In the past, a lot of people thought of manufactured homes as the awkward stepchild of other houses. They couldn’t be more wrong. After doing some research, it’s easy to see manufactured houses are some of the most affordable homes on the market.

These houses are built in climate-controlled environments, usually in fewer than two weeks. A team of skilled craftsmen builds the houses in massive factories so the consumers know their houses will be closely inspected and carefully constructed. These homes are getting more and more elaborate and desirable.

In the past, heating and cooling manufactured homes was a major expense. Now, they tend to be much more energy efficient. Sheetrock and insulation, as well as open floor plans, allow for more reliable climate control. In addition to easing the expense of heating and cooling, drywall has replaced wood paneling to give these houses a more “homey” feel. Many manufactured homes now come standard with the amenities of “traditional” homes such as granite and marble counter tops, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.

In the last 25 years, so much has changed in the affordable homes market that it’s nearly impossible to tell a factory-built house apart from a site-built one.

Decorating a new manufactured home can be an exhilarating experience. New furniture, new décor, new everything—and who doesn't like a fresh start?

Of course, it's possible to get carried away. Since these are affordable homes, you may have a little extra money to spend on furniture. Resist the urge to splurge! Spend some time thinking about your new space. There are certain pieces of furniture that just don't work well in tight quarters. If you're out shopping, we recommend giving these items a pass.

Oversized Items

Space is your most limited resource here, so be sure to use it wisely. Sprawling sofas and large tables are probably going to take up more room than they're worth.

Sharp-Cornered Tables or Shelves

No way around it, walking through a crowded manufactured home can be a bit of an obstacle course, especially for guests that aren't used to narrow walkways. A coffee table with right-angled corners is a spiky, ground-hugging trap for unwary knees. Round tables are more appropriate in manufactured affordable homes.

Always be mindful of how much space you have. You may have to pass on certain furniture pieces, but in the long run you'll appreciate the extra space. 

Green homes are all the buzz now, and rightfully so. As a society, we must learn to live in greater harmony with the environment. How we consume resources at home is a large part of our daily environmental impact.

You may have already begun your effort to reduce your environmental impact by adding low-maintenance sustainable landscaping to your manufactured home. You probably also use eco-smart products to reduce pollutants from everyday tasks like laundry and dishes. But did you know that just by living in a manufactured home, you already contribute to resource conservation?

When compared to a conventional home-and-land combo, constructing your home required three times less material, which also means more energy and resource conservation. In fact, you and your neighbors use 10 to 100 times less energy and resources (propane, water, electricity) than those living in traditional dwellings. Built in a climate-controlled factory, your home is a more efficient product in and of itself.

UMH Properties Inc. proudly designs manufactured homes to make it easy for you to go green in a home that's affordable and built to last. When selecting your next home sweet home, make the choice you can feel good about! 

When they see manufactured homes for sale, many people worry about whether or not they’ll be able to bring their own personalized zen into the home. Luckily, with a few tips, it’s pretty easy to pull off.

Indoors

Focus on bringing natural colors and textures inside. Bamboo shades, cork floors, wood frames, and seagrass accents are all great options. Choose natural, soft fabric, like cotton, in light colors. This unites the two spaces, indoor and outdoor, into one.

Outdoors

The sound of running water from ponds or fountains is always soothing. You can also use big stones, Asian sculptures, and wooden structures to achieve the zen feel you’re striving for.

You want to take advantage of the natural light in your home. It’s also a great idea to place beautiful green plants indoors and outdoors. They add beauty, serenity, and will purify the air around them.

If you’ve decided to look into manufactured homes for sale, or if you already own one, bringing zen to your home is as easy as adding a few simple details. Overall, you want to keep the feel natural, neutral, and tranquil. 

While manufactured houses make great, affordable homes, they sometimes have space challenges, especially when it comes to the needs of a kid’s bedroom. Here are some ideas to make your kid’s bedroom fun and usable at the same time.

Utilize color blocking to mark off different areas. For example, the closet could be a bold red while the desk area may be painted forest green. This breaks up the space and helps teach children where their things belong by color-coding the room.

Save space by combining functional items, like putting a desk underneath a loft bed. This doubles your use per square foot. It’s also enticing to kids who like the idea of the top bunk! If your kids are sharing a room, focus on purchasing bunk beds with storage space underneath the bottom bunk to take advantage of the available space.

Manufactured homes are some of the most affordable homes on the market, which is why they’re so popular with families—and kids get cozy, multifunctional rooms out of the bargain. Make sure to make the most of the space available to ensure that your kids love hanging out in their cool new bedrooms. 

Making the best use of closet space in manufactured homes is much easier and more affordable than you might think. Here are four simple ways to maximize your closet.

1) Hang more with rods and soda tabs

Quadruple your space for hanging clothes by adding an extra row of clothing rods and then slipping soda can tabs onto the hooked part of each of your hangers. The second hole in the tabs can accommodate another hanger.

2) Fill space with shelving

For closets in manufactured homes with too much floor space, filling the area with shelves or pull-out bins allows for more organization.

3) Install a towel rod

Hang a towel rod or two on the inside of the door for easy storage of scarves and ties.

4) Put up a bulletin board

A bulletin board on the closet wall or door is the perfect, tangle-free solution to storing jewelry. Earrings stick right in while necklaces and bracelets can be secured with pushpins.

Use our tried and true tips to make the most of the closet space in your manufactured home.

Whether on a Florida shoreline or in the middle of a Kansas cornfield, manufactured homes are the perfect candidates for cozy, beach-themed getaways—and you don't even have to get away to enjoy them. Here are five tips for creating your own tropical oasis.

1) Paint with Beachy Colors

Painting with colors from light brown and yellow palettes helps mimic the sand while accents in stark whites, aquas, and teals mimic splashes of water, sky, and clouds.

2) Display Nautical-Inspired Artwork and Decor

No beach house would be complete without seashells, starfish, and other nautical elements such as rope, sailboats, and bottles.

3) Provide Ample Lighting

Replacing dark curtains with sheer white ones and adding extra lamps throughout the house brightens manufactured homes, even on a dreary day.

4) Mix Clean, Modern Furniture with Rustic Accents

White or beige sofas with time-worn coffee tables imitate the refreshing but timeless appeal of the beach.

5) Open Up Your Living Spaces

Try to decorate without creating clutter and open shades and curtains periodically to recreate a sunny beach day.

Beach decor can add an inspiring and serene mood to your home. Try these tips to create your perfect getaway.