How to Remodel Manufactured Home for Modern Style & Comfort
The perception of manufactured homes has radically changed over the course of a decade. Instead of viewing these homes solely in terms of affordable, temporary dwellings, we now view them as blank slates waiting to be incorporated into a more progressive makeover. As renovation specialists in home additions, including Houston room addition projects, we have witnessed firsthand how a renovation can transform a manufactured dwelling from a boxy, outdated property into a fantastic, personalized space compared to any other fixed home. The potential available in these homes with an open mind is staggering!
Planning Your Remodel
One thing, and it can never be emphasized strongly enough, is that good planning is critical to a successful renovation project. Many homeowners wonder, can you remodel manufactured homes? Because manufactured homes have a different construction setup than conventional houses, we have to be mindful of the construction parameters of our project and make sure that all our renovation work takes this into consideration.
While contemplating an open floor plan design, for instance, removing a wall in a manufactured home can sometimes impact the structural integrity of our project, and therefore, according to HUD specifications, different engineering considerations need to be applied in order to balance out the load factor. Additionally, getting construction permits on time is another consideration because different zoning requirements exist in different regions with respect to manufactured homes.
Interior Upgrades
Renovating the interior begins with working on the walls. The majority of existing homes have vinyl-over-gypsum walls with prominent batten seams that immediately make the space look dated. Our advice is to remove the seams and tape & texture the wall to a seamless, home-like appearance simulating existing construction.
If you’re wondering how to remodel a manufactured home, start by focusing on these foundational updates. After smoothing out the walls, our next step is to work on the floors. Often, we install luxury vinyl plank floors in all rooms of a residence because of their hardness, water-resistance, and capability to make a room appear larger when not using transition strips. The lighting in these spaces is another aspect in which major improvements will be accomplished.
Exterior Enhancements
Curb appeal is a critical factor in making a manufactured home appear permanent and substantial. Often, recommendations include updating the skirting first because cheap vinyl skirting can be an eyesore. Replacing this with stone veneer, brick, or insulated skirting will immediately make the home appear permanent and substantial. Then, consideration is given to creating architectural interest with additions such as a porch or deck. Installing a timber-framed porch or wrap-around deck will tie the home into the environment and eliminate the boxy appearance.
Painting exterior siding a high-quality, durable exterior paint in contemporary and earthy colors will update the exterior appearance. If you are searching for remodeling manufactured home ideas, these exterior enhancements provide the foundation for a more welcoming and lasting transformation.
Energy Efficiency
Our contemporary designs can definitely incorporate contemporary comfort, which is why energy efficiency is a part of every renovation project we undertake. When it comes to manufactured home remodeling, older pre-manufactured homes have a reputation for being notorious when it comes to energy efficiency, so our first step is to seal off the envelope.
Single-pane windows will be replaced with double-pane, low-E, vinyl windows to eliminate drafts and prevent noise transference. What’s more, our inspection will include analysis of the belly board and underfloor insulation, with spray foam or additional batts added if necessary to make them warm in colder months. A smart thermostat gives homeowners control over their climate control systems for efficient energy use.
Creating Lasting Value
Remodeling a manufactured home is not simply an addition to your domestic life; it can greatly increase the life span of your home. With a renovation, you can be creating true equity in your space. Perhaps you have visions of retiring in your dream home, but have not yet put your existing residence on the market. A renovation will show you that wealth and comfort do not come with a price tag attached based solely on how your property is constructed, but rather on how your home is lived in.
