These days, mobile homes are becoming increasingly popular in the housing market. They are less expensive and easier to manage. However, there isn’t enough room, and sometimes you want a few more. In this article, we’ll teach you how to safely and affordably expand a mobile home, as well as how to get insurance for your home.
Fortunately, having a mobile home allows for more affordable add-ons. In other words, you control the add-ons based on your budget. Add-ons would take longer if you had a stick-built house. And more time means more money out of pocket.
In other words, you will incur less debt.
What Is a Mobile Home?
In the United States, more than 17.5 million people live in mobile homes, often known as manufactured homes. According to the 2017 American Housing Survey (the most recent available), manufactured housing accounts for around 3% of total housing in cities and 15% in rural regions.
In general, manufactured homes have two distinguishing features:
- They are manufactured in factories rather than on-site.
- Instead of a slab, crawlspace, or basement, they are supported by a moveable chassis.
Manufactured homes are available in three different widths: single wide, double wide, and triple wide.
Manufactured houses are energy efficient because they are created in a regulated industrial environment. They are easily customizable, with options ranging from vaulted ceilings and sheetrock walls to arched doors and solid wood cabinetry.
Because of the numerous alternatives available, the process of purchasing a mobile home can become confusing. Mobile home dealers can assist you in navigating the various manufacturers, designs, and sizes to select a mobile home that meets your needs and expectations.
What Would You Like To Expand Or Add To Your Mobile Home?
Of course, you can customize your mobile home in a variety of ways. Obviously, expanding the room is a welcome addition. However, be sure to carefully consider what you want to do.
Having a concept and establishing a plan will make the process go more smoothly.
The Add-Ons Are Not The Only Things Included In The Planning
When it comes to deciding what or how to expand, you must examine the engineering as well as the phases. More crucially, code and park regulations must be satisfied, particularly if you are not on your own private property. Consider the worth of your mobile home with and without the add-ons.
Keep in mind that any damage will almost certainly reduce the value of your mobile home.
Considering Add-Ons
As you are probably aware, there are a plethora of different items you may add to your mobile home. Some add-ons may necessitate further considerations. Some may take several months, while others may only require a few weekends. Again, plan ahead of time and be well-informed about your mobile home enlargement project (s).
How To Expand Your Mobile Home With A Roof-Over
A roof-over is what you need if your roof is starting to fall apart or if it needs a facelift.
It is not a process of removing and replacing your roof that saves you a lot of money. In reality, little to no material has been eliminated!
A roof-over is simply the addition of a new roof on top of an old one. Because flat roofs are becoming less common, a roof-over allows you to experiment with a new color, material, or even shape!
Flat roofs are inefficient because they lack a water gutter. Water that flows off eventually causes damage, which will necessitate additional funding. Even if you don’t want to change the color, a roof-over will give you a longer lifespan.
Exterior doors, windows, and insulation should all be of high quality.
Yes, it may appear that this proposal will not make a significant effect. However, keep in mind that it is more important to consider the effectiveness than the appearance. Furthermore, these additions will not break the bank.
Doors and windows are prone to warping in general. Heat exposure and weather variations are the root causes. The frames of both doors and windows may have gaps or breaks from time to time. If these are not changed or repaired, your utility bills may be affected, and locks may be bypassed.
Investing in high-quality exterior doors and windows ensures longer durability and less warping. Check that both are correctly pinned in the hinges and that the insulation is in place. Locks for security should be kept in place as well.
Don’t worry, you can easily paint your solid outside doors and window frames to make a visible difference.
How To Expand Your Mobile Home With A Front Porch
This is undoubtedly a project that will consume more funds and a few weekends. Despite the lengthy process, the ultimate result is rather satisfying.
Being stuck inside all day can drive some of us insane. A front porch allows you to spend time outside while remaining in the comfort of your own home. You can have an open-air front porch, a roofed front porch, or a screen-enclosed front porch.
It all depends on how much money you have or want to spend. Look for inspiration online or speak with designers and builders.
The main thing to remember here is to do your study and use accessible resources, especially when it comes to building the porch. To avoid movement, ensure that the porch is built with a structure that runs deep into the ground. Before you begin, check with your local building department to ensure you have the necessary permits. Also, keep in mind that the construction must be self-supporting in order to be HUD compliant.
The Difference Between Manufactured and Mobile Homes
The Department of Housing and Urban Development regulates manufactured homes and mobile homes (HUD). The only distinction between the two types of houses is the date they were constructed. HUD defines a mobile home as one built before June 15, 1976, and a manufactured home as one built after that date.
Manufactured homes and mobile homes have several characteristics:
- Typically constructed in a factory and transported to the location where they will be used.
- Instead of a crawlspace or basement, it might be built on a metal frame.
- Tie-downs are sometimes used in place of a permanent foundation.
What Is the Difference Between a Modular Home and a Mobile Home?
Modular and mobile homes are also manufactured in factories before being placed on-site. From there, the parallels begin to vanish. Modular homes must adhere to the local construction codes of the state and county in which they are installed. This category also includes panelized dwellings. Modular dwellings tend to share a few characteristics:
- Frequently distributed in two or more parts
- Typically constructed on crawlspaces or basements
- In terms of size and characteristics, they typically resemble classic “stick-built” dwellings.
Does a Mobile or Manufactured Home Require Insurance?
Unless your mortgage company or mobile home community requires coverage, you have the option of insuring or not insuring your manufactured home. According to Homes Direct, a prefabricated and modular house provider, the average cost of a new manufactured home is around $83,000. Given the cost, it is strongly advised that you obtain a suitable policy to safeguard your home and goods.
What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?
The coverage provided by mobile and manufactured house insurance is similar to that provided by standard homeowners insurance. And, like with standard homeowners policies, you may personalize your policy by altering the coverage limits and adding endorsements, which are other words for amendments or policy changes.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), prefabricated house plans typically offer basic coverage for:
Physical harm
This covers damage to your home, valuables, and other structures (such as an attached deck or an outbuilding) caused by incidents such as fire, hail, wind, theft, vandalism, and falling objects. According to the III, “The amount and degree of coverage vary from insurance to policy, so make sure to carefully compare policies. It’s also worth noting that, like standard homeowners insurance, flooding isn’t covered. If you live in a flood zone, you can obtain flood insurance separately.” The same can be said of earthquakes and wildfires. Consider adding coverage for these natural disasters if you live in a high-risk area.
Personal responsibility
Liability coverage protects you if a member of your household is judged accountable for damage to someone else’s property or if someone is hurt in your home (it does not cover injury or illness for anyone living in the home). Medical expenditures, lost pay, and pain and suffering may all be grounds for a claim. According to the III, the amount of insurance required to protect your assets may be greater than what is included in a normal manufactured home policy. If this is the case, you might consider purchasing additional liability insurance.
Named peril plans are another alternative for coverage. These plans are quite inexpensive. However, they only cover particular causes of loss as specified in the policy. That is, if your home is damaged due to a reason not covered by the policy, you will be responsible for repairing the damage and replacing your items. Even if you save money on premiums, the additional risks may exceed the savings.
Water leaks may be covered by mobile home insurance in some circumstances; however, most plans do not cover damage caused by a broken pipe or water leaks caused by a lack of maintenance.
What Is the Cost of Mobile Home Insurance?
The cost of manufactured house insurance, like that of traditional homeowners insurance, is determined by a variety of factors, including:
- The value of a house
- Dimensions of the house
- The year it was constructed
- The value of your possessions, including collectibles,
- History of repair and renovation
- The building materials
- The actual address of the home (location-based considerations such as extreme weather, flood and wildfire danger, crime rates, and your town’s reaction to these threats all affect the cost)
- Existing claims on your home insurance policy
- Whether you rent or own the land on which the house is built
- The presence of safety devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers in the residence.
- Security aspects of the residence, such as deadbolts, burglar alarms, security gates, and fireproof safes
In addition to the features of your property, the cost will be determined by the coverage levels and deductibles you select. Generally, you’ll pay a higher rate for more comprehensive coverage with lower deductibles and a cheaper rate for more basic coverage with higher deductibles. According to TrustedChoice.com, a collection of independent insurance agents, the average cost of insuring a manufactured house is between $300 and $1,000.
When looking for prefabricated home insurance, try to find the best mix of coverage and deductibles that fits your budget and meets your insurance needs.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Add Space To Your Home?
Finishing a basement, attic, or garage is one of the less expensive ways to add a room to your house because no foundation, roof, or structural elements are required.
In Conclusion,
Although saving money may be one of your top goals when you want to expand your mobile home, you must ensure that saving money leads to effectiveness. Don’t put your safety in jeopardy only to save money. If the “cheap” product causes harm, you may wind up spending more money. Always consult with a professional to ensure that you don’t end up destroying your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they call it a mobile home?
The name “mobile home” was derived from the travel trailer (sometimes known as “house trailers” or “trailer coaches” in the early years), a tiny structure with permanently connected wheels that was commonly used for camping or extended travel. The original reason for this style of house was mobility.
What are the disadvantages of living in a mobile home?
The disadvantages of a mobile home include:
- The stigmatization.
- Its value could fall. Mobile houses have traditionally been assumed to depreciate in value, although this hasn’t always been the case in recent years.
- You may be required to pay a lot of rent.
- Financing is not the same as a standard mortgage.
Can you build around a mobile home?
Although building around a mobile home adds significant value to your home, it may be taxed once converted.
Can you add space to a mobile home?
Certainly, there is a wide range of mobile home enhancements available. You can add on to your porch, bedroom, living room, or any other area that has to be expanded or changed.
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