Most of us have heard the saying, “Nobody is getting any younger”.  This fact is something many will focus on when building a modular or manufactured home.  There are several benefits to building a modular or manufactured home for retirement.  Below is a list of some of these benefits.

One level living- As we age steps become more of a challenge and with a modular or manufactured home the one level living concept is utilized in every floor plan.  Washer, dryer, furnace, water heater, water softener and other important mechanical items are all on the main level.

Low Maintenance- All the products used are of high quality and are maintenance free.  Most don’t want to spend their golden years constantly maintaining the home.

Low utility costs- Heavy insulation, quality windows and other exterior products keep your fixed income- fixed.

Overall a modular or manufactured home will cost approximately 20-30% less than a site built home.  This allows the ability to spend some time in a warmer climate during those cold winter months.

If you have ever participated in a parade of homes tour in Minnesota or North Dakota you have probably noticed a few “McMansions”.  These large homes are great to look at, but the monthly utility bills are not.  Most people don’t want to be “house poor”, they want the financial flexibility to take trips and buy toys such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, four wheelers, etc.

Small homes cost less to heat/cool and furnish.  This savings will be evident every month when you pay your utility bills.

Small homes save time when cleaning and maintaining.  This time savings allows your attention to go to kids, travel, hobbies and other important things.

Small homes make it easier to live simply.  With a smaller home you have less space to store belongings or purchase new items.

Small homes mean quality splurges.  A smaller square foot home allows some flexibility to add some nice upgrade options like solid surface countertops, appliances, and other items.

Small homes are easier to sell.  Buyers think much like you do when you built a home.  Overall home price and energy efficiency are important to buyers.

You can never go wrong with small and nice.  Pick out a small open floor plan with nice options and have time to enjoy all the other things life has to offer.

We completely finish all TV/phone lines and home run them to one end of the home with high quality wire that is compatible with internet, satellite, new televisions and other digital requirements.

The Minnesota winter is soon over and then it will be time to open up the windows and enjoy the spring time.  Spring cleaning is an important event for many during this time.  Here are a few pointers on how to save time while spring cleaning.

Tackle one room at a time:  This cleaning process will take more than one day so don’t put so much stress on yourself to get it done quickly.  Save time by making a checklist and conquering one room completely before going onto the next.

Don’t forget what you can’t see:  Clean past the obvious like under beds, behind tables and entertainment centers.  This will also cut down on those pesky seasonal allergies.  Save time by completely dusting a room each day and by the end of the week you are dust free.

Treat your exterior home like the interior: When cleaning the interior of your home make sure you look at the exterior as well.  Save time by doing a small exterior clean-up each time you take out the trash or get the mail.  Day by day is a good frame of mind for these exterior projects as well.

Make it fun: Most don’t rank spring cleaning as one of their favorite things to do.  Reward yourself and family for cleaning up.  A group effort always saves time.

Spring cleaning comes every year so why not save some time and get out enjoying the things you love about spring even quicker.

This winter was pretty mild but most years it can be hard on your home and landscaping, so here are some quick tips to make sure your home and landscaping are in top working order this spring.

Check your window screen for damage-  you don’t want unwanted insects finding their way in.

Clean your furnace, dryer, air exchanger and other filters-  this will allow your home to work efficiently.

Check the sealants around roof vents- weather and time can wear away on the sealants.

Check shingles & gutters for snow or ice damage-  some times excessive snow and ice can cause a lot of havoc.

Check the landscaping around your home-  frost heaving can move dirt around and create areas that could cause water to flow towards your foundation.

Harsh winter weather can affect both newly built and older homes.  This short check list will help you enjoy your spring relaxing in the sun instead of working on your home.

3 BR/ 2 Bath

New vinyl siding to be installed

Shingled roof & Central air

Stove & Frig

Newer furnace & water heater

Just recently several new five to nine bedroom manufactured homes were designed to meet the housing need in the oil drilling areas of North Dakota, which include Williston, Minot & Dickinson.

These homes are roomy, energy efficient and maintenance-free.  There are many floor plans and options to meet the needs of every business.  It is important to keep you employees happy and comfortable and this is easily achieved through these homes.

Several of these homes can be built in four weeks and immediately delivered and set-up.  This will allow existing and new employees a comfortable place to rest and spend their off time.

We build with a 2×4 mating wall versus a 2×3.

As cold as Minnesota & North Dakota winters can be the summer season can be the other extreme.  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates summer air-conditioning accounts for more than 16% of the annual energy spending in the average home.  Below are some low-cost tips to keep your home comfortable while lowering your energy bills during the summer months:

1. Have your air-conditioner professionally tuned up.

2. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and turn it up to 85 degrees while you are away. Programmable thermostats make this easier.

3. Make sure your thermostat is not located near lamps or electronic appliances. It can get a false temperature reading.

4. Replace air-conditioner filters at least once per month.

5. Weather strip, seal, and caulk leaks around doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.

6. On warm, sunny days, keep window coverings closed to prevent solar heat gain.

7. Use ceiling fans to keep air moving and reducing the temperature.

8. Install window tinting to prevent sun’s rays from reflecting through the windows.

9. Install a whole house fan. These fans circulate cool air and exhausts hot air.

10 .If your air-conditioner unit is older, consider to replace with a more efficient model.

11 .Make sure your home is properly insulated.

12. Plant deciduous trees around the south and west corners of your home.

Summer presents many challenges to your home, let’s not make cooling your home affordably one of those.