Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Inspections
To conduct an inspection for a manufactured home or mobile home (single, or double-wide) is basically like a regular home inspection. All of the areas are covered such as the exterior, roofing, windows, doors, heating, cooling, plumbing, wiring, kitchen and baths. The nice thing about this type of home is that they are built using strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the occupants.
Many of the materials used in building a manufactured home are exactly the same as building a stick built home. In many cases the home is even overbuilt and built by people in an enclosed location protected by the elements, therefore doing a better job in initial construction.
Homes built over the past 20 years are more energy efficient, and are built with the home owner in mind. A well taken care of manufactured home can last for many years and in fact as long as a normal stick built home.
The majority of problems that arise in this style home are typical of any other home. It is neglect from the homeowner to take care of their place. No maintenance of the heating system, or water heater, ignoring small problems in the bathrooms, kitchen, around windows, doors, etc… Those small problems can be minor water leaks, air leakage, missing caulking, or weatherstripping.
Other problems arising are primarily deck or step issues. Again, poor maintenance by the homeowner.
Last, inspections of a manufactured home need to carefully examine the underside of the home. If on a basement foundation, then it is much easier to inspect. The majority of homes are on crawlspace foundations or on concrete slabs with piers placed every 8 to 10 inches. It is dirty work, but the inspector must crawl through this area and inspect it thoroughly, especially the piers, water supply, drain lines and electrical.
The other point to inspect while looking around under the home, is how the home is attached to the foundation or to the slab. It must be “tied down.” Financing might not be available if not tied down properly.
If you are purchasing these types of homes, a mobile home or manufactured home inspection is always recommended after submitting your purchase offer. Please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions regarding your upcoming home purchase.
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