Ever wished your manufactured home had the charming curb appeal or cozy character of a traditional house? You’re not alone. Many homeowners seek ways to blend style and comfort, turning their manufactured home into a place they’re proud to call their own.
Improving your home’s appearance not only boosts personal satisfaction but can also increase its value. In this article, you’ll find practical steps, easy tips, and creative insights to help your manufactured home truly feel like home.
How to Make a Manufactured Home Look Like a House
Manufactured homes offer an affordable and flexible housing solution, but many homeowners dream of boosting their curb appeal and making their home blend in with traditional, site-built houses. The good news? With thoughtful renovations, practical upgrades, and a bit of creativity, you can make your manufactured home indistinguishable from a stick-built house.
Below, you’ll find comprehensive advice, step-by-step strategies, and easy-to-follow tips to transform your manufactured home’s appearance, inside and out.
1. Why Make a Manufactured Home Look Like a House?
Modern manufactured homes are safe and comfortable, but often, differences in architectural features and finishing details set them apart from traditional homes. Enhancing your home’s appearance can:
– Increase property value
– Improve curb appeal
– Boost pride of ownership
– Help your home blend into residential neighborhoods
Let’s explore ways to achieve that classic house look for your manufactured home.
Exterior Transformations: Steps to a Site-Built Look
Making significant exterior changes is the most effective way to give your manufactured home a house-like appearance. Focus on the main components: the roof, siding, entrances, windows, and landscaping.
1. Upgrade the Roof
The roof makes a powerful first impression. Many manufactured homes have a flat or gently-pitched roof, which can look less substantial than the steeper roofs on site-built homes. Consider these upgrades:
– Add a pitched or gabled roof to mimic traditional designs.
– Use high-quality roofing materials, such as architectural shingles or metal panels.
– Extend the eaves outwards—site-built homes often have wider overhangs.
Benefits:
- Dramatically changes your home’s silhouette.
- Offers better protection from the elements.
2. Replace or Enhance the Siding
Manufactured homes frequently use aluminum or vinyl siding that can look generic. Fresh siding works wonders:
– Dress up your exterior with fiber cement, lap siding, or even brick or stone veneer.
– For a budget-friendly update, paint your existing siding a color commonly seen on site-built homes.
Tips:
- Use earthy, neutral, or classic colors for timeless appeal.
- Add trim boards or shutters for extra definition.
3. Build a Porch or Deck
Nothing says “welcome home” like a spacious front porch or a charming deck. To boost your home’s resemblance to a traditional house:
– Add a covered front porch with railings and posts.
– Build wrap-around porches or decks that expand your outdoor living space.
Benefits:
- Offers a cozy spot for relaxing or socializing.
- Adds depth and breaks up the boxy look of many manufactured homes.
4. Upgrade Doors and Windows
Site-built homes often feature larger, more detailed doors and windows. Here’s what you can do:
– Install a front door with glass panels, sidelites, or a decorative frame.
– Replace smaller windows with energy-efficient, house-style models.
– Add shutters or flower boxes under windows for charm.
Honest Advice:
- Choose window shapes and sizes that match traditional homes in your neighborhood.
- Match trim and frame colors for a polished finish.
5. Skirting and Foundation Upgrades
The skirting or underpinning around the bottom of a manufactured home often gives away its origins. Upgrade to:
– Brick or stone foundation skirting
– Faux-rock panels for a natural look
– Vented vinyl or composite lattice for a neat, finished base
6. Add Dormers and Architectural Details
Dormers—a small roof projecting from a pitched roof—are eye-catching and help break up long rooflines.
– Install dormer windows if your roof pitch and budget allow.
– Fake dormers can be installed for aesthetics if functional ones aren’t possible.
– Finish with decorative trim, wide eaves, and quality fascia boards.
Interior Makeover: Creating a Homey Feel
The inside of your manufactured home can also reflect the style and comfort of a traditional house. Here’s how:
1. Upgrade Flooring
Replace basic vinyl or carpet with:
– Laminate, wood, or tile flooring
– Area rugs in living spaces for a cozy vibe
2. Update Walls and Ceilings
Factory-finished paneling can look artificial. Spruce things up by:
– Painting walls in light or neutral colors
– Installing drywall for a genuine, textured look
– Adding crown molding, wainscoting, or chair rails for detail
3. Replace Lighting Fixtures
Swap out simple, utilitarian fixtures for:
– Statement chandeliers or pendants
– Recessed lighting or sconces for a modern touch
4. Change Out Cabinetry and Hardware
Upgrade your kitchen and bath by:
– Installing traditional cabinets and counters
– Using stylish hardware and pulls
5. Embrace Open-Concept Living
Many traditional homes have open, flowing layouts. If possible:
– Remove non-load-bearing walls to create an airy atmosphere
– Define spaces with rugs, colors, or furniture placement
Landscaping: The Final Touch
Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal! Landscaping frames your home and softens its lines, making it look more established.
Tips for Landscaping
- Plant shrubs and flower beds around the foundation.
- Create walkways with stone or brick.
- Add a driveway or upgrade the existing one.
- Install lighting for an inviting nighttime look.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Transformations require time, planning, and sometimes professional help. Keep these tips in mind:
– Check local zoning laws and building codes before beginning exterior projects. Some areas have rules about additions and skirting.
– Plan your upgrades in phases. Start with the biggest impact (roof, siding, porch), then move on to details.
– Set a realistic budget. Some upgrades—like roofing and porches—require significant investment.
– Hire licensed contractors for structural changes, especially roof, porch, or foundation work.
– Use quality materials to ensure durability and avoid repairs down the line.
– Take before-and-after photos to keep track of your incredible progress!
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits
- Increased resale value
- Improved energy efficiency (especially with new windows and insulation)
- Greater comfort and pride in your home
- Easier time meeting neighborhood covenants or homeowners’ association standards
Challenges
- Upfront costs
- Navigating permit requirements
- Coordinating contractors and timelines
- Possible limits due to structural or zoning restrictions
Bringing It All Together: A Step-by-Step Summary
Here’s a handy roadmap to turn your manufactured home into the house of your dreams:
- Evaluate your home’s layout and structure. Identify which features most set it apart from nearby houses.
- Upgrade the roof, siding, and skirting to mimic site-built construction.
- Add a porch or deck for immediate curb appeal.
- Replace doors and windows with more residential, energy-efficient models.
- Spruce up landscaping to create a welcoming environment.
- Refresh your interior with new floors, painted walls, and upgraded fixtures.
- Personalize with details like trim, shutters, and decorative touches.
- Follow all necessary codes and regulations as you make structural changes.
- Celebrate your home’s transformation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I really make my manufactured home look like a regular house?
Yes! With strategic changes like roof upgrades, siding replacement, and thoughtful landscaping, your manufactured home can closely resemble a traditional house—both inside and out.
What’s the most important upgrade to start with?
The roof is usually the most impactful change. Raising the pitch and adding house-style materials immediately alters the home’s silhouette and curb appeal.
Do I need permits for these renovations?
In most cases, yes. Additions like porches, decks, or structural roof changes require permits. Always check with your local building department before starting work.
Will these changes increase my home’s value?
Absolutely. The right upgrades can boost property value, make your home more attractive to buyers, and improve energy efficiency.
Can I do these projects myself or should I hire professionals?
DIYers can handle some projects like painting, minor landscaping, and installing decorative trim. For major changes—especially anything structural—hiring licensed professionals ensures safety and code compliance.
Transforming your manufactured home into a beautiful, house-like residence is entirely possible. With creativity, careful planning, and quality materials, you can craft a home you’re truly proud of—one that stands out for all the right reasons. Happy renovating!
