5 Mobile Home Remodel Strategies to Transform Your Space

You don’t need a ten-grand renovation budget to remodel and you don’t need to plan a full addition either.

Instead, let’s look at some neat remodeling ideas for your mobile home and how to turn those ideas into realities.

You don’t have to hire an expensive contractor for your dream remodels.

DIY mode makes creating your vision affordable and fun, and you can do it one project at a time.

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1. Paint It All

You aren’t really solving any problems with paint. But you can brighten a room and hide years of scuffs, scratches, and other marks.

Walls & Ceilings

Sometimes, just a fresh coat of paint can freshen up an entire room.

• You’ll want to wipe down the walls and ceilings and let them dry before applying the first coat.
• Most people don’t find the need to stand everything down, as long as the paint sticks well.
• It will take two or three coats to paint the walls and ceilings of the mobile home properly.

Doors

You want a flow when you start remodeling a manufactured home. So, of course, that means paying a little attention to the doors.

• You’ll need to remove the indoor doors from the hinges.
• It will take a few coats of paint to update the doors.
• You can leave exterior doors hanging from the hinges when you paint them.

Cabinets & Drawers

Yes, there are indeed hundreds of cabinets and drawers (not really, but it sure does feel like it). Just focus on one room at a time if it’s too daunting.

• Before you start, remove all of the cabinet doors and drawers.
• You can choose to fill in the old knob doors if you’re updating them.
• Wipe everything down and sand it with light grit sandpaper.
• Paint the cabinet doors and drawers inside and out with a couple of coats of paint.

Wooden Counter Tops

You want the countertops to reflect the rest of the remodel. 

• Wipe the countertops down really well.
• Sand them thoroughly.
• Use a specialty appliance, epoxy paint, for the best results.

2. Update the Hardware

Oh, don’t forget the hardware. They probably need a touch more than most.

Paint the Hinges & Knobs

The accents add a lot to a mobile home’s aesthetics and cost very little to update.

• Remove all of the hardware, including screws.
• Scrub the hinges and knobs with soap and water.
• Use sandpaper to rough them up so the paint will stick.
• Use spray paint for the best results.

Replace the Hardware

Drawer pulls and hinges can be entirely replaced especially gross plastic ones.

Say you’re changing to a more rustic look. You can find vintage copper hinges all over the Internet.

3. Sticky Tile Backsplash and Sticky Wallpaper

You likely aren’t looking at spending big bucks on a ceramic tile backsplash. There are sticky tile backsplashes that make DIY kitchen renovations almost too easy.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a little different. It works for small spaces and bathrooms, but it’s not recommended for renovation. 

How do you modernize an old mobile home?

Coming up with a budget is your first step when planning to remodel your mobile home. You can then decide how you want to modernize and update the manufactured home to your taste.

4. Lighting

Good lighting can fix almost anything, which is probably why it’s one of the more expensive parts of a mobile home remodel.

But, you can find high-impact lighting at an affordable price; it just takes a little more research.

• Ikea
• Home Depot
• Lowes

5. Flooring

You can update the flooring in your mobile home without hiring a contractor or spending your life savings.

If you know how replacing carpets and old tiling is always a good remodeling plan. But not everyone does.

Utilize rugs of all sizes, colors, and designs. Make it fun, and create a space where you aren’t thinking about the stains that are hiding just beneath the surface.

Is it worth it to remodel an old mobile home?

It depends on why you want to remodel

Manufactured homes depreciate in value over time. There comes a point where it’s not financially feasible to remodel for resale.

If you’re doing it for yourself, it is absolutely worth it. 

How do you renovate a mobile home on a budget?

You always want a plan before going into any remodeling project, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Budget Plan

Deciding on your budget is the first step of any remodel. You aren’t trying to go broke. (though go low, you’ll likely still go over budget).

Also, a budget lets you know how much you want to do DIY-style and if you can afford a contractor for anything extra.

Buy Secondhand When You Can

You’ll be amazed at the treasures you can find at secondhand stores and garage sales. Estate sales are the best because you can sometimes find antique hinges, door knobs, light fixtures, rugs, etc. 

Crucial Components First

Focus on the living room and kitchen before attacking any other room because it will take the majority of the renovation budget.

You can then decide what you have left and where you want to invest it.

One Style

It’s tempting to make each room unique, but it will stretch the budget to its limit. If you stick with one style, you have all of the materials you need without additional costs.

You do have a little freedom to combine and integrate a couple of styles, as long as you plan it from the get-go.

What upgrades can you do to a mobile home?

• You can paint one room at a time, or all of them at once. But stick to one or two styles to save your budget.
• Updating the hardware brings life to a room, and it’s a good chance to do those annoying hinge and knob repairs.
• Sticky tile backsplash and wallpaper save you time, money, and energy. A lot of ticky backsplashes are awfully pretty, too.
• Good lighting can improve a room without even doing the above things. But it’s also the most expensive part of remodeling a mobile home.
• Your flooring is fixable with nice rugs, not expensive contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to update mobile home walls?

The cheapest way to update mobile home walls is by using wallpaper. Wallpapering over paneling offers a cost-effective and simple solution to refresh the appearance of a mobile home. Not only does it save money compared to replacing the paneling, but it also allows for personalized customization of your home’s aesthetic.

How can I make my mobile home look like a regular house?

To make your mobile home resemble a regular house, you can enhance its exterior by incorporating wider eaves and increasing the roof pitch. Additionally, installing larger doors can further contribute to achieving a more traditional house appearance.

Can you replace mobile home walls with drywall?

You can replace mobile home walls with drywall as the walls of mobile homes are constructed with wooden studs and often covered with 1/4-inch paneling. The spacing of the wall studs is designed to support 4-by-8 panels, making it feasible to install mobile home drywall that comes in 8ft by 4ft sheets.

What are the best walls for a mobile home?

The best walls for a mobile home are Vinyl-Over-Gypsum or VOG walls. These walls are usually installed over gypsum board, which is an insulating material that provides better insulation and moisture resistance compared to drywall. VOG walls are also highly durable and can be painted over if they get damaged.

Can you paint over walls in a mobile home?

You can paint over walls in a mobile home, but it is crucial to choose the appropriate paint that suits the specific needs of these homes. Many manufactured homes have vinyl walls, which should not hinder your ability to paint over them as long as you use the correct materials.

How to remodel a mobile home bathroom on a budget?

Remodeling a mobile home bathroom on a budget can be achieved by implementing the following strategies: applying a fresh coat of paint, discovering new mobile home bathroom organization tools, whitening caulk or grout, creating an innovative “anti-tile” bathroom, incorporating smart bathroom wall art, considering sink options, and refinishing the tub instead of replacing it.

How to upgrade a mobile home on a budget?

To upgrade a mobile home on a budget, you can consider updating the kitchen appliances, installing synthetic countertops, painting the walls, ceilings, doors, or cabinets, replacing cabinet doors and fixtures, replacing bathroom flooring, mirrors, and toilet seats, replacing outlet covers and light fixtures, and installing thicker trim.

What adds the most value to a mobile home?

The most valuable addition to a mobile home is upgrading the appliances. Enhancing the old appliances is the initial measure to boost the value of your home. Energy-efficient upgrades, painting, enhancing curb appeal, making small upgrades, relocating the home, comparing with similar properties, and budgeting are all factors to consider in increasing the value of a mobile home.

Is it possible to increase the value of a mobile home?

It is possible to increase the value of a mobile home by changing its classification. Unlike real estate, mobile homes typically depreciate in value. However, if you own the land and can place the house on a HUD-approved foundation, you have the opportunity to change the classification of your home. This change can result in an instant upgrade in the value of your mobile home.

How can I extend the life of my mobile home?

To extend the life of your mobile home, it is important to follow these steps: First, ensure that you keep the manual for your home in a safe place and refer to it whenever necessary. Second, make sure to keep things level in your mobile home to prevent any structural issues. Third, conduct routine roof inspections to identify and address any potential issues before they worsen. Fourth, regularly check for cracks in the walls, floors, and windows of your mobile home and promptly repair them to prevent further damage. Fifth, create a cleaning checklist and stick to it to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of your mobile home. By following these steps, you can effectively extend the life of your mobile home.

How do you update the outside of a mobile home?

To update the outside of a mobile home, you can consider the following options: Raising the roof is one possibility, as many mobile homes have flat or low-pitched roofs. Another option is adding a porch or a bay window to enhance the exterior. Updating the front door can also make a significant difference. Replacing the siding is another effective way to give your mobile home a fresh look. Additionally, you can consider adding an attached carport or some flower beds to enhance the overall appearance.

What is the best way to redo mobile home walls?

The best way to redo mobile home walls is by opting for painting, which is a cost-effective and straightforward method. By choosing a single color instead of an outdated pattern, you can swiftly update a room’s appearance. Moreover, painting becomes even easier if you decide to leave the battens, or strips, that cover the seams untouched and simply paint over them.

What can you use on walls in a mobile home?

You can use VOG panels on walls in a mobile home. These wall boards are popular among manufactured homes due to their lightweight nature and ease of installation and replacement. They are also preferred by home builders for their fire resistance and easy maintenance, including simple cleaning.

Can you put paneling over mobile home walls?

Yes, it is possible to put paneling over mobile home walls. There are various types of wood panel designs available for manufactured homes, including faux options that mimic metal, wood, stone, and more. These panels can typically be easily installed on top of your current walls. However, if you prefer, you can also choose to replace the existing walls entirely.

Is it easy to remove walls in a mobile home?

Removing walls in a mobile home is not an easy task. While it is possible to remove a load-bearing wall, it is a complex job that should only be done by a professional engineer with expertise in load-bearing methods for mobile homes.

Can interior walls in a mobile home be removed?

Interior walls in a mobile home can be removed as long as the marriage line, load-bearing interior walls, or the exterior walls and corners are not being modified. Removing walls should not cause any issues if these areas are left untouched.

Is drywall too heavy for a mobile home?

Drywall can be too heavy for a mobile home, especially if the trusses are 24″ apart and the home is older with smaller trusses. To avoid putting too much weight on the ceiling, one can use Sheetrock Ultralight Panels as an alternative.

How do you insulate a mobile home wall?

To insulate a mobile home wall, it is recommended to use spray foam. Spray foam is considered one of the best options for areas that are already enclosed, like the walls or ceiling of a mobile home. Although it may be a bit more expensive compared to other alternatives, it is highly effective in providing insulation.

How can I make my mobile home look better?

To make your mobile home look better, you can enhance its appearance by installing a distinctive front door and coordinating architectural accents. Additionally, consider repainting or repairing the siding, sprucing up the skirting, and replacing plain steps with a porch or deck. Get creative with your carport and incorporate plants to add a touch of greenery. Lastly, maximize any outdoor living space available to further enhance the overall look of your mobile home.

Can I put drywall in a mobile home?

You can put drywall in a mobile home. Mobile homes are designed with wooden studs in the walls and often have 1/4-inch paneling covering the framing. The wall studs are spaced to support 4-by-8 panels, so installing mobile home drywall, which comes in 8ft by 4ft sheets, should not be an issue.

Can you replace mobile home paneling with drywall?

The paneling in a mobile home can be replaced with drywall, which is the only way to add new insulation in older mobile homes. However, it is important to note that removing the paneling may cause damage to it, rendering it unusable.

How to style a mobile home?

To style a mobile home, it is important to utilize the kitchen triangle efficiently, maximize cabinet space, consider affordable updates like backsplashes, ensure each room has at least 4 light sources, use color strategically in small spaces, embrace open floor plans and blurred boundaries, and incorporate accent walls for added visual interest.

How do you modernize the outside of a mobile home?

To modernize the outside of a mobile home, you can consider the following options: increasing the roof height, incorporating a porch, installing a bay window, upgrading the front door, replacing the siding, adding an attached carport, and enhancing the appearance with flower beds.

How do you super insulate a mobile home?

To super insulate a mobile home, one common option, aside from foam insulation, is to use blanket (batt) insulation. This type of insulation is made up of multiple layers of fiberglass, rock wool, or similar materials that are stacked together to create a blanket. This blanket can then be installed on the ceilings, floors, and walls of the mobile home.

Can you brick around a mobile home?

Yes, it is possible to brick around a mobile home. To maintain the mobility of your mobile home, we suggest installing brick panels or brick veneer skirting on a non-permanent foundation. Opting for brick instead of vinyl skirting not only enhances the appearance but can also potentially raise the value of your home.