Mobile Home Remodel Cost Breakdown for Beginners

Posted on September 15, 2025

So you’re staring at your mobile home like… okay, this place has potential but also… ew. Maybe the carpet smells like 2003, maybe the kitchen cabinets are basically cardboard, or maybe you’re just tired of the same beige walls. Whatever it is, you’re thinking: remodel. But then your brain goes straight to that terrifying question: how much does this actually cost?? 😭

And omg. If you google it, you’ll see numbers like $20k, $30k, sometimes even $60k and it’s like— bro, that’s more than the home itself. Chill. Here’s the thing though: remodeling a mobile home doesn’t have to be insanely expensive. It can be, sure, if you’re tearing down walls and hiring contractors. But if you’re starting small or doing a lot yourself, you can break it down into chunks. That’s what this post is about. Like a cheat sheet for “how much will this thing probably cost me?”

I’m not some pro contractor (lol no). I’m just a person who’s been there, priced stuff, made mistakes, and figured out what’s realistic on a budget. So let’s break it down. Use our Home Renovation Calculator to get exact numbers for your place!

The Big Three Cost Drivers

From what I’ve seen, mobile home remodel costs usually come down to three big categories: floors (because carpets wear out and old linoleum curls up, ew), kitchens (cabinets, counters, backsplashes — the works), and bathrooms (toilets, sinks, showers that don’t look like they belong in a campground). Those are the money-eaters. The rest (like painting, curtains, lighting) is way cheaper. Let’s dig into each one.

Floors: The Base of Everything

Floors in mobile homes can be a nightmare. That old carpet? Smells like it’s been through a decade of spills. Linoleum? Peeling at the edges. And don’t even get me started on soft spots (ugh). Here’s what you’re looking at cost-wise for a single wide (~900 sq ft):

• Carpet replacement: $2–$5 per sq ft if you DIY, $6–$12 if you hire someone. So $1,800–$4,500 DIY or $5,400–$10,800 with pros.
• Laminate or vinyl planks: $2–$4 per sq ft DIY, plus maybe $100–$200 for tools if you don’t own them. Total: $1,900–$3,800.
• Peel-and-stick vinyl: legit the cheapest, around $1–$2 per sq ft. So $900–$1,800.

I did a living room with laminate once. Took me and my cousin 2 days, plus lots of cussing at the saw. Total cost: about $450 for 200 sq ft. Not bad. Check our Flooring Installation Estimator to plan your flooring budget.

Kitchens: AKA The Money Pit

Kitchens are where budgets go to cry. Cabinets alone can cost a fortune if you buy brand new. But you don’t have to. Here’s the breakdown:

• Paint old cabinets: $50–$100 for paint and brushes. Add $20–$50 for new knobs.
• New cabinet doors only: $1,000–$3,000 depending on size.
• Full cabinet replacement: $4,000–$8,000 (ouch).
• Counters: Laminate = $20–$40 per sq ft. Butcher block = $40–$70. Quartz = lol, don’t even, like $80+ per sq ft.
• Backsplashes: Peel-and-stick is like $30–$100 for a wall, real tile maybe $300+ if you DIY.

If you’re budget-living, paint and peel-and-stick will literally change your whole kitchen for a couple hundred bucks. I did this in my friend’s trailer, and it went from “meh” to “wow” for under $200. Use our DIY Project Planner for step-by-step help.

Bathrooms: The Scary Zone

Bathrooms in mobile homes… yeah. Sometimes scary. That tiny shower? That rusty sink? Yikes. Here’s what you might spend:

• New toilet: $150–$300 (unless you want a fancy bidet throne).
• Vanity/sink combo: $200–$500 from Lowe’s/Home Depot.
• Shower/tub replacement: $800–$2,500 (ugh).
• Flooring + paint: $200–$400.

So yeah, a basic bathroom refresh could be like $1,000. A full gut? More like $5,000+. Fun fact: I once tried replacing a bathroom sink myself. Thought it’d take an hour. Took 6 hours, 3 trips to the hardware store, and me crying on the floor at one point. But it works now sooo… worth it? 😂 Check our Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator for your specific project.

Other Stuff People Forget About

It’s always the little things that sneak up on you. Here’s some extras to budget for:

• Painting walls/trim: $100–$400 depending on how many rooms.
• Lighting: $20–$100 per room for new fixtures. Try our Electrical Wiring Cost Tool for outlet upgrades.
• Hardware (knobs, handles): $2–$5 each. Add up fast tho.
• Skirting/exterior upgrades: $200–$1,000 depending how fancy.
• Random tools/supplies: at least $100 extra, trust me. Like $20 for caulk, $15 for sandpaper, $50 for screws.

Cost Breakdown Example (Single Wide)

Total: Super budget DIY = $2,000–$3,500. Mid-range DIY/pro mix = $7,000–$12,000. High-end contractor everything = $20,000+. (Yeah, that last number hurts to even type.) Use our Home Renovation Calculator to get exact numbers for your home.

Random Thoughts While Typing This

Every time I price out counters, I just laugh and close the tab. Like… $5k for something I’m going to spill spaghetti on?? No thanks. Honestly, Dollar Tree decor and thrift store finds can make just as big an impact as new cabinets. People sleep on cheap upgrades. If you’re doing this alone, make sure you have at least one friend to bribe with pizza. Remodeling solo = misery.

My Advice If You’re Just Starting

Don’t try to do it all at once. Start small. Paint the walls. Swap out one light fixture. Maybe fix one floor section. Little wins keep you motivated. If you try to gut everything at once, you’ll burn out (and probably live in chaos for months). Also, make a budget but add like 20% extra for “oops” costs. Because trust me… there will be oops. Our Timeline Project Scheduler can help you plan so you don’t lose your mind.

Oh, and check out our ROI Calculator to see if your remodel will boost your home’s value. Cause who doesn’t want to know if their hard work pays off?

FAQ: Mobile Home Remodel Questions (Kid-Style)