Designing Your Multi-Purpose Modular Home Kitchen
January 22, 2012
Planning your kitchen in your new modular home for multiple cooks and purposes can be challenging. From kids to grandparents designing your kitchen may take some time and thought.
Your kitchen design is really about creating spaces that work for the family that live in the home. Appliance placement, sufficient counter surface in the work areas, proper and accessible storage and good task lighting are all considerations.
If the family is multi-generational, it would be important to consider incorporating various counter heights and adjustable lighting. The height at which appliances are placed is also important depending on who will be using them.
If baking is a primary function, a lowered countertop for the baking center might be a consideration. Kitchen islands that have a 36” tall countertop on all four sides provide a great area for family cooking projects. This type of island will also allow for adequate sitting areas.
It always seems the kitchen becomes the main room in the home during daily life and also when entertaining, so make it accommodating.
Radon: The Invisible Danger in Your Modular Home Especially in Minnesota
January 12, 2012
Something you can’t see or touch can sometimes be the most dangerous. This is the case with Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, that means it continuously decays and releases radiation. It is produced from minerals in soil, such as uranium and radium. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. January is radon month and now is the time to make sure you have tested for this dangerous gas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each year 21,000 people die of lung cancer as a result of being exposed to elevated levels of radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers and the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Although radon is present throughout the environment, radon levels indoors are generally higher which increase the risk of cancer. Once radon enters a home it moves freely throughout the indoor air and people can breathe it into their lungs where it can cause cell damage that may lead to lung cancer.
A radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. Performing a radon test on your own is easy, inexpensive, and can be done privately. You can usually get an inexpensive test kit at your local social services or hardware store. Every home is unique due to its local soil and construction details.
The State of Minnesota Building Code now requires a radon evacuation system installed in every new home built, so new homebuyers can rest easy at night knowing this. Modular homes are built under the state building code and are also required to have this evacuation system.
For homeowners of old or new homes I recommend buying and conducting a radon test. The test is another unexpected cost, but you can’t put a price on your health and piece of mind.
Prepare Yourself for the North Dakota and Minnesota Winter
January 9, 2012
Modular and manufactured homeowners do not be fooled by the brown winter so far. The cold and snow will be coming soon and you need to be prepared.
You never know when the snow may hit or how extreme it may be and that potential for a blizzard is always looming. It is important to be ready for extreme weather by having the proper supplies. Here are some of the supplies that are suggested you have at your home.
- Alternate heating source such as space heater, wood burning stove/fireplace.
- Water: three-day supply, one gallon per person per day
- Food: three-day supply of nonperishable food items
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Chargers for cell phone and other communication devices
- Weather radio
- Multi-purpose tool
- Hygiene items
- Pet Supplies
- Rock salt or sand for icy sidewalks
- Warm coats, gloves, boots, blankets and warm clothing
No one can predict the weather, so it is important to stock up on these items right away. When a blizzard hits it will be too late. Stock up and enjoy the great features of our winter months.
Did You Know?
January 3, 2012
Did You Know?
We glue and screw our floors in all our manufactured and modular homes, preventing creeks and pops.
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Pinger Manufactured Home- Ham Lake, MN
“After living in a small home (28X26) and raising 4 children in it we are finally in a home that we can enjoy the whole family in it. Our family now numbers 20 and at holidays it is nice to have them all here. Our house sits on 2 acres with a sprinkler system. So [...]
