Can You Remodel a Modular Home?
Have you found the perfect property only to find out the modular home that is sitting on it is not to your liking?
Or does it have some issues that need to be taken care of?
Can You Remodel A Modular Home?
You may be asking yourself can you remodel a modular home, and the answer is yes, you most definitely can.
Modular homes are built very similarly to traditional homes, and you will have no trouble getting the materials that you need to do the project.
There are some things you will need to do before starting the modular home remodel.
Determine What You Can Fix Yourself And What You Will Need A Contractor For
When it comes to remodeling your modular home, things that you can do yourself are small demolition projects, baseboard installation, painting, and flooring.
Bigger projects like replacing doors and windows along with large demolition projects should be left to the professionals.
You may be tempted to do some of these larger projects, but if you are not experienced, you may cause issues with your home.
Creating A Plan
In order to renovate your modular home, you will want to create a plan on what you want to do.
You will need to go through every room in the home to determine what you want to do.
You should also consider the following:
Determining your budget
You will want to determine just how much you can spend on your home remodel.
You will need to consider the price for things like hiring contractors, painting, countertops, and more.
You will also want to consider any tools you will have to purchase, and the installation price of things you intend to purchase.
For example, if you intend to purchase a new HVAC system, you will need to budget for that.
Design and style
You will want to take some time to figure out the style and design that you want in the home.
This includes doing the main gathering spaces like your living room and kitchen.
It may be a good idea to hire an interior decorator.
Or, if you do not want to hire a decorator, you can look online to find inspiration for your remodel.
Permits and laws
Most remodel projects will require that you have the appropriate permits and building codes have to be followed.
This is especially true if you are doing any structural changes, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work. Smaller projects like painting and repairing floors will not require a permit.
Your contractor should have all the necessary permit information and be able to follow all the building codes.
If you are doing the project yourself, it is a good idea to call your local city office to determine the codes and permits needed in your area.
Get builder’s risk insurance
If you are doing a large remodel, you may want to consider getting a builder’s risk insurance.
This insurance will cover property loss if there is any vandalism, theft, or natural disaster.
If you already have homeowner’s insurance, make sure that you look at that policy to see what is covered.
If you are only doing a small-scale remodel or only doing the interior of your home, you will more than likely want to skip this insurance.
Timeline
You will also want to set a timeline for your remodeling project.
Without a timeline, you can find that your home remodel could take years.
You may find that you do not have a chance to do projects and other things keep getting in the way.
Always update your timeline to reflect what is going on in your current remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when learning that you can remodel a modular home:
How do I pick out the right contractor to help me with my modular home remodel?
The best way to pick out the right contractor is to consult with friends and family and read reviews about local contractors.
Once you find a contractor that seems like they would be great, schedule a consultation with them and see if they will work for your modular home remodel.
How long does it take to remodel a modular home?
This will all depend on what you want to be done during the remodel.
If you are remodeling several different rooms or the entire modular home, it may take several months and even up to a year.
If you are just doing small projects, it could take just a couple of weeks.
How do I budget for this remodel?
You will want to take into consideration how much extra you can spend each month on the remodel.
If the remodel is very important and needs to be done quickly, consider skipping things like going out or cutting streaming services until you can complete your remodel.
Why should I not DIY some projects?
There are projects that you will have to have a contractor for when you are doing a modular home remodel.
Things like HVAC and electrical need to be done by a licensed company or individual. There are permits and building codes that must be followed.
If you do not follow these codes and get the necessary permits, you could find yourself in trouble with the local city or county government.
They could even make you tear out the work and then have it redone by a licensed professional.
How do I decide what to remodel in my modular home?
To decide what to remodel first, go to each room in the home and determine what you do not like or that needs to be repaired.
Some things that need to be redone will be obvious.
For example, if you have roof issues and see stains or holes in the ceiling, you will need to get that fixed.
Other rooms may need simple things like paint or new flooring.
The most common thing to do is to renovate rooms that you use a lot and that you will have people over to see.
For example, your kitchen and living room area should be the first to be remodeled as they are the first thing people will see when they come to your house, and they are the rooms you will use most often.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to remodeling, you may think that you cannot remodel a modular home, but the truth is that you can remodel it just like any other home.
Modular homes are made almost identical to traditional stick-built homes, so you will have no trouble getting the material that you need.
If you plan on doing a remodel, take your time and choose how you want to do your home and enjoy it.
