Should a Manufactured Home (Mobile Home) Be Inspected?

Joe Cline — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:08:07 +0000

Many people purchase manufactured homes (mobile homes) over traditionally constructed homes but either don’t consider having the home inspected, don’t think one is necessary or don’t think the inspection process is available for a manufactured home, but an inspection by a professional inspector is critical part of purchasing any home. Whether it is a brand new or pre-owned manufactured home, many important safety, and structural and mechanical factors should evaluated before moving in. Some of these are:

Is the home properly secured to the ground such as with tie down straps? Are the straps and anchors correctly installed?
What type of foundation/support is being used under the home and is it proper e.g. concrete block, steel jacks, type of pad used under the piers, etc?
If multi-wide, are the two sides (double wide) mated and secured properly?
Has the roof been joined/installed properly in this area?
Are proper connections made to utilities such as electricity, gas, sewer and water?
Do items such as appliances, outlets, fixtures, heat and air, sinks, toilets etc. work inside the home?
Are there leaks in HVAC duct work, or plumbing underneath the home?
Is the underside floor insulation still in tact?

These and many other safety, functionality and livability factors should be evaluated for a manufactured home. Make sure that you have a professional inspector who is familiar with manufactured homes evaluate your home before you move in. This will help you be more knowledgeable and have peace of mind about the home you are purchasing. Photos of things we see on manufactured home inspections are shown below. Exposed, hanging electrical wiring under the home. Overheating circuit breaker panel. Note charring of bus and burned labels on breaker. Bus temp. measured over 350°. Improperly installed chimney flashing – missing collar – allowing water to come into the house. Termite tunnels on wood skirting in contact with the ground under the home. Disconnected HVAC ductwork and missing under floor insulation and moisture barrier.

For more information contact:

Jerry Schmidt

Professional Building Consultant Inspections, Home and Termite Inspections 512-501-3560 (Austin), 512-942-6071 , 254-421-0612 (Bell County) 888-871-5740 (toll free) sunviewinspections.com, customer_care@sunviewinspections.com TREC 9102, 9437, TPCL 13863

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Should a Manufactured Home (Mobile Home) Be Inspected?