Building a Modular or Manufactured Home for Retirement Isn’t Just About Bells and Whistles
September 13, 2011
Granite countertops and other luxuries aside, people who build a retirement home are more practical than you might think. They want to hand down a durable, efficient home to their children and grandchildren.
The following are important requirements for your retirement home:
1. Multiple outdoor living spaces
2. Energy efficiency
3. Low-maintenance exterior
4. Universal design
5. Extra bedrooms/bath for family and guests
6. Large open family room/kitchen for family gatherings
With the custom flexibility of the modular and manufactured home, you can achieve all these important requirements and enjoy your retirement in a home that fits you perfectly.
Minnesota Modular Homes Love Good Dirt
September 10, 2011
One of the most important components in a successful modular home project is the soil. The strength and quality of your foundation relies on a good supportive base for the footings to rest on. Poor soil may require a larger stronger footing while soils that are more stable will support the standard footing required by the building code. In Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin there are many soil types and it is important to know what you are going to place your new home on.
Many times the type of soil is the only gauge used to determine its quality, but that is just part of the equation. Many excavators or masonries have instruments that can assist in determining the soil quality. This soil determination is the most important piece in assuring you have a strong foundation, because your home is only as strong as what is supporting it.
September-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?
September 3, 2011
Did you know?
We have been in the housing business for over 33 years and work with many family and friend referrals.
Modular and Manufactured Homes Hit the Road to Minot North Dakota Area
August 26, 2011
Life Style Homes of Litchfield has been very active in assisting with the housing shortage out in the Minot, North Dakota areas. With the surging drilling of oil in this area the need for housing has never been stronger.
Modular, manufactured and several used homes have been shipped out to areas like Williston, Minot, Bismarck, North Dakota. These homes have been set on all types of foundations from concrete piers to full basements. Our manufacturer Friendship Homes of Minnesota has done a great job meeting this demand while not comprising on quality of workmanship.
Even though school is right around the corner there is still plenty of time to get a new home this year no matter where you live.
North Dakota Code Differs From Minnesota When it Comes to Modular Homes
August 22, 2011
Did you know you can’t purchase a Minnesota code modular home and set it up in North Dakota? Many don’t know this until it is too late. Make sure when you are shopping for a modular home to go into North Dakota that you make sure it is certified for that state.
North Dakota has a different electrical code, which requires some addtional features they feel is important for their climate and a more extensive energy package. Even if you are told the home is North Dakota certified make sure to ask for proof. The inspector will ask for it and require it.
Life Style Homes of Litchfield Expands into North Dakota & South Dakota
August 18, 2011
Modular and Manufactured homes in the Minnesota area have always been a specialty of Life Style Homes of Litchfield and now they are branching out into North Dakota and South Dakota.
Life Style Homes of Litchfield has work diligently to provide a cost effective housing option for those who live in the North Dakota and South Dakota areas. Our crews have made some minor scheduling changes to accommodate those in need of homes in these areas.
Our excellent design, set-up and service will extend out further and provide another housing option in these growing areas of North and South Dakota. With over 34 years in the industry our experience and overall care will shine through.
Don’t Forget Your Minnesota Building Permit When Buying a Manufactured Home
August 10, 2011
Did you know, currently if you purchase a new or used manufactured home and have it set-up in a non-inspected area that you are still responsible to acquire a building permit from the State of Minnesota? When I ask this question, the answer is usually, I did not know that.
This will be the second year that the state of Minnesota requires your manufactured home to be set-up by licensed installers and inspections completed. The overall permit cost can range from $700-$1,400 depending on your area, amount of inspections and size of project. These inspections cover items such as piers, blocking, anchoring and exterior steps.
The state of Minnesota takes this permit seriously and may fine those who don’t acquire one and may ask you to re-set your home with a certified installer. It can turn into a costly oversight.
August-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?
August 3, 2011
Did you know?
Modular/Manufactured homes cost 20-30% less than a site built home. That can be a savings in excess of $50,000.
Modular Homes Make a Great Home in New Ulm and Faribault, MN Areas
July 24, 2011
With the great flexibility and products used it is no wonder why a modular home makes sense when planning your new home project.
The flexibility of foundations and floor plans help fit a new home project into everyone’s budget. The ability to do a crawlspace in place of a basement can reduce the project cost as much as $25,000.
The name brand products used are endless such as Pella windows, Moen faucets, Owens Corning Shingles, Shaw Carpet, Georgia Pacific and Crane Board siding and much more.
A modular home project that generally takes 2-3 months and is 20-30%, while exceeding the building code requirements, seems to make the most sense for everyone.
Sizing the Garage for Your Modular Home
July 17, 2011
Can you truly have a garage that is too large? Some may say yes, but you want to make sure you have the appropriate space for current and future life style changes. The mistake a lot of people make in the planning process in not taking into account possible future changes.
There are a lot of things to consider in the garage planning stage. Below is a list of items to discuss when planning:
Current & future vehicles- You want to make sure you have the right size overhead doors and adequate room to park the appropriate number & size of vehicles.
Current & future recreational vehicles- Make sure you have room for snowmobiles, four wheelers, boats, lawn mowers, snow blowers and even bicycles.
Storage Space- A lot of people use their garage for storage. Keep in mind we generally are buying and adding items to the household. This can even include an adequate area for garbage, shelving, hooks, etc.
Work Areas- If you plan to do some handy/wood work in your garage designate some space for a work bench, tool storage, and other equipment. Also think about adding heat to the garage if you plan on working in the garage during the winter time.
A garage is an extension of the home, so make sure you take the time to properly plan out this important decision.
Our Featured Home
Another Satisfied Homeowner
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 [...]
