Recently, we have seen sales for manufactured homes skyrocket! According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, about twenty-two million people live in prefabricated homes, and there are around 40,000 land lease communities. Thanks to their affordability, customizability, and cost-effectiveness, factory-produced homes are now more viable options in the housing industry than ever before.
Living in a manufactured housing community means homeowners don't need to do much extra work on their dwelling spaces. But there's always room for DIY modular home projects and upgrades to push the personalization further. Residents can add their signature to their already beautiful home.
Add some DIY projects to your modular home to fall in love with your space even more after settling in. Whether you want to increase the property value or add your personal flair, you can always do a few good DIY modular home improvement projects to expand your space.
From simple updates to more detailed projects, here are some top picks for upgrades owners can do themselves.
Exterior DIY Modular Home Project Ideas
There are uncomplicated DIY modular home projects and more highly involved revamps when considering a home's curb appeal.
Hang Window Shutters
Whether installing brand-new shutters or replacing old ones, window decor can significantly change the exterior appearance of any manufactured home. Once a style or color has been selected, it takes a bit of drilling to get them in place. Depending on the number of windows in your home, this DIY modular home project can be completed in as little as one day!
Install New Doors
Simply changing the front or back doors can elevate a home's appearance. Depending on the desired door, it could let in more light with oversized windows, provide better privacy, or add a pop of color for a more welcoming vibe. Before buying a new door, an important tip is to make sure to measure it twice.
Paint Your Home
Painting your modular home's exterior can be a do-it-yourself project with appropriate materials, paint type, and time. Start with a primer and opt for a weather-resistant paint that lasts longer outdoors. Then, choose the colors and paint finishes that fit your preferences, needs, and community regulations.
If you want to do only part of the exterior, painting your trim and shutters can freshen up the look of the entire house.
Replace Skirting
Manufactured home skirting is essential to the home's efficiency, safety, and appearance. Whether an upgrade is necessary or simply desired, vinyl siding is the usual go-to material because it is the least expensive and most accessible for DIY installation. You can also get high-quality vinyl that resembles bricks, blocks, or other materials. Other popular options include concrete, wood, foam, and faux rock.
Whatever the chosen material, measure everything before buying, purchase enough spare to match variations in height, and ensure the finished project provides proper ventilation for the home.
Get Creative with Your Carport
In many manufactured home communities, carports are more popular than garages. They are great for providing shelter and shade, and they are usually made of a thin metal roof supported by narrow aluminum poles, which aren't the most attractive.
Dress up the carport! Upgrade the dull, narrow poles with scroll or pillar columns. These offer more support, are sturdier, and improve the home's curb appeal. Expand the height of the carport without replacing the roof by adding offset awning supports that add a modern look to your manufactured home.
Maximize Outdoor Living Space
The manufactured home community may offer enticing amenities, but sometimes, spending private, quality time indoors is all one needs. Play around with plants with the small yard space or turn the carport into a multipurpose space for special events.
Another idea is to create a dedicated patio area by laying in some bricks or flagstone. Dress up the space by adding an outdoor table or an ample-sized grill or build a fire pit with seating.
Interior DIY Modular Home Projects
One can save time upgrading the interior of their prefabricated house. Some DIY projects can be done in small, cozy spaces or throughout the home.
Add Some Color
Let's start by sprucing up a space by painting the walls. A new coat of paint can significantly change the living space. It adds color and a vibrant tone that brightens a room and unifies the home. Choose an accent wall, redesign the colors for a whole room, or look up engaging ideas for ceilings and DIY murals.
If accents and murals are an option but you don't know how to DIY it, try using wallpaper, contemporary paneling, or a unique geometric shelving system.
For a more involved project, try painting kitchen islands, bathroom cabinets, or even floors for the weekend warriors. These uncomplicated ideas update the entire aesthetic of the house.
Upgrade Your Fixtures
Another straightforward idea for upgrading the kitchen or bathroom is to install new fixtures. These simple updates - like shower heads and handles, sink faucets, or the handles on your cabinets - can make dull, dated spaces feel new again. Aside from making the space look beautiful, these changes will provide better functionality and better resale value for the home in the future.
Brighten Up with Lighting
Changing your light fixtures can revive entire areas in your home-providing mood lighting, brightening dark corners, or adding entertaining design choices to the living space. When shopping for new fixtures, make sure to know beforehand whether hardwiring is required. Contact the community manager or a professional electrician when needed.
Install New Appliances
Upgrading with new appliances instantly improves any space and increases the value of the manufactured home. They elevate the look and comfort level while you live in it. If you have the budget for a complete remodel, choose an aesthetic-stainless steel or vintage-and use it as a guide when shopping for appliances.
Update the Flooring
Revamping a prefabricated home's floors to something like tile or vinyl can be a piece of cake with a few DIY guides. These types of flooring unlock an entire world of design and creative opportunities. Aside from a new appearance, vinyl makes it easy for everyone living in the house. It's easy to clean, durable, more budget-friendly, and water resistant.
Looking for a Modular Home?
Are you in the market for a modular home in a community? Start your search here. Sun Communities offers luxurious communities with irresistible views and top-notch amenities.