Develop an overall plan when contemplating remodeling a mobile home. Determine what the budget for the remodel will be and determine what areas will be changed. Will the remodel consist of cosmetic changes such as paint and wallpaper, or more involved projects like moving or eliminating walls? And will you hire a contractor or not? If you can do the work yourself, the cost savings will allow for more expensive additions of new windows, doors, kitchen cabinets or bathroom fixtures. Does this Spark an idea?
Interior Ceilings, Walls, Floors and Trim
Apply a primer that seals and covers stains to the ceilings, then add a fresh coat of paint. Textured ceilings add interest and a different feel to the room. Investigate the patterns and techniques for adding texture to the ceiling.
For added interest and to brighten the room, install new ceiling lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. Choose a ceiling fan that installs close to the ceiling, due to the limited ceiling height in most mobile homes.
Painting or wallpapering dark paneled walls with lighter colors will make the room feel more spacious and airy. Remove the strips covering the seams in paneling. Fill the seams and grooves in the paneling with drywall compound. Lightly sand when dry, prime and paint. Paneling that has vinyl coating that resembles wallpaper can also be primed and painted.
Damaged paneling can be removed and drywall installed. Drywall will add to the strength and stability of the walls. If the paneling is removed, this is a good time to add electrical outlets and additional insulation.
Remove old damaged carpet and padding and replace. Check the subfloor when the old carpet is removed for damage and repair. Consider installing an underlayment on top of the subfloor before installing new carpet. Check door-swing clearance to ensure space is available for the underlayment.
Floating laminate floors are ideal in mobile homes. This type of flooring adds the richness of hardwood floors but is more resistant to wear and scuffs. The floating floor is designed to move with the temperature changes that can affect mobile homes.
Installing new trim on the windows, ceiling moldings and baseboard will add dimension to the room. Crown moldings are now available in Styrofoam and when painted are hard to distinguish from wood. This type of molding is easy to install with adhesive.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Repaint dark kitchen cabinets that are in good condition with a light shade of oil-based paint, then seal them with polyurethane. Remove the doors and drawers to create a flat surface to sand and paint. Replace any defective hinges, then install new handles and pulls to complete the update of the cabinets.
A new countertop that coordinates with the refinished cabinets, and a new sink and faucets will modernize the kitchen. Replace outdated appliances to make the kitchen appear completely new.
Replace outdated fixtures in the bathroom. A walk-in shower can be installed in the same space as the existing tub. Fresh paint or wallpaper on the walls and new flooring will give a crisp, clean appearance.
Replace or paint the vanity and install new counter tops, and install a new mirror or cabinet above the vanity. Then be sure to replace the sink faucets to match the new shower.
Replacement of the toilet to a newer style will complete the remodel, and a newer toilet will save on water usage.
Exterior
Replace or paint exterior siding. Paints are available that adhere well to aluminum or vinyl siding and usually cover in one coat.
Install new skirting to coordinate with the new siding color. Consider using insulated skirting to make the mobile home easier to heat and cool.
New shutters or awnings will add to the street appeal of the mobile home.Paint or replace the entrance door. This is the first thing visitors will notice when coming into your home.
Replace or repaint porches or steps. The addition of a deck will add space for entertaining and add value to the mobile home.
Tags: mobile home, mobile homes, kitchen cabinets, paint wallpaper, paneling removed, Replace outdated