| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Mother Hen |
Posted - Feb 03 2009 : 8:42:58 PM
When my husband sold his house down the hill and we moved up to his mom's property(closer for me taking care of her) we bought an older used manufactured home '79. We've been trying to remodel inside as money and time permit, we always have one or the other but rarely both at the same time.
I don't know about any of the rest of you, but there are 2 things about this: 1) I like not having a mortgage or any payments other than utilities, phone, etc. 2) Since we are still remodeling(after almost 4 years) and probably will be for quite a while longer, it makes me uncomfortable sometimes when I look at other FG's blogs and you can see how lovely their homes are.
It's not like I'm white trash, but sometimes, maybe I feel like it due to the circumstances. Does anyone understand what I'm saying? You never see a show on HGTV or the other stations about remodeling manufactured homes, mobile homes, trailers, double wides, what ever you want to call them.
So are there any other FGs who live in a home like me or is everyone else in either an apt or frame/block/brick type of house?
Cindy
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Equusfriend |
Posted - Jun 06 2010 : 8:04:04 PM
We live in a ravine area of our 5 acres. The woods was so thick it was hard to walk through. But the view of the lake was down here and we decided to go with a manuf. home. We found a beautiful one on sale and they literally squeezed it in here by a grand daddy oak. What I like about ours is we put- "Cement board by Hardi board" up for skirting- It looks like stucco and is v. sturdy.Also the inside walls are light colored a creamy warm. tape and texture if you can afford it. Remember any home could have to be sold, as we don't have a crystal ball to know what is in store for us, money spent on the kitchen is usually recouped at the sale. Traditionally, mobile homes do not retain value like stick built. But if it is classically attractive, someone else is bound to love it too so that if you ever have to sell the classic looks could help. The best lesson for your kids- respect and love the home and items they are fortunate to have. Some people have none. Good luck and God's blessings on your endeavor!
Change your thoughts and change the world! |
| Heather B |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 1:50:23 PM
Sherry, any chance you could post a picture, close up, of what your "paper bag" wall looks lik?
Heather
http://homesteadincity.blogspot.com/
"Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty"
Farm Girl Sister #662 |
| katalind |
Posted - May 24 2010 : 12:55:42 PM
After my divorce all I could afford was a mobile home. It's not technically mine but my parents that I'm renting for cheap. I was bummed at first but it's been nice and honestly I've been quit happy here. It's pretty old but was fixed up with vinyl siding and a screened in back porch which I love to go outside and sit while it raining. I'm even thinking when I become more financially stable of buying a new two story manufactured home. Have you seen them? There beautiful! |
| miss kris |
Posted - May 04 2010 : 09:19:59 AM
Hello all manufactured home dwellers: I live in a double wide - its 10 years old - I wanted land over a house so I had to do but a double wide. I, too, am making it my home - my place to rest and be. There are things I don't like about it - but that is how life is. Most often, I am thankful for a home and land - so many people don't have that for many reasons but still they don't have it. But I too have my upsets - one = the bank! Many people are predigest against "trailers". Oh! well! You just have to let it go. Take care - Kris
For I know the plans I have for you...Jer.29:11 |
| sherrye |
Posted - May 04 2010 : 06:53:53 AM
it is dry by the next day. if you choose to glaze it i would wait several days first.mine is fairly rough. i was hiding flaws in the sheet rock. i like the textured wrinkle look. i did practice first.it works too to have the pieces different sizes. i tore mine to sizes i liked and then put on wall.let us know how it works for you.it can be painted but i like the color of the natural bag. it matches my living room color which is a doe skin color. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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| Mother Hen |
Posted - May 03 2010 : 8:04:30 PM
Thanks Sherrye, can't wait to try this. How long does it take to dry on the walls?
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| sherrye |
Posted - May 03 2010 : 6:52:25 PM
cindy here is the recipe...4 cups non-self rising wheat flour. i use white processed flour...1 cup sugar...1 gallon warm water...1 quart cold water... 1/2 teaspoon oil of cinnamon...
mix flour and sugar in pan. slowly add warm water to make a paste
add rest of warm water to thin and get lumps out
bring to a boil stirring iften
cook till thick and clear
remove from heat and dilute the mixture with cold water to desired consistency
add cinnamon of oil if not used same day.
i make it fairly thick like pudding. i have been known not to use the sugar
i have never used the cinnamon oil
i use it within 24 hours. smooshing the paper on the wall you can modify the look. hope it works for you.
i rip the bottom of the bag off and wad the paper bag up and then open it and soak in glue a few minutes. then i squeeze the excess off and smoosh onto wall. the bumps and lines make it look very natural. i have had it on the wall for 10 years. no a piece came off. my grandmother made this type glue when she was young. i use the recipe for many crafts.
let me know if it works for you. happy crafting sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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| Mother Hen |
Posted - May 03 2010 : 09:37:01 AM
It's so refreshing to find so many people who are HAPPY with their "free and clear" homes. I DO love that about mine as well. Being a small farmer/rancher there isn't much money at certain times of the year. You really learn to prioritize what you are going to spend it on. Our remodel will take until we are no longer here and then some I'm sure. I have gotten more complacent in my expectations. I do what I can, when we have the money or the time(rarely ever are they at the same time).
**Update** Since I had posted this topic we have added on a room addition that is 1/3 the size of the whole home. This is a large bedroom with sitting area and 10x12 bathroom.......this room addition is where we moved my grandmother (now 90) into. I take care of her and we have sold my MIL's house and garage w/5 acres to my parents and although they live there (300yds away) and can do for themselves I do take them to town to their doctor appointments and grocery shopping and help them do what they just can't anymore.
I am the perpetual caregiver. I just have that "mother hen" personality and like to do for others......well, most all of the time.
I think mostly about fixing up our home when I'm cooped up inside in the winter after all the chores are done.....nights are too long. In the spring, summer, and fall there just isn't enough time to do the work really, we are working outside with the garden, the animals, the haying, etc.
Sherrye-- I'm looking forward to your "recipe" for the glue you used. Can't wait to try this.
Bugabee--I can totally relate to what you said. I have a girlfriend who is experiencing really hard times with all that now. I thank God for my blessings!
Barefootmama--I hear ya on wanting just a little space of your own, I have been asking DH for that so I can put my sewing and craft stuff somewhere and leave it...rather than on the dining room table and off again.
Kim-- I would love to see pictures of your "half-again" house. Sounds like so much fun(and frustration). You must be so PROUD of yourself and what you are accomplishing. I try not to be a prideful person, but you just can't help it when you have tackled something you've never done before and it comes out good......your chest just puffs up on it's own for a while.
I LOVE reading what everyone keeps adding to this topic. I hope more people add their experiences, designs, and please post pictures I'm sure there is more than just me who likes to see the pictures.
God Bless, and keep posting here, this is fun!
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| missgive |
Posted - May 03 2010 : 04:18:42 AM
Cindy,
When I was in college in Louisiana, I had a couple of different mobile homes and always worked to make them feel snug and homey. My cousin has a small "ranchette" with a dozen head of cattle and she and her now deceased husband had a single-wide on the property. When he passed, she had no debt - owned her acreage and house free and cear. She bought a double-wide about 5 years ago and her son and his family have moved in an out over the years (they are in now). It is a beautiful home and snug and pleasant.
We have a slightly different dilemna. We took my cabin (one bedroom/bath and one greatroom of living room/dining room/kitchen) and starting lst summer, added on, doubling the size. It was an old "hunter's cabin" so not a well-built place to begin with. As we have built, we found walls and floors that were not plumb in the front half of the house, replaced all the windows to make it weather tight, are replacing the siding (the old cedar cracked in many places) and had to rebuild the wood-stove area and hearth. We added on a bedroom in back, a studio for me, a winter pantry and laundry area. We have spent every spare minute and vacation time from our job working on it and hope to have the "big stuff" finished by the end of July. But even after that, there will be a lot of "stuff" that still needs to be taken care of. A lot of "us" ourselves will be in the house - and that makes it home. It is our farm dream in the mountains and the work, though brutal on our old bodies, will be worth it in th end. Know the work and "sweat equity" is worth it....it looks wonderful in your photos. Maybe you should make a scrapbook of the construction and remodel work (before and after, as well as during) to remember your efforts and see the changes. I am going to do that - from beginning to end on our year long project!
Hugs and prayers,
Kim
(PS Plant lots of flowers and bushes around the base....it makes it look like a home.)
Kim (aka missgive)
Proud Farmgirl Sister #927
A Farmgirl Sister headed for my mountain home and farm in 2010. |
| barefootmama |
Posted - May 03 2010 : 03:15:07 AM
I do I do!!!!!! We own a wicked old always needs repair 1973 mobile home!!!!!!that sits on 5 acres we have been here for 5 years. Hubby and I are buying the entire property and the cute little house and garage that sits on it about 200 yards away from our little ugly trailer. I do enjoy our small house with out a house payment weighing us down..I do wish it was a little bigger though, I could use a small space of my own!!!!!It does get drafty in the winter and hot in the summer but ohwell! we put in a woodstove and seal off windows and all is well. I do enjoy working in our home painting here and there,drywalling and such there is always work to be done and this summer we may paint the outside a different color to spice it up...I am a tad eccentric so I am sure a nice bright Farm-all red is in order lol....remember Home is where you make it
Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves,for they shall never cease to be amused:) |
| Bugabee |
Posted - May 02 2010 : 8:49:53 PM
Just remember this..... a "house" does not make a home. My husband and I made a decision for me to stay at home when our son was born. We wanted to live with in our means. We were newly married and no money to speak of. We looked and looked for a home that was with in our price range and found nothing that wouldn't require a ton of work. We finally settled on a double wide and have never looked back. While our friends were losing their "mini mansions" we were thanking God we were thrifty. These friends were devistated and they felt like their identity was taken from them. I thought it was a shame they couldn't see that they were being offered a chance to get their priorities straight. They have sense gotten themselves back into the same situation because they identify themselves with what they have instead of who they are. I understand what you mean because TV shows the top of the line items and thats what they want us to think is the "norm". I hope I never fit into that "norm". Be proud of your creation! Remodling is an opprotunity to make somethig new from something old! I have a friend who took an old school bus and made it into the coolest house I have ever seen!It would easily impress the toughest critic. When our son goes to college (9 years and counting) we are going to create our dream house out of scraps we find, maybe even a school bus!
The best way to predict your future is to CREATE it. |
| sherrye |
Posted - Apr 30 2010 : 3:34:04 PM
cindy i will look it up tonight and post it. i used the lunch size bags. i ripped them open and tore off the bottom. i then wadded them up. i ripped the bags random so all different shapes and strips. i open the wadded up bags and dunk in glue. let sit a few seconds till completely covered with room temp glue. i squeeze the excess off and smoosh onto wall. they can overlap some. just make sure the strips and pieces run different directions.i leave lines and and bunches in some spots. once you do a little its easy and kinda meditative. very nontoxic. i practiced first on a chunk of old sheet rock. if you want to do it on paneling. you need to prep first. washing with tsp.o the glue can grab.once dry you can put glazes on it to make it look like rubbed walls or even stone. i think there is a glaze made with cornstarch. nontoxic. once dry you can vacumm to keep it clean. i will post recipe tonight. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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| Mother Hen |
Posted - Apr 30 2010 : 2:28:25 PM
Sherry, I'd love to know your recipe for the glue. Just this week I saw a room with the bags glued on the wall, it doesn't sound very appealing but it looks really good. I should've taken pictures I could have posted them. If you have any, please share with everyone.
Thanks much,
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| sherrye |
Posted - Apr 30 2010 : 08:25:36 AM
i also live in a single wide mobile. we have redone the inside floor walls windows door etc. its very cute. i love it. since we are packing to move off the land now its hard to let it go. papa has done fine things inside.we are moving into a 40 foot 5th wheel with a slide.i am so happy and proud to have the 5th wheel. my biggest fear leaving was ...where to lay my head safely down at night. have not picked it up yet. owe some $ first on it.i think of it as a canvas to express myself. one way we found was. a wall technique for sheetrock. i use paper bags and make my own white glue. if you are interested i could share the recipe. almost free. all who come here comment on the walls. any hoot. was so glad to see this post. i must say when we moved in and she was red and white and had a red cinder drive and the fence was held up with rocks... i was still overjoyed. my cup was running over. to have land here with a dry place wow.nothing is really as it seems. you can do like the girls here have done. you sound very clever. it really is about how we see a situation. i love challenges.we taught our boys it builds character.love to see the pics.sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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| Elkaye |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 7:29:45 PM
I also live in a mfg home.... We purchased our place 1 1/2 years ago- it's on a 1/3 acre and the upside was that the lot was allready fenced all the way around- yay! The dog was and is happy and secure. So the color wasnt great and it needed (still) new flooring, but it's our home. Our nest! We have painted the exterior and we love the color. The price of the paint was a great blessing... We found the paint on Craigs list... $15.00 for 5 gallon buckets- in colors that turned out perfect. My husband built a nice little shop,(will finish this summer) I put in a garden last year!!! Found a good sale on rose bushes too... and we have done some interior painting. We are loving it and feel blessed to be here. We also have dreams of living in a log home on more land,,, be we are content where we are right now. After all,,,, home is where the heart is. right?
Seeds of Love rooted in Faith will produce a bounty... |
| Mother Hen |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 3:18:49 PM
Sheila, Happy your DH is alright! You are absolutely right....we paid cash for our used home when we bought it, and it's been wonderful not to have a mortgage payment to make. Our rigs are paid off also, but in this economy the way it's gone, it's difficult to just pay the regular monthly bills sometimes. We do what we can and maybe someday we'll get to remodel the rest of the kitchen which really needs it. For now, it is functional and that's okay.......I can't take it with me anyhow.
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| shelia |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 09:10:15 AM
I, too, live in a manufactured home. We bought it new in 1988 and paid it off almost 7 years ago. I am SO THANKFUL that I have the AMERICAN DREAM, my own home. Three years after we bought it my husband almost died with severe heart problems. He was 38 when it happened and couldn't go back to work. It was up to me to make the payment $423.08, which wasn't easy. But, we did it and now we have our own home. It is cozy and comfortable and a safe haven. Sure, we talk about someday having our dream home, a log house, but if it doesn't happen, and it probably won't, that's okay. We are happy with what we have. I'd rather have peace of mind, knowing no one can take it away from me, than worry constantly about making a huge house payment because I think I have to have what other people consider a "real" house. I would much rather have my real HOME.
Just pray for a tough hide and and a tender heart. Ruth Bell Graham |
| schoolmama |
Posted - Mar 05 2010 : 9:23:57 PM
I don't live in a mobile home, but just wanted to say hi! Our first home, was a 70's something mobile home, we bought for $1000 . It was in pretty bad shape, but with some used cabinets, counters,and lots of sweat equity , we made it pretty nice looking! we sold it for $5000 and bought a house. With 3 kids and one on the way, our 2 bedroom mobile home was getting very tight. We are glad we had that experience, and since then we've had 4 fixer upper homes. That little mobile home, gave dh enough "practice" with his remodeling skills, that he gained confidence and he has done a wonderful job with our other homes.
A home is made of sticks and stones, but the love inside is what makes a home!
btw- I think you're little red house is just adorable- don't feel bad! |
| Mother Hen |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 7:45:55 PM
Alicia, what a nice place. I love the clothes line and the wonderful deck. From the slope it looks like our ground. 
I definitely love that we don't have any payments on our home (except for taxes which I hate, but I won't go there). Thanks for sharing your picture. Good luck with the remodeling.
Annika, I look forward to seeing your pictures.
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| Annika |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 09:21:41 AM
I've got to paint mine and do new trim and it should look really spiffy...I love my wee little no payment home =) Even if it is busting at the seams with too much junk! Planning more remodelling too!
I'll get before and after pics once its better weather out. and I'm about to start in on the painting =)
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| AliciaNak |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 09:00:26 AM
Here's the homestead...Complete with laundry on the line :) And the spring green in the yard (last year)
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. |
| AliciaNak |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 08:03:39 AM
Mobiles are nothing to be ashamed of! Around here, at least half of the homes in the surrounding area are mobiles, and there's a fair number of em in town too. In my immediate neighborhood there are only 6 or so stick built homes.
We finally completed the purchase of our home from my parents in October. I grew up on this property, and my parents got this triple-wide in 94, or 95. I know all the things that have gone on with this place. And it still has issues!! We need a new roof, all new windows (these aluminum frames suck in the cold air and leak!), a new hot water heater and the list goes on. It's never ending, hahaha. We did paint the interior, most of it anyhow, and we're starting to rip out this yucky carpet and putting in Pergo wood floors. The outside did get painted last year, and that helped perk it up a lot! But all in all, it's HOME. I could drive the road to town in my sleep! I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. |
| Mother Hen |
Posted - Feb 16 2010 : 9:29:13 PM
Rea231 Thank you for sharing your precious memories with us. It is true that the simple life holds much more precious memories than the hustle-bustle I used to live in the "burbs".
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| Rea231 |
Posted - Feb 16 2010 : 4:31:31 PM
I am so happy to see this topic!!! I bought my 1st home as a piece of junk.... $800 14x70 that had an "expando" living room that was "folded" into the home when we drug it to our property with a tractor! We lived in this for 2 1/2 yrs with two kids and no electricity! My driveway is 933 feet of clay that could not be driven on in the spring or fall! I walked with groceries and laundry with babies in tow. (I remember losing boots in the clay!! I didn't think it funny back then!)I spent the best years of my life that way. I read to my kids as it was getting dark.We went to bed when it was dark and got up with the sun.Both of my boys are in different states and both sucessful.I woul not trade a minute ofn the simple times that I was so ashamed of back then. Thanks so much for the memories. God bless.
And last but not least...I purchased a double wide in 1996 I am still in it today. Who the heck cares who builds your house? We farmgirls know how to make it a home.
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. |
| countrykatgirly |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 03:33:38 AM
quote:
Originally posted by sbaxter13
i have a moble home and love it. it was given to me , you see i had a nice block home and my morgage payment was 1425.00 a month. my husband had a bad accident and he almost died to make a long story short i lost every thing i had so i love my mobile home my payment is 181.01 . we are remoldeding now. we live on 3 acres and the mobile is paid for . dont be sad i love mine no payments susan
farm girl susan
So did you move it out onto some land, then? I was just wondering because that is what I would like to do at some point in the future...
**Farmgirl Sister #622**
“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
--Laura Ingalls Wilder
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