in your particular location. This is how we go about manufactured home renovation at Texan Home Additions.

Targeting High-Impact Areas

When it comes to planning any renovation, our advice is to always begin with the kitchen and bathroom. These are the two areas where you get the greatest return on your investment. Additionally, in manufactured homes' interior, the cabinets tend to be made of lower-grade particle board, which is not very durable. Upgrading to wood cabinets, or even refacing, is sure to give your space an instant makeover.

Additionally, we suggest upgrading light fixtures and hardware. In terms of actual renovations, replacing yellowed plastic sinks and faucets with updated stainless steel or brushed nickel options will not only be an affordable upgrade, but it will increase the perceived value of the home. Also, having the same quality flooring throughout living spaces will create the illusion of size.

Improving Curb Appeal and Exteriors

First impressions are very important. The exterior of a manufactured home has its own special attributes that are not found on stick-built homes, and that is skirting. A damaged or missing skirting gives the appearance of neglect to potential buyers. We recommend improving vinyl skirting with insulated faux-stone or brick panels.

Decks and porches are another great feature that can be added. Since manufactured homes tend to be smaller, it gives families more space when it comes to living outside. A properly constructed and treated wooden deck can be a great selling feature.

Emphasizing Energy Efficiency

One thing that the older mobile homes are criticized for is their inefficiency in the use of energy. This is an area that we like to upgrade. We often upgrade the window features by replacing the aluminum single-paned windows with dual-paned vinyl ones.

Insulating the belly or roof space is another invisible but worthwhile addition. Buyers are becoming more knowledgeable about the cost of use over the long term, and the ability to market the home as “energy-efficient” gives it an edge over the competition in the community.

Compliance with Regulations and Permits

Before taking up the hammer, it is important to have knowledge about the legal environment. The construction of manufactured homes is carried out as per federal HUD standards and not as per local building standards. This calls for special knowledge when making any changes to the structure.

One thing we always make sure to do is that any renovations we do are in line with local zoning ordinances. Some places have very stringent requirements as to what color one can paint the house, the size of the deck, and even the location of a shed. Failure to get the necessary permits can mean a fine, not to mention that one may not be able to sell the house in the future because of substandard renovations.

Picking the Right Investment

The possibility of raising the value of a manufactured home is definitely there, if you have a clear plan for the project. You should target the kitchen, bathrooms, energy efficiency, and exterior of the house to force the appreciation and make a house that is different in the market. If you have a project in mind and want to make sure you're investing in the right areas, you should consult our team at Texan Home Additions. Can you renovate a manufactured home? The answer is absolutely yes - with the right expertise and planning. 

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