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12 Mobile Home Upgrades

Since the 1950’s, mobile homes have been providing inexpensive housing across the U.S. The modern mobile home has come a long way since then, starting as small units with wheels, now they are “ten-wides” with permanent foundations. If you have an older model, or have noticed some wear and tear from years of living life to the fullest, upgrading your mobile home with the latest improvements is one of the best ways to make it last for years to come. We’ll go over some of the most popular upgrades available to a mobile home owner. 

If you're thinking of moving your mobile home to a new location, make sure that your company is using great commercial rear view camera systems for maximum safety on the road. Or,  if you're not used to your new carport yet, backup cameras on your cars can be a great upgrade to make sure you're not getting running into trouble while backing out into traffic, or into your spot.

What is a mobile home? 

Mobile homes are manufactured or mass produced structures. Sometimes known as a trailer home, house trailer, trailer, or residential caravan, they’re transportable, prefabricated structures, often placed in one particular location. Manufactured homes are often used for the gamut of living conditions. They can be vacation homes, temporary accommodations, mobile work spaces, or permanent residences. 

The great thing about manufactured homes is that they can be placed in a number of locations in a shorter timespan and with fewer expenses than it would take to build a brick and mortar home in the same location. This can make more locations viable residential options for more owners. Prefabricated homes are compact, affordable, and with the right touches, a lovely place to live. 

Mobile Home Upgrades

Many of the upgrades that apply to a fixed home often apply to a mobile home. You’ve got interior and exterior upgrades, as well as upgrades that increase comfort, durability, improve appearance, and overall make the entire experience more enjoyable. 

The appeal of prefabricated homes are their cost savings as prefabricated, modular structures. Since manufactured homes are mobile, weight is an important factor to consider. That being said, they are typically made from lightweight, lower cost materials that aren’t as durable as other building materials. This prompts owners to make upgrades to make them both more attractive and more durable. 

That being said, while choosing upgrades to a prefabricated home, it’s important that those upgrades align with the quality of the rest of the home. In other words, you don’t want to make too many expensive upgrades with expensive materials when the base of the structure itself is inexpensive. 

The four things to factor into choosing materials for a manufactured home are:

  • Cost
  • Weight
  • Durability 
  • Appearance 

 

Upgrade #1. A New Location

The first upgrade to consider making to your mobile home is one that can’t be made to a fixed home. As most homeowners know, location is key when it comes to choosing a home.  One of the benefits of a mobile home is the flexibility it provides. Instead of an owner having to choose between keeping a house they like and moving to a better location they can have both! 

While mobile homes aren’t meant to be regularly transported to multiple locations like an RV, they can be relocated to a new site. There a number of reasons why a homeowner may want to relocate their manufactured home to a new site:

  • More quiet area
  • Safer neighborhood
  • Closer proximity to amenities
  • Shorter commute to work
  • A nicer view than before
  • Better soil conditions for gardening 

Moving a mobile home to a new site can be a dramatic upgrade for inhabitants, and it is only one of many possible upgrades. If you do choose to relocate your manufactured home to a new site, make sure you do it safely. 

Tools like backup cameras and front and side cameras make moving large vehicles, trailers, boats, and other cargo easier and safer. Start browsing our inventory or get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.

Exterior Mobile Home Upgrades

Below are some of the most common upgrades made to mobile homes that people recommend to increase their lifespan and durability. 

Upgrade #2. New Siding 

Siding is cladding material to protect the exterior of structures. Improved siding increases the longevity of the mobile home, as many homes come with lower quality exterior siding. Prefabricated home siding materials include:

  • Vinyl - Vinyl siding is a popular choice for both brick and mortar as well as manufactured homes because it’s durable, cost effective, light, and can be attractive. 
  • Wood - Wood siding is another popular choice for both brick and mortar homes as well as manufactured homes because it’s attractive, durable and cost effective. It’s not as durable as vinyl siding and requires more maintenance, it is easy to repair if damaged. 
  • Metal - Aluminum or steel siding are durable, light weight, and cost effective. It’s a less popular choice for cosmetic preference, giving some people the impression of living in a “tin can.
  • Fiber cement - Made from mixing cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is heavier, and more durable and expensive than vinyl siding. Many people find it more attractive than vinyl siding. 
  • Brick , stone, or stucco - While these are traditionally attractive and high quality choices for brick and mortar structures, their weight and cost are not the most logical choice for a manufactured home.

When replacing a prefabricated home’s siding, homeowners may want to consider adding or replacing house wrap, vapor barrier, exterior sheathing, or backer board. When installed correctly, these products can increase your home’s lifespan and comfort. The added costs of these mobile home upgrades are a good investment because they can be easily recouped with lower energy bills and a studier home. You can learn more about prefabricated home siding options from Mobile Home Living

Upgrade #3. New Exterior Doors 

Curb appeal is important for mobile homes too!nA new door can be a nice way to spruce up a mobile home. Improving the exterior doors can also improve heat retention and overall security of the home. 

Upgrade #4. Porch or Deck Addition 

A deck is both an attractive architectural feature, and a usable space for entertaining. When constructing additions to the structure, make sure the materials and style match the rest of the home. 

Upgrade #5. New Roof 

You want to have a good roof over your head! Roofing options will vary depending on whether your roof is flat or pitched, as well as other specifications of the home. Mobile home roofing materials include:

  • Aluminum - Aluminum roofs are energy-efficient, lightweight, and durable. Aluminum cannot be used alone, and instead works with another material that works as an insulating layer.
  • Rubber- Seamless rubber roofing is an affordable roof over option that can be installed quickly by coating your existing roof with a thick layer of liquid rubber and then allowing it to dry. Rubber roofing is naturally waterproof and resistant to impact damage when properly installed. 
  • Membrane - An affordable option, thin sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) are bonded to the original roof. All three materials create a watertight seal, and they vary in composition and longevity. 
  • Asphalt shingles - A layer of asphalt or composition shingles can be applied to a pitched mobile home roof. They’re durable and cost effective, but also heavier than other options. 

It may be time to consider getting a new roof if you notice leaks, water damage, mold, or an increase in energy consumption. 

Energy Efficient Upgrades

One of the best things to do to a mobile home is increase its overall efficiency. Not only does this pay in cost savings, it’ll also increase the overall comfort of the home. Here are the best and most common upgrades:

Upgrade #6. Insulation 

Insulation is important to home to keep it cool in the warm weather, and warm in the cool weather. This increases comfort while also decreasing energy consumption, which saves you money. Insulation isn’t just for heat though, insulation can also affect noise levels. Many manufactured homes could be improved by replacing or adding insulation for increased efficiency and comfort. If you’re being bothered by excessive noise such as the wind blowing on the home, or nearby traffic or people, this is a good sign you may need additional insulation. 

Upgrade #7. Windows 

Windows are significant to a home’s energy usage, as well as its overall ambiance and comfort. Having many large windows can make a home feel bigger, brighter, and more open. Whereas fewer or smaller windows can make a home feel cozy and private. A lot of design goes into windows to provide proper insulation and a clear view. 

Windows can reflect sunlight, keep moisture out, keep hot and cold air in, and temper sound to regulate heat and insulate interior and exterior noise. New windows can prevent leaks, improve heat retention, and provide a nicer view. If your windows leak, are drafty, or sunlight heats the surrounding area, you should consider replacing your windows. 

Upgrade #8. Solar Panels 

Alternate energy is an increasing demand in the housing market. Solar panels can be installed on the roofs of mobile homes to reduce their utility bills. While some people don’t like the appearance of solar panels, they are becoming increasingly discreet. 

Interior Mobile Home Upgrades

Interior upgrades can be equally important as exterior ones for comfort, efficiency, and functionality. 

Upgrade #9. Lighting 

Improving the lighting in your mobile home can dramatically improve the interior living space. When there’s well-lit and tastefully arranged lighting, it can make the space feel larger, more comfortable, and overall make everything easier to see for everyone. Poor lighting can make a space feel small and dark, or be too bright and intrusive to your eyes. 

Upgrade #10. Cabinets & Countertops 

Cabinetry and countertops make a big impact on a room, both in form and function because they are regularly well within view and frequently in use. More cabinets equals more storage space. More counter space equals more surface space for tasks and displaying decor. 

Wood, laminate, and ceramic are durable, affordable, and lightweight countertop options. Stone countertops like granite, quartz, and marble are more durable and attractive, but also heavier and more expensive. 

Upgrade #11. Flooring

People don’t usually tend to think too much about what’s beneath their feet, but the truth is, flooring makes a huge difference in a home’s comfort, appearance, and even its health. Flooring options for a mobile home are the same as that of a traditional home:

  • Carpet - A lot of people install carpet for the warm soft feeling it adds to the room as a whole, as well underfoot. However, some people are bothered by the problems carpet poses in regards to sanitation and allergens.
  • Hardwood - Hardwood floors are desirable to most homeowners, though they can require more maintenance than other forms of flooring. Hardwood is not the first choice for mobile homes due to their higher cost. 
  • Tile - TIle is not the best choice for mobile home flooring because mobile homes tend to have a level of flex in their structure that can cause the tile to crack. If the mobile home was made with tile as the original flooring, then it can be replaced with another tile. 
  • Laminate -  Laminate flooring is very popular in many homes for a number of reasons, and it’s a great flooring choice for mobile homes. It’s easy to install (can be installed on top of existing flooring, which can also increase insulation), it’s affordable, durable, and can resemble hardwood floors.

When replacing flooring, be sure to check the condition subflooring to see if it needs replacing. Putting in new flooring to replace stock floors in a mobile home is an upgrade that can make a whole room more comfortable. 

Upgrade #12. Fixtures & Appliances

Light and plumbing fixtures can be thought of as the cherry on top of the sundae. They’re small details that can make a big difference since they’re commonly interacted with throughout the day. Matching appliances and fixtures can pull a home together for a cohesive and luxurious appearance. 

How much does it cost to update a mobile home?

Like anything else, costs vary dramatically based on location, size, materials, models, condition, labor, and many other factors. Manufactured home upgrades, renovations, and remodeling can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $50,000. 

The cost to move a manufactured home can range from $1,000 to upwards of $20,000. The cost will depend on many factors, including the condition of your home, the size, the distance of the move, and more.

  • If you’re moving your manufactured home less than 100 miles, it can usually cost less than $5,000. 
  • For longer moves, you can expect extra fees of $6 to $15 per hour for transport.

Camera Source for Your Mobile Needs

If you're using your mobile home as your headquarters while traveling frequently, or backing in and out of tight quarters, a back up camera can be a life saver. Having a high quality RV backup camera and front and side cameras is the best way to keep an eye on your entire home while repositioning or moving. We have an enormous selection of different cameras. Consider making your first upgrade a backup camera, and get some peace of mind. 


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