Prepare Your Modular Home for the Long Minnesota and North Dakota Winter
October 22, 2011
Those who have lived in Minnesota and North Dakota know how long and cold our winters can be. I have created a list of maintenance items that if in good working condition will create a comfortable winter season for you and your family.
The follow items should be checked for proper working order before the cold temperatures hit us:
Roof- Check for missing shingles, leaks, tree limbs, bird nests, etc.
Gutters & Downspouts- Check for debris in gutters and if they are misaligned or damaged.
Doors & Windows- Check caulking and weather stripping.
Lawn & Garden- Remove tree limbs, branches, etc. that can attract insects and maintain grading sloped away from foundation walls.
Driveways, Walkways & Patios- Check for cracks or deterioration. Clean and store patio furniture.
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector- Check operation and change batteries.
Heating/Cooling- Remove debris from exterior exhausts and intakes and service heating system.
Faucets- Check exterior faucets for leaking.
I highly recommend using this list every fall season to ensure your home is safe and comfortable through those long cold winter months.
Venting isn’t a Bad Thing When it Comes to Your Manufactured Home
October 10, 2011
An efficient home is always a concern for Minnesota homeowners, but when it comes to the skirting on your manufactured home less is more. What I mean by this is properly vented skirting year around will have more positives than negatives.
Let me simplify this by first explaining how a manufactured home is built. The HUD code built manufactured home is designed with an insulated floor system and the water/sewer lines and ductwork are all resting inside the insulated “belly”. The only exposed lines are typically very short and the water lines have heat tape. This home doesn’t need any help staying warm.
The second part of this is explaining the main purpose for skirting. Skirting is more or less just to cover the block settings and the gap from home to the ground. There are several types of skirting that add to the attractiveness. For the most part that is all skirting is intended for. The vents are there to allow proper air flow to protect the ground underneath the home from moisture. Moisture in the ground is what causes shifting and heaving during the winter months. Dry ground no matter how cold it gets will not have this type of movement.
The worst thing you can do is cover up your vents allowing no air flow. Without these vents the moisture has no place to go but into your home typically creeping up the side walls. I have seen many homes with a mildew or mold problem resulting solely from improper skirting ventilation.
Let that air flow, plug in your heat tape in the winter and let your home handle the rest.
October-Modular/Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?
October 3, 2011
Did you know?
Our service area is quit large. We cover all of Minnesota and the bordering states.
Plug into Safety in Your Modular Home
September 25, 2011
Is your modular home really safe? There are many items to check when determining the safety of your home and the following check list will help with this.
-Is your home equipped with tamper resistant receptacles to reduce the risk of injuries to children?
-Are all of your light/outlet covers in good condition?
-Is your furniture arranged so outlets are available for multiple equipment without using extension cords?
-Do you use extension cords as a permanent power solution?
-Is your computer and other electronic devices protected from power surges?
-Is your power surge protector plugged directly into a three-prong grounded outlet?
-Does your computer and entertainment center equipment have proper ventilation space?
-Are liquids kept away from electric items?
There are plenty more items you can do to ensure the safety of your home and there are many professionals that can help. Hopefully this list will get your thinking about and acting on safety in your home.
Manufactured Homes Swoop in to Save the Day in Minot, North Dakota
September 24, 2011
The recent flood recovery in Minot, North Dakota has been ongoing and Life Style Homes of Litchfield is a big part of this effort. Many manufactured home communities in this flood ravaged area are partially if not totally wiped out. The goal of Life Style homes of Litchfield is to supply as many new and used manufactured homes to these communities in hopes those displaced from their homes can get back to their regular lives soon.
We currently have several new closeout models and used homes ready for immediate delivery and set-up to the North Dakota area.
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.
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 [...]
