Avoid These Manufactured Home DIY Mistakes
One of the advantages of owning your own mobile home rather than renting is that you can make any changes to it that you want. Renovation is an exciting aspect of homeownership.
However, if you have limited experience in home improvement projects, you may not be aware that the process can be filled with obstacles. Many homeowners have to abandon projects halfway through due to some common mistakes, which we will outline below.
Not Budgeting for Mobile Home Renovations
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize the total cost of their renovations until it’s too late. They run out of money or run up debt, only to never finish the project.
When renovating your manufactured home, it’s vital to make a budget and add a significant cushion to it. Calculate how much your DIY project is going to cost, then add 20 percent more to your budget.
Make sure to take these elements into account when budgeting:
- Contractor’s commission
- Inspection fees
- Materials
- Transport costs
- Unexpected delays or repairs
Anticipate Setbacks in Your Mobile Home Renovations
First-time homeowners may not be aware that things inevitably go wrong during DIY projects. That’s why we recommend accommodating unexpected costs in your budget. While you cannot predict the future, you can anticipate some of the issues that may come up. For example, if you are dealing with anything related to plumbing, there is the risk of a pipe bursting. For a project like this, it would be wise to consult with a professional about any risks involved in the project.
Regardless of the specific project, leave room in your budget and allow for plenty of extra time to anticipate setbacks.
Jumping into Manufactured Home Renovation Too Soon
We get it; once you own your dream home, you want to make it yours as soon as possible. However, spontaneity is not your friend when it comes to DIY home renovations. It’s essential to plan out the project minute-by-minute, detail-by-detail before jumping in. Otherwise, you can cause more damage than good. Don’t make extra work for yourself by jumping into guns ablazing.
Changing Your Manufactured Home Too Much
The issue with DIY projects is that you don’t know exactly how they will look until they have been fully installed. Even one small change can make a huge difference in your experience of your home. During the process, you might make adjustments to your plans according to your desires as the project unfolds.
Therefore, it is essential to avoid taking on too much at once. If you make too many changes all at once, it can cost you, not only financially but in terms of your time, effort, and stress levels. This can make it difficult to ever complete a project.
Work out a design beforehand and try to stick with it as much as possible. You should carefully think out every component and how each of these will go together.
DIY-ing Manufactured Home Projects Best Left to Professionals
It can be extremely satisfying to complete your own home improvement projects. It can fill you with pride to see how your hard work manifests.
That said, it is important to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Do you have any building experience? Have you ever attempted anything of this scale?
While a new challenge can be exciting, you don’t want to make potentially costly and even dangerous mistakes. Be realistic about whether or not you can handle the project.
If you feel you lack the necessary skill or knowledge it can be best to hire a contractor, even if it is to handle only a few of the more challenging aspects of the project.
Skipping Permits for Your Manufactured Home Renovation
For many people, permits may seem like unnecessary red tape. But not applying for the correct documentation can get you into real hot water. You could be fined, the project could be halted, or it could even be torn down.
The policies and regulations around this change from state to state so you will need to do some research. But the following are projects that typically need a permit:
- Changes to the footprint of the house
- Cutting out a new space for a window
- Replacing a water heater
In addition:
Some cities require that you take out a permit when building a fence of a specified height.
You usually need one to install new plumbing or electrical services and sometimes to remove existing connections.
Permits are necessary if you make structural changes to the support system of the home.
You will need to get one in some states for a project which costs over a certain amount.
Mobile Homes in San Antonio and Odessa
Don’t let these possible stumbling blocks put you off. Most of these mistakes can be easily avoided. Caution is king in this case. It can save you time and money and help you transform your mobile home into a stunner.
If you are still shopping for the manufactured home of your dreams, we can help. Contact one of our Housing Consultants for assistance today, or come down to one of our mobile home dealerships in San Antonio or Odessa.