Living Large in a Small Space: How to Make Your Manufactured Home Space Count

If you live in a manufactured home, odds are that you have wondered how you could better utilize your space. It might seem difficult to live small without overwhelming clutter, but you might be surprised to learn that there are several steps you can take to make your limited space really count.

Shine a Little Light on the Subject

A quick and easy way to make your home feel more spacious is to leave the blinds open when it’s appropriate. You don't want to sacrifice your privacy, but letting natural light in can do wonders to make your home feel much bigger. For artificial light, consider having skinny floor lamps instead of tabletop structures or hanging fixtures.

Bigger Can Sometimes Be Better

Rather than having many small objects in a manufactured home room, consider having one or two big pieces. You'll actually manage to save floor space, and if you decide you want to rearrange your furniture, it immediately becomes a much easier process. However, be mindful of big prints on your furniture! Opt instead for simpler pieces that are either monochromatic or dichromatic for the sake of simplicity. Decorate your walls with a few big pieces rather than many small ones.

Go Up, Not Out

Make your cabinets and other similar fixtures tall instead of wide. You'll have more space if you utilize the entirety of the walls. Find ways to use the inside of cupboard doors, and try to decorate with light colors.

Your manufactured home doesn't have to feel small and cramped. These simple tips are great ways to make the most of your space. Experiment to see what works the best for you.

Peace Of Mind When Living Small: Manufactured Home Feng Shui

If you're feeling like your manufactured home has something lacking, the solution might not be one you ever considered. Feng shui is the Chinese practice of rearranging or even altering the features of your space to increase the positive energy, also called chi, that flows through it. You might be curious about how to achieve this with limited space, but we've got a few solutions for you to consider.

Solid Foundations

If it's possible, you may want to consider placing your home atop a concrete base. With your home more rooted to the ground, you have a more direct connection to the earth. According to the principles of feng shui, this can help you feel more firmly rooted overall. If this is not an option due to cost or other restrictions, then you may want to consider finding a way to cover the base of the home, obscuring its separation from the earth.

Let the Light In

If you are still in the planning phase of your home construction, it may be helpful to look at how the doors and windows of your home are arranged. You may not believe it, but this makes a huge difference; in fact, it's critical to the flow of positivity. To increase the chi, arrange your interior so that your windows are facing north and south. Make your front door welcoming and inviting: in feng shui, this is considered the means by which chi enters the home. Rectangular-shaped doors are preferred. Rather than the traditional slatted steps that lead to the doors of many manufactured homes, consider concrete steps for the same reasons you want a solid foundation for your home.

Keeping Up Appearances

A garden outside the home is a simple way to bring more chi into your dwelling. Also, plant some trees behind your home if possible, as this is thought to add protection. Inside, hang up some mirrors and consider a color change to red, which creates energy and cures lethargy.

With these few steps, you're on your way to a feng-shui friendly manufactured home! 

How to Increase Your Manufactured Home’s Value

All homes depreciate over time if not properly maintained, but with manufactured homes, the process can sometimes move more quickly. This depreciation is similar to the way that cars can quickly lose value over time. After you have your property appraised to determine its exact worth, you can get to work on these simple yet effective tips to make your investment worth more, allowing it to fetch you more money when you someday go to sell.

Stay on Top of Repairs

One of the simplest ways to prevent your manufactured home from excessive devaluation is to always be on top of the necessary repairs and additions. When you notice something starting to go awry, rectify the situation as quickly as possible. This will prevent the problem from growing worse, and it will ultimately cost you less in the long run.

Look for Inexpensive Changes

Maintaining and increasing your home's value is not the cost proposition you may imagine it to be. It's as simple as a fresh coat of paint when the old one is showing its age or upgrading plumbing and lighting fixtures every few years. The newer the appliances, the more they are worth.

Go Green

Energy-efficient changes to your home can really go the extra mile toward saving you money on your utility bills. Add additional insulation or change out the caulking and weather stripping around the doors and windows to keep more heat in and save on monthly energy costs. If possible, install low-flush toilets and search for windows that are similarly energy-friendly.

Whatever changes you decide to make to increase the value of your manufactured home, make sure you are following all local code regulations. These tips will help ensure that you increase the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

 

Four Clever Design Tips to Maximize Space in Your Home

Decorating a manufactured home is a unique but fun challenge. Just like in any other small home or apartment, residents want to maximize space without limiting style or their own personal flair. Thankfully, top decorators and home designers have developed foolproof methods of opening up even the most cramped space without sacrificing an inch of room. Get inspired with these four tips.

1. Mirrors

Perhaps one of the oldest tricks in the decorating world, well-placed mirrors are a guaranteed way to brighten and open up any room. Mirrors placed across from a window will best catch and reflect sunlight, helping to increase clean, natural light throughout the home. Tucking mirrors behind end tables and chests is a wonderful way to give the illusion of depth and space in a room.

2. Dramatic Art

Dynamic statement pieces are great ways to decorate a manufactured home without cluttering. Remember the cantaloupe rule: multiple decorative accents smaller than a cantaloupe will make a room look crowded. Fewer, larger pieces of dramatic art will space out a room and make it seem more expansive.

3. Draw the Eye Upward

Directing the eye upward will always make a room seem bigger. Try shelving books near the ceiling to draw the eye up, or use a vibrant paint or wallpaper on the ceiling itself.

4. Light Colors

In clothing, dark colors slim and minimize while light colors attract the eye and enhance. This same concept applies to home decor. Bright colors reflect light, making even small spaces seem more open and airy. Choosing light-colored furniture, rugs, and other accessories will brighten the room and make it feel less cramped or small.

There are so many ways to transform a manufactured home into a spacious, inviting place to live. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of manufactured homes, contact UMH Properties, Inc. today. 

Four Energy-Saving Ideas for Your Manufactured Home

Most homeowners agree that any enhancement they can make to their property that will save them money in the long run is a good one! At the same time, most of us are looking for ways we can lessen our impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to your manufactured home that merge both of these interests. From easy changes to bigger projects, there are almost limitless ways to save yourself some money while helping the environment, too. Here are just four ideas to get you started:

1. Paint your roof. A light-colored roof reflects heat and light, lowering the inside temperature of your home. That means you can give your air conditioner a bit of a break, which translates to lower bills, all while helping to reduce smog in your area.

2. Replace outdated light bulbs. Experts say that ten percent or more of your energy bill is directly linked to lighting. With energy-efficient bulbs in place, you’ll use a fraction of that.

3. Seal your windows and doors. Your heater and air conditioner have to work extra hard to keep the temperature in your manufactured home comfortable, especially if there are leaks around windows and doors. Stop the leaks by caulking or placing weatherstrips along windows and doors, and you’ll see your energy consumption go down in no time.

4. Add insulation. Both the under-floor and roof cavities can lead to significant heat loss, which means your heater will have to work longer and harder to maintain a warm temperature. Hiring a professional to add insulation to these empty spaces can make a real difference.

The best home improvement projects are those that save you money and help the environment. There are almost limitless ways to do this at your manufactured home, from quick fixes like replacing your light bulbs, to larger projects like adding insulation. No matter your budget or level of handiness, there are plenty of options for you to try!

Four Tips for Decorating Your Manufactured Home for the Holidays!

The holidays are here and in full swing! One of the favorite pastimes during this time of year is decorating. If you live in a manufactured home, there are a few tips you can follow to make the most of your decorating efforts. These are some our favorites:

1. Don't go too big with your tree. It’s natural to go for the biggest tree you can find, but choosing a larger than life–or larger than you–spruce will not only take up lots of valuable space, but may also looked crammed in under a lower ceiling height. Stick with a tree that’s around 5 feet tall, and it will look perfectly proportioned to your manufactured home.

2. Try white lights instead of colored ones. Light colors are known to make a room appear larger and less crowded. Choose white string lights instead of brightly colored ones to give a clean and uncluttered look.

3. Frame a mirror in lights. Mirrors are excellent home accessories that can make any room seem bigger and more open. If you're looking for a place to string those new white lights, try framing a larger mirror with them to reflect the light and open up the space.

4. Replace things instead of adding them. As you pull out all your holiday-themed goodies, take the approach of replacing things in your manufactured home instead of adding to them. So, don’t just toss those few themed pillows on the couch. Instead, take off the year-round ones and put them in storage throughout the holidays. Same strategy applies for hand towels, rugs, coffee mugs, and other things you may decorate with this time of year. This simple trick will help you cut down on clutter.

Decorating for the holidays is a fun annual tradition that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Try these tips out for yourself as you decorate this year and enjoy a bright and merry holiday season!

 

The Essentials of Childproofing Your Manufactured Home

There’s no doubt you have a laundry list of preparations to complete if you’re awaiting the arrival of a new baby in your life. Among the most important of those preparations is childproofing your manufactured home. While it may not seem like it at first glance, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of everyday dangers that can cause harm to little ones. Start your childproofing journey with these basics that every family with a baby or toddler should consider:

 

Cabinets – Curious kids love nothing more than exploration. While encouraging that sense of adventure is a great idea, you certainly don’t want to let them get into ground level cabinets and cupboards. Fortunately, cabinet locks are very affordable and easy to find. Many styles slide right over knobs or handles, requiring no installation effort at all.

 

Drawers – Not only can young children gain access to dangerous household items by getting into drawers, but it’s also possible that they will pinch or otherwise hurt sensitive fingers when slamming those drawers shut. Basic drawer locks can be installed in your manufactured home with just a screwdriver, and they are easily removed once your child grows older.

 

Sharp Corners – As little ones learn to crawl and walk, they inevitably take some tumbles. Sharp edges and corners, such as those on coffee tables or on the edges of your fireplace, can cause major injury. Cover up these surfaces with specially designed foam padding or plastic pieces. They come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can choose a style that blends in well with your decor while still keeping your baby safe.

 

These are just a few of the measures everyone with a new baby should take. Keep your manufactured home safe for every member of the family by thoroughly researching the topic and by spending some time on this important process!

 

Don’t Rock Me Like a Hurricane: 5 Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your Manufactured Home

If you live in a manufactured home located in a high-risk area for hurricane impact, you should always be proactive in the prevention of water damage from hurricanes.

 

Here are five ways to help protect your home.

 

1. Seal gaps. Windows and doors should be completely sealed. Replace damaged caulking. Inspect areas around pipes or wires coming into your home, and seal gaps and cracks to guard against leaks.

 

2. Guard your roof. Purchase a sealant that will eliminate wind uplift on shingle roofs, which causes of over 60% of reported damage. A low roof pitch is the most vulnerable. Look for products that have passed the Florida Wind and Water test or that adhere to or exceed FEMA recommendations.

 

3. Cover your windows. Make sure you have pre-cut plywood that will fit over your windows. Mark the panel so you can easily place it. This will help prevent water from coming into your house, and it will help save money on window replacements.

 

4. Replace solid skirting. If you have solid skirting, it’s harder for wind to move around your home. This can lead to damage due to lifting. Instead, you’ll want to have latticed or grill work, lessening wind resistance.

 

5. Install ground or French drains. To redirect pooling water and ground flooding, you’ll want to install drains. This is basically a trench filled with rock that drains water away from your dwelling. They work similar to the gutter system on your roof.

 

You don’t want to wait until there’s a storm bearing down on your manufactured home before you begin preparing. Water damage can lead to mildew, mold, and rot. It can be a death sentence to some of your most prized possessions, including photographs, books, and important documents. These tips will help reduce damage.

 

Storm and Disaster Safety: Traditional vs. Manufactured Homes

An old stereotype holds that manufactured homes are more vulnerable to storm and disaster damage than traditionally built homes. It’s possible that this idea comes from Hollywood or local news footage of tornadoes ripping through trailer parks, leaving piles of rubble in their wake.

It's time this myth was debunked. First off, a manufactured home is not a trailer – it's a complete structure erected with the best building materials on the market. Plus, due to recent advances in construction and materials, manufactured homes are as sturdy and disaster-resistant as traditional homes.

Beyond this, more stringent standards set in the 1990s by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) require every manufactured home to be built with the capability to withstand wind speeds common in its region. Thanks to these standards, manufactured houses are no more dangerous than traditional houses in the case of tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, or other natural disasters.

A manufactured home owner has only to take the same basic precautions against storms and disasters as anyone else. For example, in cold weather, wrap your pipes in heat tape or allow hot water to drip from faucets to keep pipes from bursting, and remove excess snow and ice from your roof and overhangs.

If you are in the market for a manufactured home, make sure you buy one that has a permanent foundation and that strictly follows HUD regulations. For those in tornado-prone areas, you'll want a home that has a basement. Otherwise, as long as your home meets all the government-mandated standards, it will be as safe for you and your family in times of disaster as a traditional home would be.

Let It Snow: 5 Ways to Help Prevent Roof Damage to Your Manufactured Home

Winter weather can be severe and frightening at times. If you have a manufactured home, you’ll want to take a few steps to protect your roof in advance. Here are five ways to help prevent roof damage from heavy snow.

1. Use a roof rake. Find these tools at your local hardware store, and use them regularly to drag snow off the roof while keeping your feet on the ground, eliminating risk of injury. Removing the snow lessens weight on the roof, which reduces the likelihood of leaks and roof damage.

2. Insulate your attic floor. While it may seem like a good idea to let the snow melt so that it slides off, when the melted snow re-freezes, it may create ice dams, which cause damage and leaks. To help prevent this, insulate the attic floor so heat doesn’t escape from your living area. As a bonus, this will also lower heating costs.

3. Install an ice dam protection sheet. This is especially important if your manufactured home has a south-facing roof, which receives the most direct sunlight throughout the day. A protection sheet is a rubber membrane that sticks to the wood under your shingles to protect your roof from water intrusion due to ice dams.

4. Keep your attic ventilated to outside air. In your attic, moisture is the enemy, as it weakens roof rafters, wall components, and even insulation. Having moisture and condensation in the attic of your manufactured home can even lead to ice dams. A well-ventilated attic will keep the dry air moving in, removing this moisture.

5. Be proactive. Insulate before the heaviest snow. Monitor snowfall and rake it before it builds too high on your roof. Don’t let more than six inches build up, as the accumulated weight of so much snow can add unnecessary strain to your roof.

By carefully watching for snow and ice buildup, and by taking a few proactive steps to prevent ice dams, you can protect your manufactured home during the severe weather of this winter season.