Mobile Home repair?

Question

I am starting a project fixing up a mobile home, where is the best place to get parts? Ie; doors, windows etc... I also want to take out the kitchen cabinets, is there anywhere cheap to get new ones? I dont want to spend alot of money but I want something decent.

Answer 1

Try your local Habitat for Humanity Resale store. Often the items donated are new or next to new - and for your project at hand are almost guaranteed to be an affordable upgrade.

Problem with manufactered homes, the materials used to build them are ultra low-quality so replacing them with even the least expensive materials at your local home improvement store is going to be better quality, increasing both the value and functionality of the home.

The good news is, you'll be getting some invaluable experience with remodeling and an opportunity to be really creative with resources and options. A word to the wise - try to get a realistic and accurate idea of what is involved in the PRE-planning phase.

Reason being, you'll be amazed (and probably appalled) by the extent of the cheap materials the home is made of (like on a bathroom project - know that if you're replacing the shower fixtures, for example, the "pipes" in the wall are probably actually rubber hoses, not metal pipe or even durable pvc - but HOSES, that will not support the standard household fixtures they sell at home improvement stores. SO you could either replace at least the internal portion that connects to your shower fixtures while you're at it (worth it to do it if you know what you're doing or have help that does) or obtain your fixtures from a supply store that specializes in mobile home materials (but that's such a lateral move, and no savings even at that).

Indeed such places exist, particularly in areas with a population of such communities. Try to avoid this. "Special Ordering", which is basically anything you buy there, is not inexpensive in any case and again, the materials you'd be getting is not an upgrade but rather just an equivalent replacement of the low-quality materials you're taking out.

Some improvements will seemingly require you to seek such suppliers. Door walls/sliding glass doors, for instance. The standard size sold at home improvement stores won't fit most mobile homes. Often the same is true of interior and exterior doors, including the main/entrance doors and even closet doors.

With some advance know-how, you can have it your way just make sure you're prepared - for every aspect of the project, because again you'll be surprised once you get your hands in there how much is involved in what seems, and should be but isn't, simple.

Its beneficial to prepare yourself well and/or call in favors if its a bathroom or kitchen and its your first experience with mobile home improvements. Don't hire someone unless they have specific experience with mobile homes AND will get it done your way - meaning not just replace cheap materials with new cheap materials and charge you a fortune.

On the kitchen cabinets, you should be able to go with any you choose from a home improvement store. That seems to graciously be one of few things that aren't on a totally different scale. An inexpensive option is to get 'unfinished' ones and stain or paint them yourself - and bonus - that way, you can customize them to your color scheme and interior design.

Best Luck!

Answer 2

With no real offense meant to answer number 2 and with respect to her LONG answer. I happen to live in a mobile currently, and remodeled the entire interior. Prior to the mid 90's mobiles were built more with 1/4 inch drywall, MDF cabinets and usually vinyl flooring and some mid grade carpet. By the mid 90's most MFG.'s upgraded interiors and paneling, electrical, plumbing, etc.

BTW "QUALITY" has no degree levels. IT either IS or ISN'T.

Again, and with no offense Homes built today 3/7/07 might still have particle borad siding, low end carpet, sheet vinyl, poly plumbing, and even at $350, 000 they aren't worth the money.

Beyond that, many of us can't afford housing in the USA in this day and age.

The suggestion about Habitat is a great one. I use them often and the stores are well stocked and it's for a GREAT cause.

You can also try Mobile sales lots, many have trades older models etc that eventually have to be torn up. Here in Central FL I often do that, as well as habitat.

Certainly HD or Lowes has cabinets of various grades and all you need do is measure what you need to fit back in. I have to tell you though that most will be MDF at least in the body. It's the current trend and MOST evident in other types of furniture IE: Office stuff Ikea, etc etc

Shop wisely, enjoy the process and be mindful of either the return or your time in the mobile.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

A hardware store can make panes of glass for your windows and also make replacement screens. A mom and pop true value or something along those lines that has a glass shop also makes screens. You may want to look in the yellow pages or the web for used building materials or mobile home parts. They might have doors.

These folks have used replacement parts for mobile homes, and they ship to anywhere:
http://www.ashvillemobilehomes.com/

If you want to do something like glue a window pane into a metal-framed window, use GOOP. This glue is clear and it bonds forever. It's great stuff. I use it all the time. It's super strong and last forever. They sell it homecenters for around $4 a tube.

Answer 4

for your mobile home specific supplies like the doors try
www.mobilehomestuffstore.com
Vinyl thermopane windows are manufactured to fit existing openings for replacement if needed. and as for the cabinetry big box stores usually handle an unfinished cabinet that is fairly cost effective. it is possible to Sheetrock your home and not have the walls crack provided the support system is up to snuff. I would avoid Sheetrock on the ceiling unless you have access to the 5/16 tempered prefinished sheets. These come 15 feet 6inches long and to finish the seams a batten is used. As far as the plumbing goes the PEX pipe is fast becoming the standard for residential and multi family structures.it is extremely fast, easy and inexpensive.

Answer 5

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