Top 8 Remodeling Wins
- R-42 roof-over drops summer attic temps 25 °F.
- Low-E window swap cuts A/C bills 22 %.
- Cement-board skirting stops critters & meets wildfire codes.
- Seamless metal roof resists monsoon hail—40-yr warranty.
- PEX re-pipe ends brittle poly-butylene leaks common pre-1996 homes.
- LVT click flooring handles desert dust & toddler spills.
- Open-plan wall removal costs $1,600 and modernizes 1980s layouts.
- Covered porch conversion boosts resale $10-$15 k.
(If you own a newer home, you might start with High-Performance Windows for Phoenix—many principles carry to Cochise County climate.)
1. Why Remodel in Sierra Vista?
- Climate: Hot, sunny days (average 284 sun-days) + late-summer monsoons.
- Military demand: Fort Huachuca rotates 5,000 soldiers/year—updated homes rent fast.
- Valuation gap: 1980-95 manufactured homes list $55–$75 k; post-renovation comps hit $110 k+.
- Building fees: Cochise County waives plan-review fees for projects < $25 k.
2. Permit Primer: What Needs a Green Tag?
| Work Scope | Permit Needed? | Jurisdiction & Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Roof-over, re-roof | Yes | Cochise County Dev Svcs, $90 flat |
| Window/door size change | Yes | Mech/Energy code review, $65 |
| Cosmetic floor/cabinet | No | — |
| Electrical panel upgrade | Yes | APS inspection + county, $130 |
| Deck > 200 sq ft | Yes | Structural + zoning, $105 |
Download forms at cochise.az.gov/building—or ask Mohave Homes permit desk to bundle them.
3. Budget Breakdown for the Big Eight Upgrades (1,120 sf Double-Wide)
| Upgrade | Low | High | ROI* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless metal roof | $6,800 | $8,200 | 92 % |
| R-42 roof-over insulation | $1,950 | $2,600 | 75 % |
| Low-E, Argon windows (12 units) | $5,400 | $6,800 | 68 % |
| PEX whole-house re-pipe | $3,200 | $3,900 | 60 % |
| Cement-board skirting | $2,100 | $2,600 | 65 % |
| Kitchen refresh (cabs + counters) | $7,800 | $11,000 | 58 % |
| LVT flooring throughout | $3,600 | $4,200 | 70 % |
| Covered porch (8 × 24) | $4,900 | $6,200 | 80 % |
*ROI based on Cochise County sale comps 2023-2025.
Tip: Bundle roof + insulation in same permit to save $90 fee.
4. Energy Upgrades First: Beat Cool-Season Nights & Summer Heat
- Roof-Over System — 2×4 sleepers, 1-inch vent channel, R-30 blown fiberglass under 29-gauge metal.
- Window Upgrade — SHGC ≤ 0.25 and U≤ 0.30 per SRP rebate charts.
- R-22 belly insulation — Add belly wrap and R-19 batts where original sagged—keeps floors warm during 28 °F January lows.
Internal link → Deep dive costs in Why a Good Insulation Package Is Worth It.
5. Interior Modernization: Open Up 1980s Walls
Many pre-HUD homes have 2 × 3 non-load center partitions. Remove between kitchen & living room:
| Step | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Identify non-bearing (stud finder) | — | 30 min |
| Pull paneling / gypsum | — | 2 hrs |
| Cut studs, install double top plate & cased opening | $300 materials | 4 hrs |
| Electrical reroute (GFCI) | $250 | 2 hrs |
Instant 14-ft breakfast bar space—ideal for Airbnb potential (see Week 32 vacation-rental post).
6. Moisture & PEX Re-Pipe—A Must for Poly-B Homes
Poly-butylene plumbing (gray pipe) was phased out in 1996 due to chlorine reaction leaks. Sierra Vista’s water chlorination averages 1.1 ppm—accelerates failures.
- PEX-A kit (Manabloc): $1.35/ft, flexible, freeze-tolerant.
- Install time: 1–2 days; jack each plumbing chase from underbelly doors.
- Insurance discount: 8–10 % after leak-sensor + re-pipe.
7. Defending Against Monsoon Hail & Wind
- Metal Roof: 29-gauge rib panel rated Class 4 impact.
- Gutter Guards: Keep ocotillo leaves out, prevent splash on skirting.
- Storm Anchors: Inspect tie-downs; replace corroded straps ($55 ea).
- Wildfire-Safe Skirting: Fiber-cement rated ASTM E136 non-combustible.
(Also see our Wildfire Safety post—Sierra Vista borders Coronado National Forest.)
8. Funding Your Remodel
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Cascade Renovation Loan | Up to $35 k on homes ≤ 20 yrs old; 10-yr amortization. |
| Home Equity Line | If land-home converted; rates ~8 %. |
| Cochise County WUI Grant | $2,500 for fire-resistant skirting & defensible space. |
| SRP Window Rebate | $2.00 / sf for ENERGY STAR installs (check electric provider). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in the home during remodel?
Yes—contractors can phase work room-by-room. Duct off work zones to prevent dust in HVAC.
Will new skirting fix soft floors?
Soft spots usually mean under-belly moisture; combine belly-wrap repair + new skirting.
Do I need a HUD label to remodel?
Permits ask for HUD serial, but county will accept affidavit of missing plate plus home age verification.
Ready to Re-Imagine Your Sierra Vista Manufactured Home?
- Get a Free Remodel Quote: Upload your wish list at build.mohavehomes.com (select “Remodel Consultation”).
- Permit & Plan Package: Mohave Homes drafts site plan, energy calcs, and submits to Cochise County—call (928) 565-4400.
- Bundle & Save: Book roof, windows, and skirting together for a package discount + single inspection day.
Mohave Homes—modernizing Arizona manufactured homes for three decades. Let’s turn your 1980s model into a 2025 showpiece.
