Mobile Home Care

Renovating manufactured homes or mobile homes often presents new challenges not found in other types of homes. Here are some tips for you to consider when it is time to fix yours.
One of the advantages to living in a manufactured or mobile home is that there are no support beams to worry about. There are no load-bearing walls inside the structure. The roof of a manufactured home is generally supported by the outer walls. So if you need space in your manufactured home, simply removing an interior wall can work wonders. Please note that you may have to renovate other walls so they can provide additional support for the outer walls but this fix should be easily accomplished.
If you do remove the wall, be careful with the surrounding floors and ceilings. Floors in manufactured homes are not thick and may have been weakened from exposure to the outdoors. If you remove an interior wall, you may find wildlife investigating your digs as well. So be sure to fill in any small holes to prevent animals or insects from moving in. This includes nail holes, screw holes and any tiny holes that resulted from taking out the wall. You will need to keep an eye out for critters that may have wandered in.
Another great way to add space is to add a porch. This is an easy project but you must remember to build it as a free-standing unit. Do not try to incorporate it into your manufactured home's structure. Your home was not designed to support an additional porch and it may not be able to bear the additional weight.
If you need additional storage space, consider adding a shed. These are quite durable and can be used for indoor and outdoor seasonal items. Check to make sure the shed is allowed where you live.
Because the space under the flooring is subjected to the elements, it is always a good idea to inspect that space from time to time. Make sure everything is in good repair and be sure to make necessary repairs in a timely manner. Also be sure your home is ready for sudden storms and keep the names of reputable contractors on hand in case disaster strikes your area.
Be sure to plan ahead for any renovation project. Make sure you have the money, the time and the ability to finish it. If you don't have the money, wait until you do. If you don't have the time, ask a friend to help. If you don't have the ability, hire a professional who is familiar with working on manufactured homes. This is your home we're talking about. You want a job that is done right.
Manufactured homes are wonderfully affordable housing that will you will enjoy for years, if you take the time and effort to keep them up.
Greg Hansward regularly edits news on areas dealing with kitchen center islands. You can have a look at his comments on pictures of kitchen islands and kitchen island designs at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com
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