Green Living in a Mobile Home Park: Sustainability Tips for Homeowners Mobile Home Renovations
A whopping 85 percent of people say they have changed their habits and behaviors to be more environmentally friendly. Are you interested in doing the same?
The good news is that mobile homes are already, in many ways, more sustainable than other types of housing. For example, they produce less waste during the construction process and require less energy to heat, run water, etc.
Despite these benefits, you might want to do a little extra to have a positive impact on the environment. If so, this guide is for you.
Here are some practical and affordable strategies you can implement today!
Revamp Your Roof
A white or light-colored roof coating can significantly lower your home’s temperature because it reflects sunlight.
By lowering your home’s temperature, especially during the summer, you can reduce your energy bills since you won’t have to run the air conditioner as often. Running the air conditioner less often helps to reduce your overall energy usage and, by default, your carbon footprint.
Another option is to relocate your garden to your roof. This suggestion might sound strange at first, but stick with us.
A rooftop garden (also known as a green roof) can lower your house’s temperature and reduce electricity demand. It’s also a fun way to distinguish your home from others in the park.
Install More Insulation
Along with adding insulation to your roof, consider adding more insulation to your home’s walls and underbelly.
Insulating these areas will prevent heated or cooled air loss, which helps you to reduce energy usage and avoid expensive heating or cooling bills.
Keep in mind that some utility companies also offer rebates and other types of financial incentives for homeowners (including mobile homeowners) who add extra insulation.
Use LEDs or CFLs
If you still use incandescent lighting, it’s time to switch to LED (light-emitting diodes) lights or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). LEDs and CFLs use at least 75 percent less energy than other types of lights and last up to 25 times longer!
Remember that you don’t have to replace all your lightbulbs at once. Instead, gradually replace them with more energy-efficient options as they burn out.
Repair Windows and Doors
If there are gaps between your windows and doors, or if they’re made with older materials, they might be causing your HVAC unit to work harder — meaning more energy usage and higher utility bills.
Consider updating your windows and doors with more energy-efficient styles. You can also replace the weather stripping or cover the windows with film if you’re looking for a more affordable option.
Add Insulated Skirting
To insulate your home further, add insulated skirting around the bottom.
Insulated skirting adds an extra barrier around the lower portion of your house, preventing air loss and protecting the plumbing lines from freezing during the winter.
In addition to reducing air loss, insulated skirting can also add extra style to your mobile home. You can find many types of skirting in different patterns and textures, such as stone or wood.
Keep Up With General Repairs
Many guides to green living suggest replacing your appliances with more energy-efficient models. While this is a good tip, it’s not affordable for everyone.
Instead of buying all new appliances, focus on maintaining the ones you have. Keep up with general repairs and arrange to have larger devices, such as your HVAC unit, serviced regularly.
As soon as you notice a potential issue with your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, or heater/air conditioner, reach out to a professional.
Don’t forget that it’s generally more cost-effective to pay for regular maintenance than it is to wait until an appliance breaks. Malfunctioning appliances also use more energy and can raise your utility bills, costing you more money in the long run.
Green-ify Your Mobile Home Today
As you can see, there are lots of low-price, effective ways to redesign and revamp your space to support the planet. Even making just one of the changes discussed above can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Are you looking for more ways to enhance your mobile home? If so, we have lots of helpful posts available on our blog. Check out this one on storage solutions to maximize space next.
Creating a Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Outdoor Space for Your Mobile Home
Spending more time outdoors offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. From better sleep brought on by direct light exposure to improved mood, hanging out outside can do wonders for your well-being.
If you don’t like spending time outdoors, it might be because you don’t have a nice, cozy space to relax and soak up the sun. The good news is that living in a mobile home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your outdoor time.
There are lots of inexpensive ways to create a beautiful and low-maintenance outdoor space for your mobile home. Discover some of the most valuable ideas below.
Ditch The Grass
You don’t get much of a lawn when living in a manufactured home. Instead of trying to keep the grass you have alive and well-maintained, consider getting rid of it altogether.
Gravel, stone pavers, and concrete are lower-maintenance options that help your space look neater. They also expand your entertaining space, giving you more room for furniture.
Find Some Comfortable Furniture
Speaking of furniture, there are tons of styles that you can choose from. Look for a table and chairs that add a pop of color to your mobile home’s outdoor space.
Once you have a comfortable place to sit, you’ll find that you’re much more inclined to spend time outside.
Keep in mind that you can thrift outdoor furniture. Some people are even willing to give it away altogether, so scour the classified ads for good deals.
Freshen Up the Front Porch
The front porch is the first thing people see when they pull up your mobile home.
Does it need a fresh coat of paint or restaining? Can you add a potted plant or a cute door wreath to make it more inviting?
Small, affordable changes like these will make a big difference to your home’s overall appearance.
Add Outdoor Lightning
Do you want to spend more time outdoors in the evenings? If so, add some lighting.
A few well-placed lanterns or some string lights will brighten (literally) the space and ensure you can see what’s happening around you.
If you’re worried about mosquitos, consider lighting some citronella candles. Not only will they provide extra light, but they’ll keep the bugs at bay!
Plant Some Flowers
You might not have a lawn to maintain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any plant life on your property!
Add some potted plants to the walkway or patio to bring in some extra greenery (that is much easier to water and care for).
If you love the idea of growing your own herbs or vegetables, you can also set up a few planter boxes on your patio.
Camouflage The Skirting
Your home’s skirting plays a critical role in maintaining the temperature and providing extra storage. However, it’s not the most appealing thing to look at.
If you want to add some charm to your manufactured home, consider camouflaging the skirting with some shrubs. You can also use cement blocks to build a small retaining wall that covers the skirting and provides a place for you to plant flowers or small shrubs.
Enhance Your Outdoor Space Today
Creating a beautiful outdoor space for your mobile home allows you to enjoy all the wellness benefits of time outside and increase your home’s curb appeal.
Use the tips shared above to makeover your home’s exterior. You’ll be amazed at how drastically simple changes can change its appearance.
If you need more guidance, take a look at our blog. This article on storage for mobile homes can help you streamline your interior space and make the most of your square footage.
How to Find the Best Mobile Home Park for Your Family
Approximately 22 million people in the United States currently live in mobile or manufactured home parks.
Are you thinking about relocating to one? Do you need help determining which park is the right fit for you and your family?
If you’re overwhelmed by the number of options for mobile home parks, this guide can help. Learn the best channels for researching locations and the most important factors to consider when selecting a park below.
Best Channels for Finding Mobile Home Parks
Whether you’re thinking about buying a manufactured home or moving your mobile home to a new place, you can search for a mobile home park using many tactics. The following are three of the most helpful channels to utilize:
- Online Research
Numerous websites are dedicated to simplifying people’s searches for mobile home parks. Online classified ads often feature listings and can help you find parks with open lots. The same goes for popular real estate sites (such as Zillow).
- Online Communities
Expand your online research to include virtual communities if you’re not making much headway by perusing real estate and classified sites. For example, you can find many on Reddit and Facebook.
These communities make it easy for you to ask questions and learn about different parks from people who live or have lived there — meaning you’ll get a more honest perspective to help you make the right decision.
- Real Estate Brokers
If you’re interested in buying a mobile home and relocating to a mobile home park, a local real estate broker can help.
A broker will listen to your specific needs and goals and work with you to find a place that works for you and your family. They may also learn about available options before they’re officially posted, giving you a leg up on the competition.
Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Home Park
It can be overwhelming when you first start checking out mobile home parks. However, it’s easier to make a wise decision if you know the most important factors to consider during your search.
Here are five crucial things to keep in mind when visiting different parks:
- Location
Where do you want to live? Do you want to find a park in a specific city or part of the country? Do you want to be close to your job or your kids’ school?
- Prices
How much can you afford to spend? Remember that even if you own your mobile home, you will still need to consider factors like lot rent, as well as the cost of utilities like electricity, internet, and trash removal.
- Facilities
Some mobile home parks offer more appealing amenities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses.
Are these things important to you and your family? If so, make sure you check for them when exploring different areas.
- Park Design and Appearance
Consider the park layout and how easy it is to get around. Is it crowded and difficult to navigate? Are the grounds and public spaces well-maintained?
- Security
Finally, has the park owner taken steps to increase security and protect residents? Are there gates that are locked overnight, for example? What about security cameras or regular police/security guard patrols?
Finding a new place to call home is stressful. However, when you know where to look and what to look for, the process of finding a mobile home park becomes much more manageable.
Use the tips discussed above to simplify your search and choose the best park for you and your loved ones.
The Benefits of Owning a Mobile Home: An Insider’s Perspective
Plenty of resources highlight the general benefits of living in a mobile home — affordability, versatility, energy efficiency, etc. However, what many of these articles lack is a genuine insider’s perspective.
What is it actually like to own and live in a manufactured home? What are the true advantages they offer? You’re about to find out.
In this blog, we highlight the experiences of three people who currently live the mobile home lifestyle.
Steph Mickelson, ApartmentTherapy.com
In an in-depth testimonial published by ApartmentTherapy.com, Steph Mickelson shares her story of living in a mobile home in Wisconsin.
When they first moved to Wisconsin, Steph and her husband decided to live in a mobile home owned by her husband’s parents.
The couple initially saw this as a short-term situation that would allow them to save money. However, they enjoyed the experience so much that they chose to stay put much longer than they first planned.
In her article, Steph discusses the pros of living in a mobile home, including affordability and increased space and amenities (such as multiple bedrooms and bathrooms). She also pointed out that buying a mobile home can provide entry to a higher cost of living area that you might not be able to afford otherwise.
Kristin Clifford, Insider
The Los Angeles real estate market is booming, making it more difficult than ever for first-time home buyers. In response to these challenges, Kristin Clifford decided to purchase a mobile home in Eagle Rock, an LA neighborhood filled with multi-million dollar homes.
She shared some of the details of her experience (including pros and cons) with Insider.
Kristin started her article by discussing some of the financial advantages she experiences as a mobile homeowner.
For example, she spends far less on her monthly mortgage payment (including the lot rental fee) than she would if she rented a small apartment in the same location. She also has lower property taxes because she only owns the house and leases the land.
Kristin also loves the community aspect of living in a mobile home. She has a great relationship with her mobile home park manager, noting that it’s “nice to have a dedicated person to answer questions and keep an eye on things.”
Stephan Gardner, CBC
In an interview with CBC Radio, Stephan Gardner discussed the financial benefits of moving to a mobile home.
He noted that he is able to dedicate much more money to paying off his debt because his mortgage payment is so much lower than the payment for a house or condo would be.
Stephan also added that he doesn’t feel that he “settled” by moving to a manufactured home. He explained that when he and his family first walked into their home, they thought it was “amazing.”
Stephan also encouraged listeners to ditch the stigma associated with mobile homes, explaining that “You’ll never be as happy as you are in a mobile home.”
Want to Experience the Advantages of Owning a Mobile Home?
Plenty of benefits come with living in and owning a mobile home, from more opportunities to save money to easier access to a community where you might not be able to afford a single-family house.
Have you been on the fence about purchasing a manufactured home? If so, reference the experiences of Steph, Kristin, and Stephan to help you make a final decision.
If, after reading this article, you’ve decided that you are ready to shop for a mobile home, Flintstone Properties is here to help!
10 Reasons Why Living In a Mobile Home Park Is The Smart Choice
Offering the advantages of homeownership without the hefty commitment and price tag, mobile home parks have become a mecca for more than 20 million Americans.
If you’re looking for a place to live with spa-like amenities, spacious, modernized interiors, and autonomy then check out just how happy living in a mobile home park can be.
- Lower Cost
Whether you plan to buy, rent, or finance a manufactured home, the out-of-pocket costs are hands down cheaper than a traditional, single-family home. Tenets in mobile home parks also do not pay property taxes, have homeowners association fees, and your land rental cost usually includes water, sewer, and trash.
- Community
Mobile home parks have a built-in sense of community to them. Some parks cater to the quiet side of 55+ life and retirees while others are oriented to families and children. Either way, mobile home parks have a great neighborhood vibe without being forced to share walls, floors, or ceilings with your neighbors.
- Manageable Maintenance
Mobile home parks have smaller yards than some traditional homes, but with less to mow, trim, and maintain on your own you’ll still have plenty of outside living to enjoy without all the sweaty, back-breaking upkeep.
- Meet Your Goals
With their affordable costs and lighter maintenance mobile home parks are an excellent option during transitional times in your life. If you’re moving, searching for the perfect location to buy or build, or saving up a nest egg, mobile home parks can offer a temporary oasis that just might tempt you into a permanent sanctuary.
- Bang For Your Buck
Some of the most undeniable benefits of living in a mobile home park are what they offer for a fraction of the price compared to the alternatives.
- Traditional home mortgages aren’t an option for everyone.
- Renting single-family homes can cost upwards of twice what mobile home parks charge.
- Apartment rentals may be closer in price point but will have less square footage, fewer amenities, louder neighbors, and may not be in the best end of town.
Mobile home parks give you all the benefits of single-family living without the tedious financial burden.
- Upgrades
Factory-built homes are constantly at the forefront of manufacturing advances like energy efficiency, better building materials, and more stylish designs. From plumbing to insulation and cooling to appliances, the way mobile homes are built allows manufacturers to test and perfect upgrades that are usually ahead of stick-built competitors.
- Rent To Own
Many mobile home communities offer a program called rent to own where your monthly payment goes toward paying off your house. This makes mobile home parks a fantastic way for people struggling with credit issues or saving up for a down payment to work toward homeownership.
- Amenities
Mobile home parks come loaded with perks and amenities not available to most homeowners outside of a fancy country club. Pets, parks, pools, tennis courts, golf courses, fitness centers, and community-organized events are just some of the benefits available at many mobile home parks across the country.
- Seasonal Use
Families seeking seasonal housing solutions find mobile home parks a cost-effective and easy-to-maintain way to visit relatives temporarily, enjoy hunting seasons, or migrate to warmer climates.
- Homeowner Control
If you’re looking for autonomous living and the ability to control your property like it’s truly your own, mobile home parks are the way to go. Most mobile home parks allow their occupants the independence to upgrade, paint, and remodel their space at their own discretion.
When it comes to investing in your future, mobile homes and mobile home parks are one of the smartest, savviest choices you can make.
Whether you’re still saving for your goals or ready to bask in the benefits of homeownership without the financial strain, mobile home parks are ready to welcome you home.
Choose your happily ever after and live your luxury at a mobile home park today. Remember to choose smart to live happy!