Mobile Home Living

Category: Helpful Resources

A collection of helpful manufactured home resources for homeowners and buyers.

  • How to Seal Heating Ducts in a Mobile Home to Save Money

    How to Seal Heating Ducts in a Mobile Home to Save Money

    Sealing heating ducts in a mobile home with forced-air heating is one of the best DIY home improvement projects you can do.

    It’s fairly easy, doesn’t cost a lot of money, and has tremendous benefits. You can save a ton of money by sealing heating ducts in a mobile home!

    We’ll give you easy step-by-step instructions on how to seal heating ducts in a mobile home, why it’s so important, and other ideas that can save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

    Forced-air Heating Systems 

    Forced-air heating systems are very popular in manufactured homes. They work by forcing air over a hot metal heat exchanger and then blowing the warmed air through your heating ducts, or supply ducts, to each register in every room of the home. Most mobile homes will have their duct work in the flooring but there are some, especially in the South, that will have their ducts in the ceiling. We are focusing on the duct located in the floor.

    What are Heating Ducts?

    Heating ducts, or just ducts or duct work, is the galvanized sheet metal formed in a rectangle under your home. Short pieces are snapped together to create a long tunnel that carries heated air (or cooled) throughout your home to warm it. It’s the veins of your heating system basically. Ducts are usually made of very thin, pliable galvanized sheet metal. It’s lightweight and easy to form so it is perfect for mobile and manufactured homes. However, the qualities that make sheet metal so perfect also cause complications: it dents and bends easily. Watch this video to see how sheet metal becomes heating ducts:

    Why You Should Seal Heating Ducts in a Mobile Home?

    Sealing the ductwork under your mobile home is a fairly straightforward project.

    Holes and cracks in your underfloor venting increase drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. Sealing those holes and cracks and adding additional insulation around the duct work will improve your indoor air quality and reduce your utility bills.

    Sealing heating ducts in your mobile home can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

    Read how one couple greatly improved their mobile home by installing rigid foam insulation under the flooring.

    Improve Energy Efficiency, Reduce Utility Bills

    HUD’s Saving Money by Saving Energy book states the following about duct leaks:

    Leaky ducts are common in older manufactured homes and can dramatically increase heating and cooling bills.

    It is not uncommon for an older duct system to lose 20% of the heated or chilled air to the outside.

    . If your annual heating and cooling bills are $2,000 and your ducts are leaky, you could be spending $400 yearly to heat and cool the outdoors.

    Mobile Home Energy explains:

    “….duct systems, however, have not evolved. Downdraft furnaces, coupled with under-floor trunk lines and risers, are still the standard installation method, and the workmanship is often inferior.   The techniques for duct sealing described below are relevant even in newer manufactured homes. Sealing the ductwork may reduce heating bills by 15-17%.

    Even newer manufactured homes can benefit from sealing ducts. They can become loosened or damaged by transporting or settling.

    You can learn more about the benefits of sealing your duct here.

    Materials You Need to Seal Heating Duct

    You only need a few basic materials to seal your mobile home heating ducts. You will have most of the items and what you have to buy is affordable and easy to find in home improvement stores.

    • Mastic (water-based, in a bucket)
    • Paint Brush (1.5″ or so)
    • Utility Knife and/or scissors
    • Metal Duct Tape – foil or cloth-backed tape that works with mastic
    • Old clothes  (mastic is messy)
    • Gloves
    seal heating ducts-materials needed to seal heating and cooling ducts

    Source: Handymanhowto.com

    What is Mastic? 

    Mastic is the gooey grey stuff in buckets. It’s a great product for sealing heating and cooling ducts because it brushes on and stays flexible. The water-based mastic is easy to clean up and doesn’t create volatile fumes, so it is ideal for sealing ductwork.

    Look for mastics with a low flame spread and smoke-developed rating. For most jobs, builders want to ensure that the mastic they use is UL 181-rated. UL 181-rated mastic is more flexible, adheres better to ducts, and lasts longer than other mastics. (Source: HGTV)

    Mastic is preferred over duct tape or foil tape because it is non-hardening and doesn’t break down as quickly as tape. Its gooey properties make it easy to get the product into the cracks and holes.

    Mastic is a permanently flexible, indoor and outdoor-rated, gap-filling sealant that sticks to sheet metal, foil-faced insulation, wood, and most materials. Because it’s a gooey (like peanut butter) brush-on product, mastic conforms to any shape and contour.

    For long-term duct sealing, mastic is superior to metal foil HVAC tape. (Source: HandyManHowto.com)

    But What About Using Duct Tape?

    Duct tape has the words duct and tape, so it seems perfect to tape ducts, right? Technically, it can be used to seal ducts, but it isn’t going to last.

    Duct tape is just a temporary fix to seal ductwork.  When it first goes on, if applied meticulously and thoroughly, it will seal the leaks.  Then, it will deteriorate over time.  Duct tape does not expand and contract with heat.  As the ductwork expands and contracts with the flow of heat, the duct tape will be repeatedly stretched and relaxed until it falls apart.  In the process, the tape and its adhesive will dry out and lose its air seal. (Source: St. Louis Energy Saving).

    Consider Code and Regulations 

    Before starting any DIY home improvement project, it is important to consider your local codes and regulations. While sealing your heating and cooling vents is fairly easy and usually doesn’t require any structural modifications, your local and state laws may require inspections.

    Learn About Mobile Home Duct Systems

    One advantage of manufactured homes (among the many) is the simple placement of their heating and cooling ducts. Single wides with lengthwise joists have ducts running right down the middle of the home, directly under the flooring. Single wides with crosswise joists have ducts running down the middle of the home, but the ducts are usually under the joists, not directly under the floor. Both setups reduce the corner connections needed and allow the forced air to better reach every room. Double wides are two single wides joined together, so their ductwork will usually run down the middle on each side, depending on the joists. Here’s a diagram that I found in Saving Money by Saving Energy:

    seal heating ducts-Floor Duct Location in double wide

    Pay Special Attention to Crossover Ducts 

    Since double wides have two rows, a crossover duct, or branch duct, is used to connect them. This duct will need special attention to seal and insulate because it loses a lot of warmed or cooled air.

    Dealing with the Underbelly

    You will need to get above your plastic belly wrap, or underbelly, to reach the ducts. Cutting a straight line directly under the duct will work, and you can use belly wrap tape to tape it back. There are a couple of videos at the end of our article about installing foam insulation under your mobile home that will show you how to tape the plastic.

    Click here to learn how to tape your underbelly together. 

    Where to Seal Heating Ducts

    You’ll want to pay special attention to particular locations.

    • The trunk line itself should be taped at the corners.
    • The end of the duct work, technically called the termination cap, is an abrupt cutoff that forces the air straight up. This sudden change will cause air loss. You’ll want to tape all edges and add ample insulation on all three sides.
    •  The boot is an arm that opens the main underfloor vent up to each floor vent location. You’ll want to use tape (or mastic) to seal all edges and angles.
    • The crossover vent on double wides is an area you will want to be especially attentive to. It forces the warm air to make a corner turn. The smallest crack can significantly reduce the ability of the warm air to go where it needs to go.

    Below you can see the most common areas that need to be resealed in an older duct system:

    seal heating ducts-Common Duct Work leak locations

    How to Seal Heating Ducts

    You don’t have to be an HVAC expert to inspect and seal your mobile home’s heating and cooling ductwork. It’s a fairly simple system and DIY project.  Honestly, your biggest issue will probably be crawling under the home! Follow these easy steps for sealing heating ducts:

    Inspect For Large Holes and Cracks: 

    Once you get to the ducts, you’ll want to inspect them thoroughly. Look for large dents, cracks, or blockages. If there are large cracks or holes, you will need to give those areas special attention:

    Tape over large holes and cracks to reinforce the duct, then apply mastic over the tape.

    Clean the Surface

    Clean the joints on the sheet metal using a regular household cleaner and rag. Mastic bonds are better on clean surfaces.

    Apply Mastic

    Use your paintbrush or fingers to apply mastic to the joints or small cracks and holes. Don’t be stingy – goop it on and then spread it out. You’ll want a couple of inches of mastic on both sides of every joint. Using your fingers may work better since you can scoop the goop. However, remember that sheet metal has sharp edges so you need to wear protective gloves.

    Sealing the Boot:

    In the image above, you’ll see the boot. The Boot is part that connects your register/vent in your floor to the main truck line. You want the entire area sealed so no cold air from under your home can mix with the heated air. Hear’s what it should look like:

    seal heating ducts-Sealing the boot - register in your home

    Inspect the duct’s interior and remove all objects that have fallen into the duct.  Scrape and vacuum out the duct, then scrub it down thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and a rag. 

    • Use a good respirator when using alcohol.  Washing down the dirty metal ensures that the sealing materials will adhere to the duct when the metal is clean and dry. Tape all seams and joints with approved foil-faced butyl tape. 
    • Do not use “duct tape,” which is an inferior product and will fail over time.  Tape all sides of the bootup and over the edge of the subfloor. 
    • Staple that tape to the subfloor.  Then, use approved mastic to coat all seams and edges of the tape.  Let the mastic dry and replace the register cover. 
    • If the register has movable dampers, remove them with a plier or replace the register with an open cover. (Source: Mobile Home Energy)

    Sealing the Crossover Vent:

    The flexible duct between the two trunks on a double wide must be carefully sealed. You’ll want to seal the two connection points and the duct itself. The image below shows how to seal the connection points – you can reinforce them with tape too.

    seal heating ducts-mastic seal of duct work

    Sealing the End of the Ducts:

    The abrupt end of the main trunk lines causes issues in forced air heating systems. You’ll want to add fiberglass (or foam) insulation to decrease air loss.

    Roll up a 12-inch fiberglass batt and place it in a kitchen-sized garbage bag.  Stuff this “poly bag” down the register boot and into the main trunk line just past the boot.  Then use your butyl tape to create an airtight barrier.  Coat this new duct barrier with mastic. (Source)

    Solve Condensation Issues By Insulating Ducts

    In addition to sealing your ductwork, you may want to wrap them with insulation. If you see water pooling at the bottom of a vent, you likely have condensation due to poor duct insulation. The warm air heats the sheet metal duct up. If the exterior of the duct is surrounded by cold air you will get condensation. Condensation can affect the warm air that you paid good money to get. Mobile Home Repair (a very informative blog) shows a great image and describes how to insulate your ducts:

    The picture shows an ideal situation where you have access completely around the ductwork. This is not always the case. You can wrap all of the ductwork that you can and then staple the insulation to the floor or joists in a cradling fashion.seal heating ducts-how to insulate heating ducts

    Source: Mobile Home Repair

    Helpful How-to Video About Sealing Heating Ducts

    https://player.vimeo.com/video/29172212″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen” width=”500″ height=”281″ frameborder=

    This next video is very informative. It isn’t specifically for mobile homes but our ducts are made from the same material so it’s all relevant.

    Other Ways to Reduce Utility Costs

    • Insulate around your water heater
    • Use a programmable thermostat
    • Replace your furnace filters regularly

    Thank you so much for reading Mobile Home Living!

    Resources:

    1. EESI: Energy Use in Mobile Homes (PDF) A Challenge for Housing, Energy, and Climate Policy June 2009

  • Learn about Manufactured Home Installation and Setup

    Proper manufactured home installation and setup is vital to your home’s health. Simply put, there is nothing more important than having your manufactured home installed and setup correctly and keeping it level.

    Improper installation will result in serious damage. The stress on one small part of the structure impacts the entire home. The home will age quicker and the stress causes warping and bowing. After a short time has passed, the homeowners will begin experiencing issues such as leaks and it just goes downhill from there. Unfortunately, by the time the minor issues pop up major damage has been done to the home and it can be expensive to repair or correct the problem.

    Education and inspection are the two best defenses against improper manufactured home installation and setup. If a homeowner understands the installation process and is able to ask the right questions they can ensure it is done correctly.

    mobile home manuals - installation and homeowner manuals for popular mobile and manufactured home models
    Source: Clayton Homes

    Manufacturer’s Home Manual

    Regarding manufactured home installation and setup, the builder’s instruction manual shall trump all others.

    Think of the national HUD standards as being the base regulations. Their standards are nationwide, but each state has its own (possibly) higher standards based on its average soil and climate environments. The manufacturer’s installation manual will meet all HUD standards, but it is usually much more detailed and will have higher regulations, so it should always be followed.

    Click here see for our Directory of Mobile Home Manuals.

    The manufacturer’s installation manual will provide details and specifications to meet HUD standards and is usually much more detailed, so it should always be followed.

    HUD Regulation for Manufactured Home Installation and Setup

    Before 2009, there were few regulations or codes set on a national level to mandate or control manufactured home installation and setup procedures. Several states provided their own guidelines, but minimal standards varied and little to no checkpoints were in place. Thankfully, that’s changing a bit.

    Choosing the Right Installers

    Home buyers are often put in an awkward situation when it comes to installing their homes.

    Typically, a dealership will either have its own installation department or subcontractors or will recommend contractors. Since most home buyers aren’t going to know many installers, they will just use the one recommended to them.

    Don’t feel like you have to use the installers or contractors that the dealership recommends. By law, they have to see the home through to the very end regardless of which company does it.

    Take your time when choosing the installer for your new home. You just paid thousands of dollars for a home, so you need it installed properly to protect your investment.

    Many states require all installers to be licensed and bonded. Google search the name of your state and the term ‘licensed manufactured home installer.’ The search results should include a link to your state’s HUD agency (or relevant office).  Click here for a listing of Florida’s licensed installers. 

    You will need to check that the company you choose still has an active license (bonds and insurance are required -if they lapse, the license is no longer active).

    piers falling under a manufactured home - manufactured home inspection

    Manufactured Home Installation and Setup Terminology

    Learning the lingo and terminology used in the manufactured home installation and setup process is the first step in understanding the process and ensuring that you get your home properly set up.

    A  few common terms you should know (courtesy of the Florida Manufactured Home Setup Manual):

    Dealer Installers are employees or subcontractors of the dealership where you buy the home. In the US, manufactured home builders cannot sell a home themselves, and there has to be a middleman or dealer (there are a lot of loopholes where builders really are the dealers but through a different company or entity but still owned by the same corporation).

    A licensed Installer is an installer that is not a direct employee of a licensed dealer or builder. They must be licensed and bonded if state law requires it.

    Stabilizing Devices are piers, footings, ties, anchoring equipment, anchoring assemblies, etc. that support and secure the manufactured home.

    manufactured home installation and setup

    There are two main types of foundations, permanent and non-permanent.

    Permanent Foundations

    There are several types of foundations that a manufactured home can have. The permanency of the installation, chosen appearance, and the home’s location will determine which foundation is used.

    If a homeowner owns the land and has no intention of moving the home again, a permanent foundation is usually the best. This kind of installation allows the homeowner the ability to retire the manufactured home’s title and get the property classified as real property.

    The three main categories of permanent foundations are floating slab, roll-on, and pit-set. There’s also the basement and roll-on foundations.

    Floating Slab Foundations

    A floating slab foundation is a poured concrete pad with re-bar or J-bolts installed into the concrete so that the tie-downs can be attached to them instead of Helix Anchors.

    The concrete floating slab foundation is usually only 6 inches thick, but due to the way the concrete is formed and shaped, the home can move along with the slab when the ground freezes, avoiding the possibility of cracking the foundation or damaging the home. There is a variable to the single floating slab foundation where two strips of concrete are used instead of one large slab.

    Roll-on Foundation

    Roll-on foundations are used when a homeowner wants the home to be even with the ground level. A deep foundation is dug out, and reinforced walls are poured so that the home looks as if it is sitting directly on the ground.

    manufactured home installation and setup - Placing a Manufactured Home Over a Full Basement

    Pit-set Foundation

    A pit-set foundation is similar to a floating slab, except the slab is poured one or two feet below ground level, and walls are poured around the perimeter of the foundation to be even or slightly higher than the ground level. This creates a completely enclosed foundation.

    Basement Foundation

    Basement foundations are self-explanatory. A full or half basement is built under the home. This single wide is installed over a basement foundation. You can read more about that home here and here.

    manufactured home installation and setup - single wide over a full basement foundation

    Non-Permanent Foundations: Pads and Footings

    For non-permanent foundations, there are two main choices, pads and footings.

    A surface set pad foundation uses cinder blocks on level ground.

    A pier footing foundation system consists of several re-bar reinforced concrete columns that are poured to set directly under each pier or block set of the home. These columns may or may not meet the frost-line depth for that location.

    The size of the foundation is determined by the soil bearing capacity and the size of the pad. Each state will have a minimum foundation pad size and will state what material the pad can be constructed with. For instance, Florida’s smallest pad size is 16”x16” and can be made of concrete or plastic; wood is unacceptable.

    The size of the foundation determines the pier spacing and the amount of weight that each pad can carry. The manufacturer’s installation manual will provide additional information on proper pad sizes. Below is a footing pad diagram from a Skyline Homes manual:

    manufactured home installation and setup - footing pads for manufactured homes

    Support Piers

    Site-built homes have stem walls on the outside, directly under the exterior walls. Manufactured homes have piers positioned under the chassis.

    Piers are made of steel or concrete. There are three main support areas on a manufactured home: the frame or I-beam, the center line, and the outside perimeter.

    Perimeter piers must be centered under the I-beam and at the marriage line if the home is multi-section. The spacing of the piers must be carefully calculated by the installer. The block plan discussed earlier is used to determine this spacing.

    There are various rules regarding the different piers. Clearance, pier height, single vs double stacked blocks, shims, and many more guidelines must be followed. The homeowner should research to know the specific rules for the home type and the location.

    Blocking Plan

    A blocking plan will be included with each home installation manual. It will be similar to the one below:

    single wide mobile home blocking plan

    The illustrations below portray the various types of piers and footings that a manufactured home can have.

    Manufactured Home Piers And Footing Installation X

    Note: If a double interlocked pier is filled with concrete, it can usually be used up to 80 inches in height.

    Blocks Under A New Manufactured Home W Straps
    Source: Unknown

    Steel pier and frost line footer:

    Steel Pier And Frost Line Footings W Text X

    An illustration showing the difference between perimeter piers and center-line piers:

    Perimeter and Center Line Piers for Manufactured Homes

    Anchors and Tie-Downs

    Anchors, or tie-downs, are used to anchor the home’s frame to the earth or the foundation.

    Improper anchoring or tying down homes is the main reason we see so many homes on their sides on the weather channel. It is not the home itself but the lack of tie-downs or anchoring systems used on the home.

    If a new manufactured home is correctly tied down, it can withstand over 110 mph winds.

    Screen Shot At A M
    Source Unknown

    Types of Anchors and Tie-Downs

    Ground Anchor – any device approved by the DMV that is used to secure a manufactured home to the ground to resist wind forces. Ground anchors are rated by working load, which is the maximum load for design purposes. The ultimate load is the working or design load multiplied by the safety factor of 1.5.

    Frame Tie or Tie Down – any device or method approved by the department and used to secure the mobile/manufactured home or park trailer to ground anchors to resist lateral wind forces.

    Underbelly And Blocks Under A New Manufactured Home With Tie Downs
    Source: Unknown

    Vertical Tie – any device or method approved by the department and used to secure the mobile/manufactured home or park trailer to ground anchors to resist vertical or uplift forces caused by the wind.

    Over-Roof Tie – any device approved by the mobile/manufactured home manufacturer or listed by the DMV to be used to secure the manufactured home to ground anchors to resist wind forces. Ties may be installed over metal roofs.

    Waynes Mobile Home Service
    Source: Wayne’S Mobile Home Service

    Hire a 3rd Party Inspector 

    The most important advice I can give you is never to sign anything until the home has been completely installed and inspected by a 3rd party that is not affiliated with the dealer or the installer.

    Hiring an independent inspector will cost you a few hundred dollars, but it is money well spent. Only after they have inspected everything should you sign anything.

    Learn how to paint metal siding on a mobile home here. 

    Annual Checks Using a Water Level

    A manufactured home should be re-leveled at regular intervals. Homes with complicated foundations or that are high off the ground should be checked annually for the first few years to ensure that settling or shifting hasn’t occurred.

    Less complicated installations can probably go 18-24 months between checks. A water-level costs around $50 on Amazon, but you can make your own. Here’s an entire article about leveling a mobile home (and making a water level).

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, manufactured home installation and setup is one of the most important issues you face as an owner.

    Most issues that occur to manufactured homes can usually be traced to a home that’s unlevel or was not properly installed.

    As always, thank you so much for reading Mobile Home Living!

  • Inheriting a Mobile Home

    Inheriting a mobile home can be a trying time for families. Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult enough on its own – add the complexities of state government offices, needlessly difficult laws, and the typical misinformation that surrounds mobile homes, and you have a recipe for disaster.

    We’re going to try to simplify the process of inheriting a mobile home in this article. We’ll cover the most common terms and definitions you should know about wills and inheritances, as well as the most basic laws that affect your wallet when inheriting a mobile home.

    Basics of Inheriting a Mobile Home


    Mobile and manufactured homes can be classified as either real property or personal property. The classification affects the inheritance process.

    Another factor that affects the inheritance process is whether the home is paid off or still financed.

    Real Property


    To be classified as real property, the mobile home must be permanently installed to the land using the rules and regulations of your state.

    Once the mobile home has been deeded as real property, you must follow your state’s real estate probate law.

    Personal Property

    If the mobile home is in a park, it will almost always be classified (and taxed) as personal property. However, being in a park will complicate things. You will need to get the park’s permission to move in, rent it out, move it out, or sell it. It’s smart to hire an attorney for these situations.


    A mobile home is classified and titled as personal property with a value of $10,000 or less (in most states) it will typically be handled just like a vehicle.

    Advantages and disadvantages of classifying a mobile home as personal property - inheriting a mobile home

    If the home is classified as personal property


    Suppose the home is paid for, and the title is held in your loved one’s name only (and there are no other beneficiaries or heirs). In that case, you should be able to take the required documents (death certificate, etc.) to the DMV and have the title transferred to you just as you would a vehicle.

    If you’ve received a mobile home through a deed:


    If a mobile home is held in a deed, it should be fairly easy to be transferred to you without going through the probate procedure. Selling should be simple because your initials will be on the title (please double-check Texas last will and testament laws as it reads a bit differently).

    Have you received a mobile home through a trust?


    If a mobile home is classified as real property and held in a trust, it may be transferred to you immediately if the deceased person had a trust deed that states that you will inherit it after they pass.

    However, if the deceased left a spouse or minor children, you will likely need to go through probate to transfer ownership into your name.

    Should you keep, sell, or rent an inherited mobile home?
    After gathering the necessary financial information, assessing the home’s condition, and consulting with other parties, it’s time to decide what to do with the mobile home you’ve inherited.

    Several monetary, cultural, and market factors will affect the choice of whether to keep it, rent it out, or sell it.

    The estate may satisfy any outstanding mortgage. After that, you buy a house with no debt. The tax treatment varies based on how long you’ve lived there (at least two years).

    When you finally sell the home, you’ll be eligible for the current principal residence capital gains exemptions, which are $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for marriages filing jointly.

    Keeping a mobile home You’ve inherited


    Even without paying a mortgage, owning a home can still be expensive. Expenses like electricity, heating, property taxes, liability insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and normal wear and tear can have a significant negative impact on your finances.

    The financial impact of keeping an inherited mobile home:


    You will be responsible for paying for maintenance, fees, and other unforeseen costs of homeownership whether you make a mortgage payment.

    Tax liability of keeping an inherited mobile home


    Usually, you won’t incur any additional taxes by just inheriting a house, except the yearly real estate taxes you’ll pay as the new landlord.

    Selling an Inherited mobile home:


    Inheriting a mobile home isn’t always convenient, and a ‘free’ home isn’t always free. In many cases, it’s smart to sell the inherited mobile home.

    Of course, it’s vital that you get an expert’s advice for your particular situation before doing anything.

    Choose a starting offer by comparing it to those for similar adjacent homes. Make sure the previous owner had the insurance, that it is up to date and that the estate or trust is insured in case something were to happen to the home between the time of your loved one’s passing and the sale. Any mortgage payments, energy costs, and property taxes follow the same pattern.

    Remember that arranging for a property to be sold takes time if you intend to sell. You need to go through the entire house. A lifetime spent worth of belongings may occasionally fill all free capacity in the home.

    The financial impact of selling the mobile home


    You will be responsible for paying all costs related to marketing your home, including any required repairs, agent fees, staging costs, and closing costs.

    Tax liability of selling the mobile home


    If you fall inside a certain tax bracket, the difference between the home’s fair market value when you inherit it, and the sale price will be liable to capital gains taxes.

    Renting the mobile home


    If you do not wish to sell the property or move in, you could decide to rent the area. A monthly taxable income from renting is possible. That would be a smart move if the residence’s owner was nearing retirement.

    The financial impact of renting the mobile home


    You must first prepare the house for rental purposes. Then take into account expenses for property management, tenant gaps, and 24-hour maintenance assistance.

    Tax liability of renting the mobile home


    You will be required to pay property taxes like any other home you own. However, you can claim a tax deduction for maintenance and repair costs.

    Inheritance tax when a mobile home is inherited


    If you sell a property for more than you previously paid, capital gains taxes might well be owed. You might still owe taxes if you want to sell an inherited home.

    In addition, inheritance and estate taxes need to be considered. Only six states—Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania—impose an inheritance tax. Federal estate taxes apply whenever a family has assets worth more than $5.43 million. Political controversies and inflation cause yearly wide variations in tax rates.

    Surviving spouses are completely exempt from taxes. Estate taxes must be paid when a property valued at more than $10 million is transferred after death.

    Taxes are a factor in the purchase, sale, and rental of inherited property, but the kind and size of taxes you’ll be required to pay may vary depending on your choice and circumstances.

    Estate Taxes


    The new owner of the inherited property will need to pay tax on its market value. We recommend contacting a tax professional to discuss options for calculating fair market value.

    Capital Gains Taxes


    If you decide to sell your inherited properties for more than the current market value of the property, you must pay capital gains taxes on the difference between the sale price and the market value.

    There is one tax-related loophole that can assist heirs if they are willing to reduce capital gains somehow.

    ‘Raising the base’ prevents the heir from paying more capital gains taxes than necessary by limiting the tax liability of the heir to the assessed value between the date of the original owner’s death and the day the heir decides to sell the property.

    PS We are not financial advisors. Please consult a licensed professional for proper financial information.

  • Data Proves that Mobile Homes Can Appreciate

    Of all the lies about mobile homes, the one that upsets me most involves mobile home appreciation.

     
     
    Many, many people have been advised wrongly that mobile and manufactured homes never gain value or appreciate over time so their not a good investment.
     
    It’s not true and I want to clear up the misconceptions once and for all.
     

    Buying a Mobile Home: Return on Investment

    One of the main points of buying a home is to get a decent return on your investment and adding to your asset portfolio.
     
    Homes are usually your largest supplier of net worth and manufactured homes can supply that just as well as a stick-built home.
     
    There are many ‘real estate professionals all over the internet stating that our homes can’t gain value. Entire articles on popular real estate websites state the same misinformation but they are wrong.
     
    I have actual and relevant data stating mobile and manufactured homes can appreciate just as well as any stick-built home!
     
    First, let’s get the legalities out of the way:  I’m not a finance professional nor am I licensed in such matters. I cannot guarantee that your manufactured home will appreciate, nor can I guarantee a stick-built home can.
     
    There are too many variables in play. I simply want to make sure you have the correct information available to you and that the biggest myth regarding manufactured homes is put to rest.
     

    The Method of Calculating a Manufactured Homes Value

    First and foremost, the book value of a mobile home has very little to do with the actual market value. Those are 2 different statistics and are calculated in different ways. Data Comp describes book value as calculating ‘the average depreciated the retail value of a manufactured or mobile home.”

    They also go on to explain,  “The NADA Value Guide was a fairly accurate market value guide in 1975. Unfortunately, in today’s market, it can no longer be relied upon to accurately determine the local market value of a manufactured home.“

    A market-based appraisal is the same method of determining the value of a manufactured home as they use with stick build homes and is the only accurate way to gauge the total worth of the home. Data Comp is one of the largest appraisal companies in the nation and has estimated and appraised over 200,000 manufactured homes. The company’s data is sound and that’s where we will be getting our data for this article.

    The following is how Data Comp calculates a market-based comparable appraisal:

    1. Includes a thorough inspection of the home
    2. Researches recent, similar sales transactions in the local area
    3. Analyzes those sales in comparison to the home being appraised
    4. Produces an independent, expert, and unbiased opinion of value

    If you want the true market value of a mobile home, a market-based appraisal is the only way to get it. You can’t just go to a website or a book and look up the make and model of the home and get an accurate estimation.

    There are a lot of variables in play when it comes to any home’s value. Location, maintenance, and age are only the basics. Marketing trends are a huge part of the equation as well as current mortgage rates and even foreclosure rates (we’ll dig into the myths about manufactured housing having higher foreclosure rates at another time, just know that data proves that manufactured housing loans have a lower foreclosure rate than stick-built homes do, therefore the higher interest rates are uncalled for and shouldn’t be allowed).
     
    So how can anyone within the real estate industry state that manufactured homes never gain value? They can’t and if they do you should stop communicating with them immediately. It’s that simple. Either they didn’t research properly, they haven’t taken the time to understand the market or they simply want to keep you from buying a manufactured home.
     
    Manufactured homes are not perfect but they are a lot better than most give them credit for. They deserve to be looked at from a non-judgmental point of view and with factual data that’s specific to manufactured homes.
     
    buying a mobile home

    Buying a Mobile Home: The Proof that Manufactured Homes Can Appreciate

    Data comp Appraisal Systems looked at 185 manufactured homes in the state of Michigan. They compared the average sale price to the average resale price several years later.
    • 97 of those homes increased in value by an average of $2,985
    • The remaining 88 decreased in value by an average of $2,822. 
    So, more homes raised in value by over two thousand dollars than did not!
     
     

    Variables that Affect Appreciation

    Based on an analysis of 88,000 actual sales, Data comp found that there are specific reasons why some homes appreciate while others depreciate. The home’s location can affect the value by over 24%. In other words, manufactured homes that are sited on their own property are more likely to increase in value than those in a park. Still, with the surge in retirement, there’s a good chance that demand for mobile home communities for the 55+ age group will help keep the home prices at a consistent level which, in turn, can increase the value of the homes.
     
    The variables include:
    • The housing market, in which the home is located, will have a significant impact on the future value of the home.
    • The community, in which the home is located, has a similarly significant impact on the home’s future value.
    • The initial price paid for the home.
    • The age of the home.
    • The inflation rate.
    • The availability and cost of community sites, which reflects the supply and demand influence on the home’s value.
    • The extent of an organized resale network, where an organized network will usually result in homes selling for a higher price than in markets without such an organized network.
    When properly sited and maintained, manufactured homes will appreciate at the same rate as other homes in surrounding neighborhoods. 
     
    Don’t forget that there’s no guarantee for stick-built homes to appreciate either!
     
    I was reading in a forum the other day and out of 40 replies to a question, a lady asked about her mobile homes appreciation only 3 knew that the potential was there at all. The others flat out told her no, they couldn’t and wouldn’t gain value, period.

    The myth that our homes don’t gain value is simply not accurate. Yes, some manufactured homes can lose value over time but these statistics show that more gained value than lost. Stick-built homes can lose value too and the economic turmoils we have had in the past few years are proof of that.

    Thanks so much for reading Mobile Home Living!

  • Mobile Home Bathroom Guide

    Mobile home bathroom remodels can be difficult. There are several different types of faucets, sinks, counters, toilets, and bathtubs. The choices are endless!

    Do you need a pedestal sink or a floating sink? Should you buy a center set faucet or a wall mounted? Do you need to special order your bathtub?

    We’ve produced this mobile home bathroom guide to help you answer the most common questions and make the best buying decisions for your home and your family.

    Remodeling Cost and Value for a Standard Bathroom Remodel 

    A bathroom remodel isn’t cheap but they have a great return on investment. For every dollar you spend on the remodel you can expect to get around 70% back when you sell the home. In 2014, the average bathroom remodels (in a site-built home) cost $16,128 with a resale value of $11,688. That’s a good investment since you get to enjoy the new bathroom, too!

    How to Remodel Your Manufactured Home Bathroom)

    Standard Mobile Home Bathtubs

    There are a few different standard bathtubs for mobile homes: alcove, corner, oval, and whirlpool. In addition, there are several modern choices in unique shapes options. We’ll go over each one.

    The National Kitchen and Bath Association states that the average bathtub size in the US is 60″ x 30/32″ but that’s not the case with mobile and manufactured homes.

    Alcove Tubs

    Mobile home bathrooms with alcove bathtubs are a bit different from your standard site-built home alcove tubs. The standard tub in your mobile home is probably around 6″ smaller, both width and lengthwise.

    You have 2 options to combat the size difference if you want a standard bathtub: buy a bathtub specifically made for mobile homes or buy builder-grade acrylic tubs from a regular bathroom supply company and retrofit their products to fit.

    If you choose to buy from a mobile home supply store you will pay a bit more but the process of removing and replacing the tub will be a lot easier.

    Mobile home bathtubs are usually 54″ x 27″ and a bathtub at your local home improvement store is 60″ x  32″.

    It’s hard to find an additional 6 inches in an already small bathroom so buying a mobile home sized tub is probably easiest.

    before and after images of a complete mobile home bathroom renovation
    Before and after images of the $500 mobile home bathroom remodel.

    Corner Tubs 

    Corner tubs were very popular in mobile homes. They’ve been found in homes from the 1970’s to the 2010’s. Most of them are 54″ x 54″and run between $700-750 to replace. 

    Site-built homes have corner tubs that are usually 60″ x 60″. That 6″ difference strikes again!

    Mobile home bathroom - standard bathtub deminsions

     Source: Rempros

    Oval Tubs 

    Believe it or not, the standard mobile home bathroom with an oval tub is bigger than the average site-built home oval tub! Mobile Home Supply Store has two oval tubs, 64″ x 42″ and 64″ x 44″. Per About, the average size for a oval tub in a site-built home is 60″ x 41″. Score one for factory-built homes!

    oval tub in manufactured home bathroom - Casa Grande (12)

    Palm Harbour’s Casa Grande Model has an oval tub.

    Modern and Upscale Bathtub Choices

    If you are completely gutting your bathroom you can choose whatever tub you want in whatever size or shape you want. That’s one of the best perks of a total gut remodel.

    Whirlpool Tubs

    If you have a bad back or neck or just enjoy water jets a whirlpool is a perfect choice for you. These tubs have powerful water jets in the sides and bottom of the tub. They are complicated to install and have high maintenance needs. You will need have the proper electricity wiring available wherever you plan to place the tub. Luckily, whirlpool tubs are available in several sizes and shapes so you’ll find one that suits your space.

    Clawfoot Tubs

    One of the first bathtub designs was made with cast iron and had 4 awesome claw feet. The ‘feet were usually made to look like an eagle claw holding a ball. They have always been, and will likely always be a very popular bathtub design.

    Cloud Tubs 

    A popular new tub shape is the cloud tub. They are freestanding and look great in both small and large bathrooms.

    BathTub Materials

    Once you pick your tub shape you will need to put some thought into the tub’s material. There are 4 popular materials: acrylic, fiberglass, enamel-coated cast iron, porcelain-enamel steel. Each has pros and cons. Here’s a screenshot from Home Depot explaining how the materials are used to make a bathtub along with their pros and cons:

    bathtub material

    Yellowing of Mobile Home Bathtubs

    Factory supplied mobile home tubs are prone to turning yellow after a few short years. It is typically caused by poor UV coating. Many homeowners have had to spend hundreds of dollars to replace a bathtub shortly after the warranty expires so please make sure the bathtub you choose has sufficient UV protection and cannot turn yellow after a couple of years.

    Learn about the 3 best ways to repair and paint a yellowing mobile home bathtub here.

    types of faucets

    Mobile Home Bathroom Faucets

    Bathtubs choices are complicated but faucet choices are maddening! Faucets come in 5 varieties: center-set, mini-spread, single hole, wall-mount or widespread.

    Single Hole Faucets

    Single Hole Faucets only require a single hole to be drilled on the counter. They usually come with one or two handles attached to the main spout. These can be tricky to operate for the very young or the elder as getting the right temperature is only controlled by one handle usually. You can buy them with temperature limiting valves to prevent scalding. If you are transforming from a center set to a single hole faucet, deck plates are available and often come with the faucet. This allows the modification to remain stylish and covers up the additional holes that are no longer needed.

    Centerset Faucets

    Center Set Faucets are the most often used style in mobile homes.  The holes are drilled 4″ apart from the center of the holes. The water temperature is controlled completely through the handles as there are 2 lines, one for hot and one for cold and they are mixed together in the spout. They come in either 2 handles or 1 lever designs that are attached to the base. Their compact size is beneficial for small spaces.

    4″ Minispread Faucets

    4″ Minispread Faucets are also classified as center-set yet are a bit different. They have 3 separate pieces which give the look of a widespread faucet but you can still use the standard 4″ openings of a center set faucet. Each handle controls either the hot or the cold water. It’s mixed together in the spout.

    Wall-Mounted Faucets

    Wall-Mounted Faucets are exactly what they say they are: wall mounted. These are becoming increasingly popular for small spaces because they don’t require additional counter room for the faucet. They are perfect for the modern vessel sink. Make sure to chose one that is the right length for the sink you want. It should extend to the exact middle of the sink upon installation.

    Widespread Faucets

    Widespread Faucets come in either 8″ or even 16″ wide styles. The valves and temperature mixing chamber are below the counter. They are usually very large and should be used in the correct environment, with a large sink. Otherwise, the scale will be off and it will overpower everything in the room.

    The Right Faucet

    You can put any kind of faucet you want in your home, especially if you are changing out the counter and sink at the same time. If you are simply replacing a leaky faucet you should buy the style that fits the opening you have (most often its going to be 4″ center set in a mobile home). You can get a replacement faucet from a mobile home supply store for cheap or you can spend a bit more on a piece that really makes a statement in the room.

    If you are completely remodeling the bathroom, your options are wide open!

    Most recommend that you buy the faucet first, then the sink based on the type of faucet you’ve selected. You’ll also want to choose a counter. All new faucets should come with a template to help you place the holes in the correct spot.

    beach cottage bathroom mobile home

    Mobile Home Bathroom Sinks

    There are several types of sinks, too. Mobile home bathroom remodels are more complicated than most people think! There are 6 basic sink types: vanity top, console, vessel, pedestal, wall mounted, under-counter and countertop.

    Vanity Top Sinks

    Vanity Top Sinks  is a one-piece sink and counter combination. They are simply installed on top of a cabinet or as part of a complete furniture piece. They come in several different types of materials and sizes.  Easy cleaning is one advantage but the size and weight can be disadvantaged.

    Console Sinks

    Console Sinks are similar to vanity top sinks but they are often supported by 2 front legs in the front and wall mounting in the back. They are great for small spaces but there’s little to no storage space under the sink. They come in various materials and sizes. They are easy to clean since it’s one piece with legs.

    Vessel Sinks

    Vessel Sinks are very popular these days. It’s basically a decorative bowl that sits either on top of the counter or inside the counter, though the top installation is far more popular. Numerous materials are available although glass seems to be the most popular. You must choose the correct faucet for vessel sinks.

    vessel sink
    Wetstyle

    Pedestal Sinks

    Pedestal Sinks are free standing sinks with a base. You often have to buy the 2 pieces separately but that gives you an opportunity to get the exact style you want. There’s no storage under these but they are beautiful and simple. Plumbing is often exposed.

    Wall Mounted Sinks

    Wall Mounted Sinks are self-explanatory. They are attached to the wall and nothing else. They are often small in size and perfect for tight spaces.

    Under Counter Sinks

    Under countersinks are set under the counter. This allows the inside of the counter to be seen around the opening of the sink so it should be decorative or one solid piece such as granite. They are installed under the counter with mounting kits. These are very popular as well and are often referred to as under mount sinks. They come in numerous materials, shapes, and sizes.

    undermount sink
    Wetstyle

    Countertop Sinks

    Countertop sinks are the most popular style of any sink. The rim of the sink rests directly on top of the counter inside of a hole. The countertop material can be practically anything as long as it’s waterproof. Materials choices are numerous and they come in several sizes and shapes.

    Most mobile home bathroom sinks are set with clips placed under the sink opening. The parameter is sealed under the lip of the sink. Unscrew the clips and run a blade between the sink and counter and lift it out. Then replace them with whatever style you want!

    Try to get a replacement product that has a warranty and a good company reputation. Kohler Bathroom sinks are known to be good quality with a lot of styles to chose.

    Bathroom 6 - After Remodel 2

    Mobile Home Toilets

    I can’t really say much about toilets in mobile homes. They seem to stand up very well. Of course, the guts needs replaced occasionally but that’s the case with any toilet.

    Mobile home toilets are easily replaceable with anyone on the market. You have 2 basic choices; a regular toilet or a handicapped one. The handicapped toilets are higher and may be helpful if someone has mobility issues in the home. All toilets you buy today are going to be low flow which is good, we don’t need to use 10 gallons every time we flush.

    Replacing toilets is not complicated: turn the water off, empty the water out of the tank and bowl. Unscrew and lift. Anytime you move or replace a toilet you must use a new wax ring. It’s just not smart to reuse them (yuck!). There’a little more to it but the magic is in making sure it’s level. If it’s not level, you are going to have complications. Leveling brings me to the last section, bathroom floors.

    updated single wide-subfloor
    Replacing The Subflooring In A Mobile Home Bathroom.

    Mobile Home Bathroom Floors

    I believe subflooring is the most important part of a mobile home bathroom remodel.

    Every drop of water that is allowed to reach the flooring (meaning the sub-floor and joists under the floor covering as well as the insulation) can get damaged. It can rot and cause weak spots and swelling. Chances are within 15 years of buying your home you will need to replace the bathroom floors completely if the appropriate precautions aren’t taken.

    In the 80’s, some manufacturers had the bright idea to put carpeting in the master bathrooms. What a mess! If you have carpet in your bathroom or floating floor without a waterproof membrane under it, get it out. The mold growing under it is not healthy and I will guarantee that it’s there, you may just not realize it.

    In the 34 years that I have proudly lived in a manufactured home, I’ve been involved with no less than 5 total bathroom floor replacements. It’s not easy.

    Using a waterproof membrane will help keep the bathroom dry and allow you some peace of mind that you won’t have to do it all again.

    Designing Your New Mobile Home Bathroom

    Whether you have a lot of space or just a little, you need to utilize every inch. Here are some commonly used layouts in smaller bathrooms.

    If you are completely gutting your bathroom and love the modern look this is a great design.

    small mobile home bathroom remodels - small bathroom floor plan

    Summary

    If you’re ready to do a complete bathroom renovation in your mobile home, begin from the bottom and work your way up. There’s no sense in buying all the fancy new fixtures if the flooring isn’t protected. Factoring in sub-flooring and giving the joists a good inspection before you install anything is the smartest move you can make.

    Alright, that should get you started on planning your bathroom remodel. Good luck!

    As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!

  • Are Mobile Homes Popular in Canada?

    Over half the mobile homes in Canada are located in rural areas, but they are also found in towns and small cities. There are many people in Canada who live in mobile homes all year round. They are sufficiently insulated to be comfortable in the winter months. The mobile home market is thriving as many buyers want affordable, quality homeownership. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) label specifies the standards according to which modular and mobile homes must be built. 

    The difference between manufactured, mobile and modular homes

    When considering a home that isn’t built on site, the terms mobile, modular or manufactured homes are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of homes.

    From 1976 mobile homes were referred to as manufactured homes as they were built according to a higher set of building standards. Many people still tend to call them mobile homes. The term “mobile home” can be rather a misnomer today as many of them become permanent once they are on a foundation and mostly have built-on additions. 

    Canadian-built modular homes are built in multiple pieces and joined on-site on top of a solid foundation. 

    Affordable, quality housing

    Mobile homes give people the chance to own an affordable, comfortable home with many amenities. They are manufactured in the controlled environment of an indoor factory. The design and engineering have to be of high quality because mobile homes must be able to withstand winds as they are moved to the site on the back of a semi-trailer truck. 

    Mobile homes come in various sizes, varying from those of about 400 sq. ft. and all the way up to large double-wide models that are close to 1700 sq. ft. They usually feature full insulation and energy-saving features and have spacious floor plans and endless customization options. 

    Who lives in mobile homes?

    Mobile homes are a great option for young couples, middle-income families, and retirees. They can afford them because they’re paying for the home but not for land. A lot of retirees move from empty nest homes and into a mobile home communities. The reasonable price means they can live on their pensions and still have money for other priorities.

    Living in a mobile home is also a good option for students who arrive in Canada to further their education. Sharing a mobile home with a friend provides them with affordable accommodation. If students need help with writing a paper for college, they can check out the EduBirdie website. Professional writers from Ca.EduBirdie can provide them with a plagiarism-free essay written as per the academic standards required for any college or university coursework. They can learn from these quality examples of academic writing. 

    Mobile homes can be a good investment

    In 2018, there were approximately 190,000 mobile homes in Canada, and this number is set to reach about 200,000 by 2023. Many Canadians buy used manufactured homes that are already on a lot with a foundation. There are many mobile homes like this for sale. Ontario, Canada, currently has mobile homes for sale from prices like C$99,000 (518 sq. ft.) and up to C$725,000 (1,515 sq. ft.).

    Potential mobile homeowners can also choose to buy or lease a lot in a mobile home community, have a foundation built on it, and buy a brand new manufactured home from a factory. The manufacturers have nothing to do with the land, so it is the buyer’s responsibility to find the land. 

    The sale, transfer or purchase of a manufactured home is only effective if the transaction is registered. This protects a person’s investment in a manufactured home.

    Mobile home communities

    The ‘trailer trash’ stereotype still has some effect on the perception of mobile home communities, but this is fast disappearing. Mobile home communities are often situated in beautiful locations close to major cities. They usually have amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, community centers, and walking trails. Homeowners can also attend many different events arranged by management. As a part of their lease, homeowners have to maintain their homes to community standards. 

    Conclusion

    In Canada, the demand for affordable, high-quality housing is increasing all the time. Mobile homes provide a solution, and they are nothing like the mobile homes that existed in the past. They are built keeping in mind certain standards. They often have great features, customization, and efficient layouts. Mobile home communities are becoming more and more popular as they offer an increasing number of amenities and events for mobile homeowners. 

  • The Appeal of Mobile Home Land Packages to Real Estate Investors

    For the past few months when searching for our monthly homes for sale we have noticed more and more mobile home land packages on realtor sites. So, we decided to dig a little deeper and see why these types of listings have become so popular. What we discovered is pretty interesting. Turns out there is a big market for these types of properties.

    What is a Land Home Package

    If you are considering investing in mobile homes and aren’t looking to invest in a park, then a mobile home placed on land is the logical option. These land home packages can come in two ways, either with the home attached to a permanent foundation on the land and known as real estate or as the home listed as personal property and the land being the real estate. Either way, these types of packages can be real moneymakers.

    Why Are Investors Loving Them

    Investors are seeking out mobile home land packages for several reasons. The top reason is the number of options that they have to make money from them.

    • For instance, you can buy the mobile home and land together. Then RENT both the mobile home and land to a renter.
    • Another option is to buy the mobile home and land together. Then SELL the mobile home and RENT the land forever.
    • You can also buy a mobile home and land. SELL both for all-cash or bank financing.
    • Also, adding more mobile homes to your land will give you options for buying or renting the homes.

    Keep in mind, mobile home land packages don’t have to be only with new homes, you can also purchase used mobile homes already on land and remodel them and then use them to make money.

    Related: 5 Issues You’ll Need to Consider When Buying a Pre-owned Mobile Home.

    Take a Look at These

    It’s not hard to find land home packages if you know what you are looking for. Sites like Realtor.com and Zillow are always full of options that include either new or used manufactured homes. Just be sure to do your research and make sure that you are getting a good deal.

    A home listed by Stromberg Investment Group in North Carolina.
    mobile home land packages in texas
    Home listed on Realtor.com that offers options for the land and home.

    The bottom line is, if you are looking to invest in mobile home land packages, you can be very successful if you take the time to do your homework and know what you are looking to accomplish. Whether you want to buy used manufactured homes on land, rehab them then sell them or rent them, or you want to purchase turn-key new homes and do the same, the options are endless.

    As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • Landscaping Inspiration for Your Mobile Home

    Thinking of updating the landscaping around your mobile home? It’s one of the number one projects to update the exterior look of your home. With that in mind, here are some cool ways to update your mobile home yard and make it the envy of the neighborhood!  Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest board all kinds of landscaping inspiration as well.

    Related:  Adding a new porch with one of these 45 great designs is also a great way to change the look of your mobile home.

    DIY Pond

    Depending on the size of your yard, a pond can be a great addition to your landscape. And, believe it or not, it’s not as hard to install as you would think. Whether you are looking for a small pond with a few koi fish or a larger one with a waterfall included, it is something that A DIYer can accomplish with some hard work. We’ve even included one couple’s post about the project.

    This Look Has All The Elements Of A Great Pond.

    Backyard Fire Pit

    One of our favorite things to do is to sit around a fire pit. Nothing like relaxing around a fire after a long hard day! This excellent article from The Creativity Exchange gives you plenty of landscaping inspiration for your design!

    Since we’re on fire, don’t forget the option to barbeque! Watch the fire pit as you smell the delicious aromas of food cooking! You can find Weber and Coyote grill options with lots of features perfect for any size area. When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, cooking outdoors is perfect.

    Simple Fire Pit Design.

    Flower Beds Create a Gorgeous Landscape

    Flowers and plants are some of our favorite choices for landscaping. Whether its a border around the home or some lovely blooms around a tree in the front yard, the options are limitless concerning where you can add some color. We found this article that includes 27 flower bed ideas for your own home.

    Bush Of Colorful Calluna Plants In Pots In Garden Flower-Bed.

    Light Your Path

    One of our favorite landscaping inspiration ideas is these DIY glow in the dark stepping stones. Whether you are making your stones from concrete or merely using stones you have purchased, there is a compound that can be added to allow the path to recharge during the day to provide light at night. Pretty cool!

    Colorful Landscape Lighting On Beach Double Wide
    Light Your Path With Glow In The Dark Stones.

    These ideas are just a few that we love from online.  Other great ideas include a backyard sitting area, potted plants on the porch, or some decorative lighting to create a space that is all your own. We even have another favorite article about landscaping ideas from a while back. The key is to take what you love and add your sense of style to it.

    We would love to see your beautiful mobile homes and how you have added your own finishing touches to them. Comment below or send us an email so that we can share with our readers.

    Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • 5 Types of Mobile Home Communities and Their Pros and Cons

    When it comes to types of mobile home communities, they are definitely not a one size fits all situation. Today we are looking at 5 common types and the pros and cons related to each, and why a mobile home community can be a great choice for Seniors, families, and even 20 somethings looking for low maintenance living.

    Resident-Owned Communities

    There are many benefits to a resident-owned mobile home community. Just a few include:

    • Security against unfair evictions
    • A stronger sense of community
    • All residents have a say in how the community is run

    Also, a resident-owned community is typically run by a board of directors that are elected among members of the community. This makes these types of communities very popular simply because people living within the community are able to make decisions about the park and make sure that the best interest of its residents is met.

    It was tough to come up with any disadvantages of living in a resident-owned community, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own sets of challenges. Managing and maintaining a park is not easy. You have to be sure to prioritize projects, keep the residents happy, make sure that the community meets the standards of the city or county it is in, not to mention keeping the park full. However, the end result is worth it because the residents are the decision-makers so they are invested on making sure the community thrives.

    A resident-owned community in Massachusetts.
    types of mobile home communities alligator park in Florida
    Alligator Park in Florida is a 55+ community that is resident-owned.

    Family Friendly Communities

    A family-friendly mobile home park may offer perks that some types of mobile home communities may not. For instance, there may be activities centered around the kids in the community, and in some, there may be a community center, pool, and/or playground.

    Typically a family-friendly community would not be ideal for a single person or a Senior. If you aren’t looking for a home with lots of kids running around the neighborhood, you will want to pass on this one.

    This playground was recently added to a family-friendly park in New Jersey.
    Looks Pretty Darn Nice!

    Chain Owned Communities

    Chain owned or Corporate owned parks is fast becoming one of the most common types of mobile home communities. For example, Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS), owns over 400 properties across the United States and is the largest corporate owner among parks.

    Corporate-owned parks live most of the day-to-day operations to managers that are hired to maintain them. So, typically there isn’t much interference from the owners. However, some companies purchase mobile home communities with the sole intent of evicting tenants and using the land for other purposes. Or, in some cases, greed is an issue because it is a corporation, and they raise the lot rent excessively in order to pad their pockets.

    An ELS community in California.

    Senior Communities

    One of the most common types of park is the 55+ Senior community. These are particularly popular in retirement states, such as Arizona, Florida, or South Carolina. What is great about these communities is that if you are looking to live among people your own age, perhaps with similar interests, this is the place to be. You will usually find a community center for activities to keep residents active. Larger ones may even have hair salons, swimming pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bingo nights, dances, and more to keep residents busy and entertained.

    The biggest drawback to a Senior community is pretty apparent. In most of these communities, all residents must be 55+. Now there are some communities where if you are married, only one has to be at least 55 but those are not the norm. And that goes for extended visitors as well. So, if you have a family member who is young and needs a place to stay for a few weeks while they get back on their feet, they won’t be able to stay with you in a Senior community. That would be a definite rule violation!

    Shuffleboard Is Just One Activity That Can Be Found In A Senior Community.
    Looks like a pretty nice to retire!

    Luxury Communities

    One type of community that is largely overlooked in the Mobile Home world is the luxury park. These parks are exactly what you would expect, the homes are newer, more high end and the amenities are excellent. These are becoming increasingly popular to younger single people or young married couples who don’t have children. It is a great way to get away from apartment living but still be low maintenance.

    The biggest disadvantage of these types of communities would have to be the price. In this case you are definitely going to get what you pay for.

    Related: Luxury Mobile Home Communities Make a Statement in Malibu

    Looks Like A Pretty Nice View.

    These are just a few of the types of mobile home communities that are available for residency. There are also budget parks, pet-friendly parks, specialty parks such as ones around golf courses or waterfront, or ones focused on a particular lifestyle. No matter what you are looking for in a park, you can probably find it.

    What kind of community do you live in? Love it or hate it? We would love to hear your experiences. Comment below to tell us about it.

    As always, we thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • Finding Homeowner’s Insurance for Manufactured Homes

    Finding Homeowner’s Insurance for Manufactured Homes

    Manufactured homes are designed with the same perks as single-family homes and condos; the kitchens display granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, custom-built fireplaces, and other high-end finishes. Many models cost as much as a site-built home and once permanently installed are classified as real property so when you’re shopping for insurance for manufactured homes in the marketplace you have several things to consider.

    We’ll cover how to choose the right insurance company for your manufactured home and the coverage you should consider in a policy.

    Choosing the Right Insurance Company

    The popularity of manufactured homes has increased the availability of homeowner’s insurance and most of the major carriers have products to accommodate this market.

    Foremost Insurance

    One of the most popular insurance companies for a manufactured home is Foremost Insurance. They have been covering mobile and manufactured homes for more than 50 years and are a leader in the industry. I recently got a quote from Foremost for my own 1978 single wide home and the rates seemed reasonable. We are wanting to install a wood stove and our current insurer is going to drop our policy so I used Foremost’s website to obtain a quote with a wood stove. I also opted to insure our detached garage and building which was not an option with our current policy. Here’s the quote they emailed me a few days later:

    Foremost Insurance Manufactured Home Policy Quote

    An annual cost of $603 is substantially higher than our current insurance policy of only $230 per year but it covers a lot more with a lower deductible and allows us to have a wood stove.

    Please note: I am not being paid by Foremost and have no relationship with them. This is simply my experience in obtaining a quote. 

    Other Companies that Offer Manufactured Home Insurance

    I tried to get quotes from a few other insurance companies as well but all the others stated they could not offer me a policy. I suspect it was due to the wood stove. Here’s a list of companies that offer manufactured home insurance. Just click the link to be taken to their website.

    Things to Consider When Choosing an Insurance Company

    When you are looking for the right company, here’s a checklist of things to consider.

    • How long has the company been providing manufactured home insurance? Even though a company boasts of a long history in the insurance industry, this is a niche market and requires experience.
    • Go to http://www.ambest.com/ to locate your company’s insurance rating. Good ratings range from A++ to B+.  Insurance companies below B+ according to A. M. Best Company’s guidelines are not as secure as those with higher ratings. Don’t let an inexpensive premium be your guideline for selecting your insurance provider.
    • You should have several levels of insurance to choose from. Insurance companies usually have products with minimal coverage to those that are fully loaded.
    Homeowners policy for manufactured homes

     

    Coverage

    Your home is probably your most valuable asset. Protecting it and your personal property is a primary concern for most homeowners. Manufactured homeowner protection can range from a basic policy, which protects your property against natural disasters, explosions, and other unpredictable occurrences, to a comprehensive one, which includes the replacement cost of your home.

    The best coverage is what makes sense to you.

    • When speaking with an agent make sure that several levels of coverage are quoted.
    • Take an inventory of your valuables inside your home and the cost to replace them.
    • Keep in mind that most companies cover your land and other buildings that are attached such as storage sheds and detached garages.

    The location of your manufactured home will also help determine your level of coverage. Weather is, of course, a huge factor, and the severity of certain conditions will help to drive specific types of coverage. Protect your home against windstorms, falling trees and objects, hail storms, and a host of occurrences that manufactured homes are usually more susceptible to. These occurrences are most often minor, but the cost to repair can put a serious dent in your budget.

    Related:  How to File an Insurance Claim for Your Manufactured Home.

    Average Home Insurance Rates by State

    Below is a chart depicting the average insurance rates per state by StaticBrain.

    1Florida$2,280
    2Oklahoma$1,572
    3Louisiana$1,483
    4Arkansas$1,014
    5Kansas$1,004
    6Texas$986
    7Missouri$949
    8Alabama$933
    9Minnesota$926
    10Mississippi$907
    11Nebraska$887
    12West Virginia$875
    13Kentucky$874
    14Georgia$833
    15Tennessee$801
    16Connecticut$799
    17California$795
    18Colorado$795
    19Indiana$781
    20Illinois$760
    21South Carolina$679
    22Maryland$645
    23Wisconsin$644
    24Montana$640
    25New Jersey$638
    26North Carolina$631
    27Delaware$629
    28Iowa$624
    29New York$622
    30Pennsylvania$621
    31Ohio$621
    32Nevada$584
    33New Mexico$582
    34New Hampshire$581
    35Virginia$570
    36Washington$569
    37Arizona$559
    38Vermont$556
    39Oregon$484
    40Utah$441
    41Idaho$405
    42WyomingN/A
    43North DakotaN/A
    44South DakotaN/A
    45MichiganN/A
    46MassachusettesN/A
    47Rhode IslandN/A
    48MaineN/A
    49AlaskaN/A
    50HawaiiN/A

    Flood Insurance

    Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance. Visit Floodsmart.gov to learn more about obtaining the right flood insurance for your home. 

    How Much does it Cost?   

    The answer to this question is highly dependent on the level of coverage that you are comfortable with. It also depends on the value of your home and other buildings located on the property. Usually, rates are quoted from the low end of $250 to a high end of $1,300 per year. If you are underinsured, consider that a catastrophic loss may not be covered.

    Sometimes insurance for manufactured homes is just as expensive as traditional homes. The incidents of claims filed are higher, because of greater exposure to natural disasters. Even though the overall financial investment for manufactured homes is usually less expensive, insurance for manufactured homes can be just as costly as with other structures.

    Do I Really Need Homeowners Insurance?

    While most wouldn’t even ask this question, some homeowners choose to take a calculated risk, especially if they feel their cash reserve is sufficient to cover most losses. However, no matter your personal financial situation homeowner insurance is a safer bet.

    Insurance coverage is often very comprehensive and will cover accidents in the home, which can cause property damage, to injuries incurred by a guest who slipped and fell on your porch. Also keep in mind that if your home is deemed uninhabitable because of a natural disaster, only an insurance policy can minimize the cost to replace your home.

    Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living!