renovating vs. buying new

[billybend]

We are purchasing a 1986 Fuqua home in the perfect location for us in Bend, Oregon. The outside is great,the lot is great, the size is great, but the interior, although clean and nice, is quite dated. Are there companies that will renovate the interior at a reasonable price, or should we consider selling just the home and buying a new mh? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[David Oxhandler]

The look and quality of new manufactured homes they are building today is incredible, they have gotten better and better over the years,,, and there is always something special about having everything new... BUT .. If you were looking at a sound site built home constructed less than 30 years ago you probably would not consider demolishing it and starting over. My home was built in he early 80's. We renovated it inside and out. Even added stucco to the exterior walls and an eight foot roof overhang that covers a porch the full length of that side. The new neighbors were shocked when we told them that it was factory built.

Read a few of our free articles on manufactured housing repair and renovation

Fuqua built a good home in those days... as long as it is structurally sound you can probably can save a ton of money by renovation what you have. Removing the trim between the wall panels and taping and texturing the walls and ceilings would make a huge difference.

Take a look at the The Manual for Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade, it covers all facets of manufactured home repair and renovation... even if your not going to do the work yourself you will get a great idea of what is possible..., The Manual is Available in print version and now also in e-book version for instant download.

If you really want to save money try to rework the walls yourself. You will be surprised how easy and inexpensive giving your home an entire new look can be. Check out Painting and Texturing Paneled Walls By following the steps in this 20 minute video, your paneled walls will look darn near like textured sheetrock. Works on both wood paneling and vinyl-covered paneling or sheetrock. The Price is only $19.95.