Mobile homes offer a cheaper alternative to apartments and single-family homes. Mobile homes are built differently and subject to different codes. It’s therefore important to know the details. Let’s take an in-depth look.

Foundation

The foundation is what distinguishes a mobile home from a conventional one. This is why it should be checked during your manufactured home inspection in florida. The mobile home can be placed on concrete blocks or on piers, depending on the local codes. You should also pay attention to how far apart the piers are. They should be between 8 and 10 feet apart and should have properly secured ground anchors. You should inspect for cracks or signs of water damage. Also, make sure the concrete slabs do not sink into the ground.

Crawl Space

While you are inspecting the foundation take a look at the crawl space. This crawl space is the underbelly of the mobile home and can have many problems that aren’t obvious. The crawl space should be sealed with a skirt that is intact and vents unobstructed to keep ground moisture out of your home. You should be looking out for termite damage, mold, termite damage, and leaking pipes which could freeze in winter. Also, damaged electrical wiring could lead to fires.

Moisture Barrier

This is also known as vapor barrier. It protects your home’s bottom from water damage. The underside of manufactured mobile homes must be 6 mm thick. This barrier should be intact and free from tears or delamination. It also needs to not sag as this could indicate moisture problems.

Flooring

Mobile homes are most vulnerable to moisture. You can inspect the crawl space if you feel too cramped. The inside flooring will also help you to determine if there are any problems. Sagging or warped floors can indicate problems underfoot. Uneven flooring could be a sign that the piers have moved. Mobile homes can have soft spots and creaky floors, which could indicate ongoing water damage or rot.

Windows and Doors

Mobile homes are primarily made up of single-pane windows. It is important to make sure they are properly insulated. Temperature fluctuations, condensation and other moisture-related problems can be caused by damaged seals. Take a moment to close and open all doors. If the doors stick or don’t align properly, it could indicate structural problems. This could be a sign that your home is sinking.

Electric Panel and Wiring

A poor installation or repair of electric outlets and panels can pose a fire hazard. It is best to have this inspection done by professionals. There are some things that you can do during an inspection. Check for damaged or hanging wires in crawl spaces. Too many extension leads could signal that multiple outlets are not functioning.

Septic Tank and Plumbing

It depends on the location of the mobile home, whether or not it is connected to the local water supply. In rural areas, it is not unusual to have a toilet tank. This is a job that should only be handled by qualified inspectors. However, you can still look out for leaky pipes, faucets, wobbling toilets or sinks as well as any moisture stains.

Walls

Examine the walls of your mobile house from both the outside and inside. Take a tour of the property and make sure all walls are in good condition. You can also get an idea of the potential damage to walls by looking at the type of siding. Metal siding is more likely to leak at doors or windows, while hardwood siding will leak at joints or seams. Double-wide mobile homes should be inspected for a load bearing wall, also known as a marriage wall.

Roof and Ceiling

Most roof problems can be easily identified, including water spots, which are signs of leaks. Ceilings that sag pose a structural risk and can collapse. You should inspect the roof for missing tiles or shingles, and if it is metal, signs of corrosion.

Last but not the least, make sure you inspect every mobile home that clearly has a data plate. This will confirm the home meets safety guidelines and provide important information like wind zone and roof load zones.