The News Media- Manufactured Home Friend or Foe?

The News Media:  Minnesota Manufactured Home Friend or Foe?

By:  Dustin Falling- Sales Manager of Life Style Homes of Litchfield

With all the recent tornadoes throughout the U.S. the media has had a lot of coverage on this.  I have always found it interesting they generally pick on the manufactured homes (what they call mobile homes).  They also usually focus on the older homes, which actually are still called mobile homes.  Even though neighborhood after neighborhood of stick built homes are devastated by these storms the focus seems to be on the manufactured homes.

However, I did find one news report that focused on an older mobile that was damaged from a tornado and showing a newer manufactured home adjacent to this damaged one that was in perfect condition. 

Being in the business the construction methods of a manufactured home is basically the same as a stick built home.  If properly installed a manufactured home can withstand heavy winds in the wind zone it was built for.  I have always said it a tornado is going to hit your home directly, good luck.  Regardless of the home you live in always find the safest shelter and wait it out.

The Modular Home- Built Tornado Tough

The Modular Home- Built Tornado Tough

By:  Dustin Falling- Life Style Homes of Litchfield

This morning I was watching the news the day after some devastating tornadoes throughout the state of Minnesota and in other states.  The coverage as always is very dramatic, showing photos of neighborhoods flattened by these major storms.

I found it interesting that a large majority of the photos were neighborhoods that consisted of site built homes, but what the media focused on was one particular home that just so happened to be a manufactured or modular home, which a lot of people use these terms interchangeably. 

When Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992 FEMA put out a report stating “it was found that the wood-frame modular homes in hard hit Dade County stood up to the devastating winds better than stick-built homes”.  The report continued on by stating “Overall, relatively minimal structural damage was noted in modular housing…”  The report also points out that the construction method of modular homes provided an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.

There are many more reports confirming the rigid construction of the modular home. This report was in 1992 and like all facets of construction constant building code improvements take place and the modular homes are even better built now than 18 years ago.

July-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?

Did you know?

We do all of our service work internally allowing for quicker and more reliable work.

Tips to Prevent a Damp Basement for Modular Homeowners During the Wet Minnesota Spring

Tips to Prevent a Damp Basement for Modular Homeowners During the Wet Minnesota Spring

By: Dustin Falling- Sales Manager of Life Style Homes of Litchfield

A damp basement is something a homeowner does not want to deal with.  I have some quick tips to ensure you never have to worry about this problem.

Outside factors- If you notice water seepage in your basement after a rain in the spring or fall you most likely have some external problems.  Check your landscaping to make sure all the water in running away from your basement is the first step.  Avoid using a lot of mulch around your foundation.  Mulch retains water which normally runs away from your home.  Gutter that are working proper really help with proper water shed. 

Inside factors- Check plumbing pipes for leaks.  If you notice condensation on your walls consider using a water resistant paint. Avoid using your basement to dry clothes.  Make sure your basement appliances such as your clothes washer and dryer are properly vented.  If you have a bathroom in your basement make sure it is exhausted properly.  Use a de-humidifier in your basement if you notice excessive humidity. 

If these quick easy tips are followed the chance of getting moisture in your basement is drastically reduced.

June-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?

Did you know?

Our Modular/Manufactured home construction process focuses on “Green” building and the use of Energy Star products.  We also use all brand named products in our homes, from Pella windows to Moen faucets.

Ronald McDonald Goes Modular

Ronald McDonald Goes Modular 

How the New McDonalds are using the Modular Concept.

By:  Dustin Falling- Sales Manager of Life Style Homes of Litchfield

 I found it very interesting a few years ago a new McDonalds was re-built in our small town.  I noticed they used a modular concept.  Finished exterior panels were brought in to build the main frame of the new restaurant.  This concept really sped up the building time which allowed McDonalds to re-open to the public quicker and minimizing lost revenue.  This same concept holds true for the current modular home buyer. The quicker the building time the more money you can save.  Hey, if it is the building choice for the highly successful Ronald McDonald it would certainly be a good choice for every home buyer.

May-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?

Did you know?

We can help with the whole construction package, such as assisting with the building permit, designing the home, organizing and scheduling of sub-contractors and even assisting with the financing.

Reach for the Stars with an Energy Star Modular or Manufactured Home

REACH FOR THE STARS WITH AN ENERGY STAR MODULAR OR MANUFACTURED HOME

By Dustin Falling- Life Style Homes of Litchfield, Inc.

Energy efficiently is always an important focus when shopping for a home.  Energy efficiency of course saves you money every month and with our current economy everyone could stand to save some extra money.

Our modular/manufactured home companies now offer an “Energy Star Package”.  This package includes energy efficient items such as:

+    Increased insulation in the roof and sidewall

+    Energy star rated lights fixtures/bulbs                       

+    Energy star Pella windows

+    Addition sealant in all penetration areas

+    Programmable thermostats

The nice thing about these packages is they pay for themselves in a very short time and continue saving you money.  The ultimate gift that keeps on giving.  Make sure you look for these items when shopping for a new home.

Is the Financing Crisis Truly a Crisis in the Minnesota New Home Construction Market?

Is the Financing Crisis Truly a Crisis in the Minnesota New Home Construction Market?

We all know how difficult this past year has been for many business sectors, but believe it or not the mortgage loans for modular homes were fairly accessible.  In my dealings with new modular home customers this past year the approval portion of the loan was not difficult, but the appraisal portion got tricky at times.

For those who are not familiar with the appraisal process, in a nutshell it goes like this.  When you are requesting a loan from the bank they need to know the new home project you are proposing fits in with the value of other similar homes in your area.  The appraiser achieves this by finding comparables (similar homes) in that particular area.  With the down market, homes are selling for less and thus bringing down the amount of current value on a new constructed home.   This is where I have seen the main mortgage loan problems occur.

One way to combat this problem would be to own your land free and clear and/or have a large down payment.  Even though the market is down currently it will eventually stabilize and values will rise.

Basically, I am saying don’t let this down market affect your decision on doing a new home project, because the most important thing is to not compromise.  You are spending a large amount of money on a new home and you should make it the way you want.

April-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?

Did you know?

Our Modular/Manufactured Homes are built in a controlled environment safe from the wind and rain.  Next time you drive by a construction site on a rainy day, think about all that water seeping into the floors and walls.  It takes a long time for that water to dry up – if it ever does.

Our Homes are built in an enclosed environment and the elements will never reach the inside of your home.  In fact your home won’t even know what a rainy day is until the room is on and the windows are sealed.

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