Radon: The Invisible Danger in Your Modular Home Especially in Minnesota

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

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?

Did You Know?

We glue and screw our floors in all our manufactured and modular homes, preventing creeks and pops.

Home For Sale or Rent in Litchfield, MN

Home on city lot in Litchfield, MN

1,329 Sq Ft Home on crawlspace

3 BR/ 2 Bath

For sale or rent

Call Life Style Homes of Litchfield

320-693-7993

Don’t Forget Your Minnesota & North Dakota Building Permit

We all know a modular and manufactured home project is much easier and quicker than site building, but remember most counties in Minnesota and North Dakota still require a land use or building permit.

One of the first and very important steps in initiating your new modular or manufactured home project is to check with your county on their requirements.  Every county differs on requirements and it is your responsibility to check with them to ensure your home project will be compliant.  To simplify this process I will explain the two main types of permits that may be required.

Land Use Permit- This permit focuses on your lot line set-backs and septic compliance.  If you have an existing septic system that was installed over five years ago or three years since a compliance certification you will be required to get it recertified.

Building Permit-  This permit in most areas focuses on the items within the land use permit and goes a step further by requiring plans & specifications on the whole home project.  This permit will also require inspections on the foundation, home set-up, garage, exterior steps, etc.

Costs can vary from county to county and the type of permit they require.  The best place to start is the county courthouse.  Once again it is your responsibility to inquire on permits and many times your mortgage company will require permits/inspections as well.

Energy Saving Tips to be Comfortable in Your Modular Home

The Minnesota holiday season is upon us along with colder temperatures.  The following are ten tips for saving energy during this season.

- Shop for ENERGY STAR- rated appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs

- Skip the electronics and get kids boards games

- Lower thermostats and replace HVAC filters monthly

- Do not preheat your oven when cooking large pieces of meat

- Check windows and doors for leaks and seal them

- Install timers on outdoor lights

- Decorate with LED lights

- Use a smart power strip

- Cook food in the microwave versus the oven

- Adjust power settings on video games consoles and other related devices

Even though you can’t see any grass during the winter months these tips can put some extra green in your wallet.

December- Did You Know?

Did you know?

Most home manufacturers have a price increase at the end of the year.  If you are looking to do a new home in Spring, now might be the time to lock in pricing.

Have a Happy Energy Efficient Modular Home Holiday

The cold weather in Minnesota and North Dakota and increased utility costs this holiday season are hard to avoid.  We already ready know modular homes are built to the highest efficiency standards, but there are other areas to be concerned with when focusing on keeping costs down this holiday season.

So many enjoy lighting up the exterior of their homes during the holidays and by using energy-efficient LED lights this will reduce costs.  A string of the traditional incandescent lights uses 36 watts of power, while a string of LED lights only uses 5 watts and last up to ten times longer.  Placing a timer on these lights can also reduce your electric usage.

Another good way to reduce your electric usage is to make sure you unplug devices such as cells phones, computers, video games consoles, etc.  These items continue to use power while not in use.

There are many ways to cut your energy costs and have more money to spend on gifts for friends and family.  Hopefully this simple advice will save you some money this holiday season.

Minnesota Modular Home vs Site Built Home

What is the difference between a Modular and a site built home is a question I am often asked being in the home business.  Although there are a lot of similarities the modular home overall is the better choice.

Let’s start with a definition. A modular home is built under the state building code and is constructed in modules in a manufacturing plant that are mostly finished and brought to your site to be assembled together on the foundation.

A site built home is also built under the state building code but is constructed on site.

What are the advantages of each home?

A modular home has rigid construction built to withstand the road travel to the site and 10-15% more materials are used to support this travel.  This typically makes for less settle cracking and future maintenance.  The modular home is built in a controlled environment which eliminates delays and moisture/mold problems.  The project timeframe can be as short as one month and typically on a large project no more than three months.  There are many options to choose from and the products are all well known reputable brand names.  They also generally cost 20-30% less than a site built home.

The site built home has it advantages as well.  You can pretty much do anything you want for customizing and options.  You can pick from any product lines and colors.

What are the disadvantages of each home?

The only main disadvantage I see in a modular home is a slight limitation on customizing.  Even though the ability to customize improves every year, the modular is still designed around center mating walls.

Some disadvantages to a site built are the longer time frame of completion and exposure to the weather.

Overall, everyone has their preference on home features and pricing and that is why there are many housing options out there.

Planning a Future Basement Design on Your Modular Home Project

In Minnesota and North Dakota many people like to have a basement under their home for a storm shelter and extra living space.  In many cases they don’t plan out a future design for this basement.  This design is very important and should be completed prior to starting your home project as the main level layout may affect your basement plans.

I have put together of list of items to consider when planning your future basement.

Will you or your kids be living/sleeping down there at some point?  If this is the case bedrooms and a bathroom should be planned.

Make sure you have adequate storage area either in your mechanical room or other areas.

Determine where windows would fit best and make sure you have an egress window in each habitable area. Also pay attention to the direction these windows will face (north or south, etc.)

Make sure your basement sidewall height is tall enough.  Suspended ceilings require more height than sheet rocked ones.

Taking your time on the basement design is important.  Once the project has started in becomes difficult and costly to make changes.  Happy designing!

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