How to Maintain Your Manufactured Home

Manufactured homes are a great option for homeowners who want to balance affordability and quality. If you go for a mobile manufactured home, they are an alternative option to houses and apartments that offer more flexibility. However, many traditional single-family homes are also prefabricated, offering a streamlined construction process that increasingly matches the quality of stick-built homes.

Manufactured homes are ever more popular in today’s market. If you want to keep your modular house well-maintained over the years, follow these tips to ensure that the construction, design and renovation of your property is top-notch.

1. Check to Make Sure Your Home Is Leveled

Your house must stand on a solid foundation. It should be leveled appropriately to ensure your and your family’s safety. Look for the following signs that your home may need to be releveled:

• Bulked roofing or siding
• Difficult-to-open doors or windows
• A cabinet door that stays shut
• Loose tie-downs or wedges
• Erosion under your home

Check for these signs 90 days after your property is installed and then yearly. Also, it is a good idea to make sure your foundation is even after a storm or when you place an addition onto your home.

2. Take Care of Your Skirting

Skirting helps to protect your plumbing and electrical system. Maintaining it keeps bugs from nesting underneath your home and prevents moisture. It is vented, allowing for any water that gets below the house to dry out.

3. Keep Your Roof Clean

Your roof is one area of your house exposed to natural elements. Regularly clean off the debris and dirt with a long-handled brush. At least twice a year, do more extensive cleaning.

Use a scrub brush and water mixed with soap and bleach to get rid of any grime. Make sure there are no holes on your roof. You can use roofing cement on small ones, but larger ones will need a metal patch. After checking for dents, coat the entire roof and paint it.

4. Check Your Utility Bills

If your utility bill increases, there is a chance something is wrong with your heating or cooling system. Make sure you regularly check these systems to ensure they are working correctly. You can save money and keep your home running smoothly.

5. Clean Your Gutters

You want to remove debris from your gutters, which will allow excess water to run off them easily. This is especially important during winter when any collected water could freeze up.

To keep your gutter from icing over, consider installing a roof heater to help melt the snow gathered.

6. Check for Water Spots on Your Flooring

Your floors receive high amounts of foot traffic daily. To keep them protected, be sure to check for any soft spots caused by water leaks regularly. Examine your bathroom and underneath your windows to keep your family safe and healthy.

If you see these spots increase over time, consider replacing your flooring.

Tips for Increasing Your Manufactured Home’s Resale Value 

When you are ready to sell your mobile home, be sure to get the most out of your investment. Here are some ways to increase its value.

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances will appeal to buyers who want to reduce energy costs. It can also be attractive to those who are more environmentally conscious. Consider adding devices like smart thermostats to maximize your power usage.

2. Make Cost-Effective Upgrades

Even minor upgrades can make a major impact. Adding new paint or cabinets and fixing your plumbing or electrical systems are economically friendly ways to attract potential buyers.

3. Place Your Home on a Real Property

Placing your house on land that you own can also increase its value. This is because homes located on rental properties have limited financial options. Due to this limitation, these houses often are valued at lower prices.

Maintaining Your Mobile Home for Long-Term Value

Manufactured homes provide you with a sense of flexibility. They can be easily moved around and allow you to pick your desired location to live. However, they still require maintenance. It is essential to clean and keep your house’s features updated.

By keeping your manufactured home in order, you can enjoy it for many years to come. Keep your home maintained with help from Billy Pro Services, where you can find quotes for roofing, appliances and more.

Meta

Manufactured housing is becoming more popular. With the right care, homeowners can enjoy their modular homes for years — and see them appreciate in value.

Author

Evelyn Long is a freelance writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She has covered home improvement advice for a variety of web publishers, including the National Association of REALTORS® and Restoration Master.