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Excelsior Homes West, Inc. • Blog

5 Summer Tips that Will Increase your Curb Appeal

July 11, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

fresh landscaping

Summer is just starting and that means there are more reasons to get outdoors and freshen up the look of your home. It is important to make the exterior of your home as inviting and comfortable as the interior. Now is the time. Use these 5 summer tips to increase your curb appeal and start enjoying your home even more. 

Tips for Summer

1. Add greens and colorful plants

increase your curb appeal with fresh landscapingColorful plants are appealing to the eye, especially during the beautiful summer months with some especially designed for early and late seasons in the upper Midwest. Freshening up your landscape with green and colorful plants, trimming trees & shrubs, or even simply removing dead branches and cleaning up the shape of existing plants, will help to make the home look new again. Adding pots to the front step or entry with seasonal plants will make the entrance even more inviting  and welcoming as well. Adding windows boxes or beautiful flowers to the front of the home or entrance is a wonderful way to add a pop of color. 

2. Update the front door

Changing the color or updating the style of the door is an instant way to get a fresh look to your home. Select a bold new color that compliments the house paint color, or install a new glass or wood door to give the home a more modern appearance. These options can add class and value to the home. Don’t forget to add a welcome mat as well since it will be what your guests see before entering your home. 

3. Install lighting

Updating the light fixtures around the front door can make a bold or dramatic difference to the entrance of your home. Adding things like motion detected lighting can provide practical assistance to guests at night and provide extra security. Make sure the lighting fixture styles match or compliment each other along your doorway and garage or anywhere that lighting is needed. Adding light to a driveway, sidewalk or uplighting a tree can look beautiful at night and also add to the curb appeal of the home. 

4. Clean your drive

Pressure washing your sidewalks, driveway, front entry and even the exterior of the house can do wonders to the look of the home. Every spring it is a great idea to try to remove the dirt and grime from the previous winter and make your home look fresh, clean and ready for summer outdoor fun.

5. Pay attention to the mailbox

Believe it or not, a well maintained mailbox can have an impact on the curb appeal. Add a fresh coat of paint, fix any issues if it is leaning or in need of repair, or completely replace the mailbox with a new one if needed. Try to spruce up the base of the mailbox as well. Decorate the base with fresh flowers, greens or even decorative stones to complete the appearance.  

Curb appeal can make a good or bad first impression to guests and can directly impact actual or perceived value of your home, but it is always important to make your home feel inviting and comfortable for you as well. Use these simple tips and in no time you will have your home spruced up, ready to impress, and a place you enjoy even more.  

Filed Under: News Tagged With: increase your curb appeal

Is It Time to Downsize?

June 6, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

older couple downsizing their home

Downsizing with a modular or manufactured home can lead to a less stress-filled, simpler way of life.

Older couple downsizing their homeOften the larger home that was once needed in order to raise a family becomes a chore to maintain after the children move out of the home. That is where downsizing can be a perfect solution. However, we believe that downsizing should never feel like a downgrade. You should always love the home you live in and feel happy and comfortable in your space. We are here to help you find the perfect modular or manufactured home that does just that for you. 

Benefits to Downsizing: 

  • Reduces Clutter. Think about what items in your home bring you joy or are “needed” and create piles for the rest: throw, donate or sell. (Do you really need multiples of the same items?) 
  • Lowers Expenses. Downsizing can lower day-to-day living expenses that come right out of your pocket. Modular homes have a lower price per square foot of living space, than a traditional home and offer a far better value for your money. A smaller home will require a lower utility usage resulting in cheaper bills. In addition, a smaller home will likely have lower property taxes and should cost considerably less to insure.
  • Easier to Maintain. Less space to clean, update or repair means more free time for you.
  • Consider Storage. Many modular homes have storage options included. While decluttering is your best option, you may need to consider the benefits of investing in a storage unit for those seasonal or seldom used items.
  • A New Lifestyle. Start fresh in a new space that gives you more time to enjoy the things that you love, in a city or countryside location of your choosing. If you are an empty nester, retired, recently lost a roommate or spouse, or are wanting to move to a lake home, downsizing can represent a start to a new chapter of life.
  • Focus on Key Furniture Pieces. When you downsize it is a perfect opportunity to splurge on some great key pieces of furniture that you love, that make your home look great. Using your space and organizational skills creatively will allow for more storage and function with what you have. Things like a Murphy bed that can double as a bookcase to display your treasures or photos, but also turns into a spare bed allows occasional guests a comfortable place to stay without needing an extra bedroom.
View Our Floor Plans

If you are interested in learning more about downsizing options or about why now is a great time to buy, we will be happy to help you find a modular or manufactured home that meets your needs and expectations. 

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Downsizing with a modular or manufactured home

One Year After Building a Modular Home: What to Expect

May 31, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

Schwinghammer Modular Home

Building a modular home is a big decision, but we’re so glad we did it! We love our new home and the process was much easier than we thought it would be. It’s been a year since we finished building our modular home, and we couldn’t be happier! We’ve had some great experiences and learned a lot in the process.  – The Schwinghammers

customer Modular Home
If you’re considering building a modular home, here are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to know is that modular homes are built in factories, which means they’re built to exacting standards and are built to last. Having a new home is very exciting, and you will want everything to be finished as quickly as possible. However, there are some things that are best to wait until the one year mark to complete. 

Wait until one year after building:

  • Do not paint your walls. It is best to wait one year since the house settles and new cracks will appear. Excelsior Homes does a one time overall fix of any cracks that appear within the first year, so it is recommended to wait until after that time, just in case any minor repairs are needed. 
  • Review your warranty. A short-term warranty comes with most new builds to help cover any faults in workmanship or materials. Be sure to do a complete check all the way around the home to inspect for any damages. Fixing any small leaks or cracks with caulking can cut your heating and cooling costs and increase the energy efficiency of your home. To save time for our customers, we now have our own repair technician who can come out and look at any warranty related service items. 
  • Wait to plant your grass. It is a good idea to wait until the ground settles around the foundation of the home in case back fill in needed to be added. Watch to make certain that the landscape is sloped away from the home so that water runoff will not flow back into the house.
  • Clean your gutters. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year to remove the build-up of debris and leaves that get caught in them to prevent damage to the roof. 

 

Before one year:

  • Contact your Plumbing and Heating technicians to do a walk-through inspection. Some of the heating and cooling items in your home will need cleaning and servicing every couple of months. It is best they give you a checklist of their maintenance recommendations such as when filters need to be changed.
  • Regulate the humidity. It is recommended to keep the humidity level between 30-50 percent to prevent mold from growing and to keep your home more comfortable. Purchasing a humidity gauge for each level of the home is an easy way to keep an eye on it throughout the year. An air conditioner and/or a dehumidifier can regulate the humidity in the summers and a humidifier and/or air exchangers can help in the winter months to keep frost off the windows or gaps from forming in the floors. 
  • Check that intake and exhaust vents are clear. If vents are blocked or damaged they can allow carbon monoxide back into the house. Best practice is to replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors every six months.
  • Read owners manuals. It is important to understand how to keep your appliances working properly and if any special requirements are needed for cleaning or maintenance. This goes for appliances, flooring/carpets, countertops and windows as well. 
  • Change your furnace filter. We recommend changing your furnace filter monthly after a new build for at least the first couple of months to remove any construction particles that are remaining in the air.  

“If you’re thinking of building a modular home, we highly recommend it! It’s been an amazing experience for us and we love our new home.”

Have you considered building a modular or manufactured home? What tips do you have for others who are thinking of doing the same? Share your thoughts and experiences with us. We would love to hear from you. 

Filed Under: News

May Business of the Month

May 26, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

Business of the month

CONGRATULATIONS!

Excelsior Homes has been awarded the May Business of the Month from the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. 

Business of the Month
 

Your top choice for quality and style

What ideas do you have that you’d love to discuss with us to incorporate into your new home?

View Our Floor Plans

We offer a wide range of customizable modular and manufactured homes. Call 1.800.547.4990 or send us a message at [email protected] to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable sales team.
 

Filed Under: News

Spring Cleaning Tips to Get your Home Ready for the Season

April 28, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

spring cleaning supplies

It’s officially springtime, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. That means it’s time for a good old-fashioned home cleaning! This year, why not try some new tips to make the process a little bit easier? 

Spring Cleaning Tips

mopping floor near cleaning suppliesThe best way to start spring cleaning is to have a plan ahead of time. Use our handy checklist to go room by room and avoid getting overwhelmed by tackling too much at one time. Get your cleaning supplies ready ahead of time and pick one room to start and check off this list as you go. You will have your home spick and span in no time!

Room by Room Cleaning Checklist: 

KITCHEN

  • Fridge/Freezer- Discard expired food and deep clean
  • Oven- Clean inside and behind
  • Drawers/Cabinets- Organize and clean
  • Discard old spices
  • Mop floor

BEDROOMS

  • Wash bedding and replace pillows
  • Organize closets- Donate anything you haven’t worn in the past year

LAUNDRY ROOM

  • Clean behind Washer/Dryer
  • Clean lint plate thoroughly

BATHROOMS

  • Clean Toilet, Shower, Sink
  • Mop Floor
  • Wash Shower Curtain or Replace
  • Organize Medicine Cabinets and Closets

GENERAL

  • Ceiling fans- Dust and clean
  • Windows- Clean inside and outside. Dust and clean blinds or window treatments
  • Wash walls and touch up any paint needed
  • Rugs- Vacuum and shampoo
  • Carpets- Vacuum and shampoo
  • Change air filters
  • Vacuum out sofa/chairs
  • Discard and organize old medications

OUTDOORS

  • Wash doors and doormats
  • Wash windows in garage
  • Clean outdoor furniture
  • Power wash deck
  • Clean the gutters
  • Fertilize plants
  • Additional Tips

Don’t forget to spruce things up for the new season with some new throw pillows, or fresh decorations for your front door. Happy Spring!

Filed Under: News

Start planning today for your new lake home or cabin

April 3, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

lakehouses

Have you found the perfect location for your lake home or cabin? We can work with you to create the perfect space to accommodate just about any size lot. From as small as a one bedroom/one bath cabin to as large as a beautiful 8 piece modular home, we can help you get whatever living space you are dreaming about.

lake-home-big-kandi-lake
lakehome-5
cedar-lake-home
lakehome-4
lakehome-6
Lakehome-3
Lake-home-2
lake-home-1

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Tips before building a cabin or lake home

Prepare Financing

Make sure that your financing will cover both the land and the build of your lake home or cabin if you don’t already own the property. This should be one of your very first steps. Knowing what sort of loan you qualify for ahead of time will help make your selection and process move forward more seamlessly. 

Find Good Property

Do your research. Make sure the land is suitable for building and will allow for proper septic and drainage. It is important that the property doesn’t have any major obstacles that would interfere with building.

Know the Laws

Be aware of the county requirements to build on the property. There may be required setbacks and or restrictions that vary depending on if the property is considered lake property, government-controlled or wetlands. 

Plan Ahead

Spend the time planning ahead for all possible intentions of the home. Design the home to take full advantage of waterfront or beautiful views from the most important rooms that suit your needs. 

Expect Hiccups

Don’t ever assume that the builder can read your mind. It is important to communicate as much as you can. Delays happen, weather can interfere and building any size of home can become stressful. Remember to always plan for extra time, expect the unexpected and that kindness can go a very long way. 

We are here to help you

Building a new lake home or cabin should be exciting. We are going to help you every step of the way to make the build go as smoothly as possible so that you can enjoy the lake home or cabin you have been dreaming of. 

Contact us today to get started! 

___________________________________________

Looking for a Smaller Lake Home or Cabin Solution?

Stratford Cedarburg Kitchen

Stratford Cedarburg Kitchen

The Stratford Homes Cedarburg may be the perfect small home for you! It is an impressive one bedroom, one bathroom modular home that is 936 square feet and features log pine siding. Although it is small in size, it makes up for it in custom features. 

 

Note: The 8 piece / multi-level modular homes delivery area is limited to location and per availability only. 

Filed Under: News

Now is a great time to buy a modular or manufactured home

March 29, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

When building your dream home, the best way to stay within your budget while building with solid and quality construction is to purchase a modular or manufactured home.  Because our professionals build custom homes in a climate controlled factory, our homes are not affected by weather and assembly delays the way a stick built home would be. They also are more affordable due to the quantity of materials and labor that factory building can provide. The finished products are cleaner and inspected to state standards so less likely to have flaws or weather damage.  The housing market is showing that now is the best time to buy a modular or manufactured home since home prices have been on the rise while the inventory of houses available has been steadily decreasing. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home price of new houses sold in February 2022 in the United States was $400,600.  The average sales price was $511,000.  

samples of interiors

Design your home, your way. 

At Excelsior Homes you are able to design your own manufactured or modular house plan. You do not need to be limited to our models. So we can make your dream home a reality, and in less time than a traditionally built home. We have a variety of options and plans available for you, but we encourage you to bring us your ideas, drawings, plans from another company. Although we cannot build every single plan that a site-builder may be able to build, we can come close. We have numerous options to choose from that can accommodate your wants and needs. Bring us anything you have and we’ll let you know what we can do with it.

Advantages of Manufactured or Modular Homes

There are many advantages that our homes can offer since they are built in a climate controlled factory:

  • Design flexibility allows for hundreds of options
  • Speed of construction and reduced building time
  • Better quality construction
  • Building plans are reviewed and approved before the construction begins
  • Built to the same building codes used by conventional site-builders
  • Energy efficient homes 
  • Superior strength
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Skilled subcontractors
  • Manufactured homes hold value

 
View Our Floor Plans
 

Your top choice for quality and style

What ideas do you have and what have you seen other homeowners do that you’d love to discuss with us to incorporate into your new home?

We offer a wide range of customizable modular and manufactured homes. Call 1.800.547.4990 or send us a message at [email protected] to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable sales team.

Filed Under: News

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