We use larger floor sections in all of our homes, creating fewer seams and a stronger floor.

Planning your kitchen in your new modular home for multiple cooks and purposes can be challenging. From kids to grandparents designing your kitchen may take some time and thought.

Your kitchen design is really about creating spaces that work for the family that live in the home.  Appliance placement, sufficient counter surface in the work areas, proper and accessible storage and good task lighting are all considerations.

If the family is multi-generational, it would be important to consider incorporating various counter heights and adjustable lighting.  The height at which appliances are placed is also important depending on who will be using them.

If baking is a primary function, a lowered countertop for the baking center might be a consideration.  Kitchen islands that have a 36” tall countertop on all four sides provide a great area for family cooking projects.  This type of island will also allow for adequate sitting areas.

It always seems the kitchen becomes the main room in the home during daily life and also when entertaining, so make it  accommodating.

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.

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.

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

1,329 Sq Ft Home on crawlspace

3 BR/ 2 Bath

For sale or rent

Call Life Style Homes of Litchfield

320-693-7993

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.

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.

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.

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.