Modern homes offer the same comfort as site-built homes. They’re a great deal of flexibility since you can make customizations to your liking. Mobile additions are all about aesthetics and functionality.
With a bit of color or greenery, a porch or garden could enhance the look of your mobile property. It’s great to have extra rooms for entertaining guests or to move around. You can also get more space with an addition.
To make a great mobile home addition, you must put in a lot of time and work. It involves designing, planning, getting permits, and hiring qualified contractors.
If you want to revamp your mobile home or move into one pretty soon, keep reading for some helpful tips.
Things to Consider Before Starting a Mobile Home Addition
Adding on to an existing house may seem less expensive than buying a new one, but the truth is that it could cost just as much or even more. The best part is that you won’t have to move from home when making the addition. A reasonable budget will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
Also, remember that an addition should be a separate structure from the main home. Its foundation maintains stability and is easy to dismantle when relocating. Now, let’s get into the details of a mobile home addition plan.
Cost
Each house addition project has its own set of costs. The type, size, and style will all impact the cost. On top of that, enclosed sections, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, require more time and money to redesign.
Such upgrades require some plumbing, and you’ll need to engage electricians during construction. Decks, porches, and carports are much cheaper and easier to install. You can get a quote and a list of requirements from your local contractor.
An addition may not be the best option if you plan to sell the house. A potential buyer may not find it enticing, thus the reason for this. We all have different tastes. Above all, building a dingy extension loses the curb appeal of your mobile home.
Building Permits
Mobile home modifications require permits from local officials. You or your licensed contractor can seek these permits. This step is necessary for any mechanical or electrical work and the addition of new rooms, windows, and doors.
Before starting the construction process, check with your mobile home park for approval. It’s not unusual to find mobile home park managers limiting the number of detached structures in your neighborhood.
You might need site assessments to confirm that your property’s water, septic, and electrical infrastructure can support the addition. After completion, the state municipality will inspect the construction to ensure it follows plans and building codes.
Fire exits, air conditioning, and wiring should be on your checklist. It’s critical not to skip any of these processes. If you need financing or decide to sell, the requisite parties will need to see these permits.
Quality of Build
Mobile home additions should have a separate foundation. Each addition needs at least four-footers on each corner so there can be an even weight distribution. It’s best to hire a professional to help inspect for any mishaps.
You want to build a framing that’s as sturdy as that of the mobile home. This HUD guide illustrates more about foundations and support structures while making additions to mobile homes. There are also local building codes that manufactured homeowners must follow.
Sealing the entire addition binds it with your mobile home and prevents leaks. It closes all gaps that would lead to leaks and water damage. The same goes for roof additions. Your local electrical codes should help you pass all the inspections. Hiring a professional electrician is worth it when dealing with cords and sockets.
Safety
Anyone entering or living in a mobile home should feel safe. On purchase, a mobile home must have enough floor space to accommodate at least two exit doors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also recommends this.
Because a manufactured home can only support its weight, any additional space requires its foundation structure. Again, the reason for building the extension adjacent to the main house is to make sealing much easier.
It reinforces and makes the extension sturdy when moving. You should also expect no damage to the mobile home when dismantling it. The addition should maintain moisture-control ventilation and not interfere with the crawl space.
You must be careful not to void the manufacturer’s warranty when making upgrades. Be sure to inform them of any modifications you wish to make when placing your order. It’s best to avoid making more modifications, as the manufacturer will no longer be liable for any issues.
The 11 Best Mobile Home Additions
There are so many reasons a mobile homeowner would want an extension. Most people do it for space, aesthetics, and to avoid expenses that come with moving.
If done right, additions can bump up the value of a mobile home. Whatever your reason is, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Install a Deck
Installing a deck is a great way of increasing your outdoor living space. Adding a deck to a mobile house enhances the appeal of your home’s exterior. You could host more friends and family or sit outside and enjoy the view.
They come in all sizes and at very affordable prices. The process of installation is simple and quick. There’s no need to demolish any walls or build new ones in your house. Due to its high return on investment, it’s one of the most sought-after upgrades.
Guest Room Addition
Extra rooms are always appreciated when hosting a guest or housing a relative. As such, you may want to consider adding a guest room. Some mobile homes, such as single wide models, only have one bedroom.
Adding another room, perhaps one that’s master ensuite provides everyone with much-needed privacy. Building an extra room can be expensive and time-consuming. However, it provides more comfort without having to move to a double-wide layout.
Your mobile home footings must be sunk deep below the frost line before making an extra room addition. Attaching them will keep the home from shifting apart.
Add a Storage Room
Creating room for extra storage inside mobile homes isn’t a big deal. Some owners of manufactured homes struggle to find extra spaces to organize their stuff. You don’t need to add an extra bedroom if your budget doesn’t allow it.
Plus, if the square footage of your primary bedroom feels compact, ideas like having under-bed storage come in handy when looking for extra space. Ideas like Installing hooks, storage sheds, shelves, storage ottomans, and wall-hung cabinets make mobile home living functional.
Mobile Home Furnace
Heating a large home in a frosty location can be challenging. Furnaces and heat pumps are the ideal heating sources for units in mobile home parks. Most manufactured homes have a double-wide floor plan that accommodates a mobile home furnace addition.
All you need to do is follow the guidelines of your local building department. Apart from meeting the local building standards, the HUD recommends furnaces with a vented door that lets in airflow.
Add a Patio Cover
Mobile home patio covers are a perfect place to chill with your family. They add value to your home materials and are inexpensive. You don’t need a site-built home to add a patio cover or carport.
Before choosing the right patio cover, check if the support posts are firm. The anchoring to the ground should also be below the frost line footings.
Remodel the Interior
Many mobile homeowners end up remodeling their homes in the long run. It increases the resale value by a solid margin. Over time, you might want to remove the old plastic molding, change your door knobs, or adopt a trendy flooring concept.
Making interior upgrades doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to design an accent wall in the family room or replace the old laminate tops.
Opt for More Natural Light
It’s worth replacing the windows if your single-wide mobile home can’t access more natural light. Replacing older window models with a modern taste is also ideal for the overall aesthetic appeal. You can also choose to add a sunroom.
For a growing family, choosing energy-efficient windows makes a solid difference. You can block the heat that comes in during the summer and trap the heat in the winter. As a result, you get to save on heating bills.
Add a Flower Bed
There are lots of stunning landscaping ideas for mobile home parks. Each mobile home park has its set of rules. Some communities restrict the planting of trees. Therefore, it’s best to learn more about the limitations in your area.
You can enhance the appearance of your private property by designing a flower bed beside the steps leading to your front door. Flower beds are a spectacular add-on as they complement the texture and design of your home’s siding.
Drywall Your Mobile Home
Adding new drywall is a low-cost way to revamp your interior. It’s a great home addition if the walls of your single-wide mobile home feel less appealing. Drywalls are more durable and don’t cost a ton of money.
Apart from walls, other important things you can do with drywall include designing the ceiling and shelves. Drywall cabinet designs are also easy to create and cost less than a typical one.
Garage Addition
Attaching a garage to a mobile home is pretty easy. Some builders of manufactured homes will make a provision for adding a garage, while others won’t. Garage additions scale the value of your manufactured home and create extra storage space for tools and appliances.
Unlike a completely separate model, reinforcing a garage addition to the ground and binding it with your home might need some solid planning. For this reason, it’s best to go for a detached model.
Choose Sturdier Siding Options
Using the right siding material is essential if you’re looking to boost the aesthetics of your mobile home. Most manufactured homes come with recycled vinyl siding, which is more affordable but thinner.
Siding would help fetch a better market price when looking to sell your mobile home. Siding options like fiber cement are costlier but more durable and come in various board sizes. Besides that, fiber cement is storm resistant, and its longevity is beyond compare.
Raise the Roof
Raising the roof pitch can breathe new life into mobile homes. Besides adding an artistic taste to your manufactured home, changing the roof pitch has structural perks. It’s a sturdy reinforcement against water damage and leaks.
Increasing your mobile home’s roof pitch can cost a lot of money if hiring a professional. It can be a fascinating DIY task for homeowners on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How much would a mobile home addition cost?
It all depends on the upgrades you want to make to your manufactured home. Hiring a professional will increase the final cost compared to making the mobile home addition a DIY project. It’s best to seek advice from a contractor before commencing any work.
How long does it take to add a room?
You can do a 1000 square feet room addition in about three months after obtaining all the necessary approvals. In most cases, a bedroom addition with a bathroom could be complete in three to five months.
Are there any guidelines for mobile home additions?
Check your lease and park management before modifying your home. Some parks need uniformity, while others are more flexible. According to the HUD code, none of the addition’s weight can bear on the original building. You’ll need to make self-support additions for your safety.
Can I live in my mobile home while the addition is being built?
Yes, you can live in your home while making a mobile home addition. They’re just two adjacent structures. Most of all, housework won’t begin until attachment and sealing are done.
Mobile Home Additions: Conclusion
Making additions to a mobile manufactured home is pretty common these days. Like typical homeowners, those with mobile homes can make upgrades to their living space.
The goal is to do this right by working with professionals, making a budget, and researching your options. It’s much cheaper making additions than moving. All you need to do is follow the local building laws and HUD code and check if there are any restrictions in your mobile home park.
The post Mobile Home Additions: Practical Ideas to Upgrade Your Manufactured Home appeared first on Homedit.
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