Thread: Mobile Home Questions

As a starting inspector I havn't inspected any mobile homes yet, but I went with a friend to look at one he might buy and had a few questions.

Details-Manufactured 1998, In a Wisconsin trailer park.

First off, I've heard in the past that they are required to be strapped down. Can anyone verify this or point me to where to look.

How much rust on a natural gas line is okay, these are the worst I've seen, they don't appear to be leaking, yet...

Are mobile home appliances (furnace, water heater) required to be listed for mobile home use? or can you put in any furnace/water heater assuming all clearances / manufacture instructions are met?

Any other information to know about inspecting mobile homes that one may not think of would be appreciated as well.

Thank you.

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1) Proper terminology--HUD Code manufactured home--not mobile home.
2) Homes should be anchored. Anti-turnover devices can be used in lieu of traditional anchoring systems.
3) Gas line looks pretty typical.
4) Furnaces and gas water heaters should be listed-- any electric water heater OK.
5) Conduit not properly supported.
6) Waste piping not properly supported.
7) Water line insulation torn.
8) Block orientation on the pier is incorrect.

In addition to what Greg said.
I would be concerned about the source of moisture, or lack of venting to cause that much rusting..
Maybe that's OK pack east?
There are water stains on the blocking, at some point the excessive moisture can damage the concrete blocking.

Originally Posted by Dan Harris

In addition to what Greg said.
I would be concerned about the source of moisture, or lack of venting to cause that much rusting..
Maybe that's OK pack east?
There are water stains on the blocking, at some point the excessive moisture can damage the concrete blocking.

Dan is exactly right-and to that end, there should be a vapor barrier in place under the unit......Greg

I found this copy of the Wisconsin Manufactured Home Installation Instructions. It may have some information you can use.

http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/d...Manual1209.pdf

Originally Posted by James Duffin

I found this copy of the Wisconsin Manufactured Home Installation Instructions. It may have some information you can use.

http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/d...Manual1209.pdf

James: Thank you that was extremely helpful.

Greg and Dan: Thank you also, that was very useful. Greg- No big deal but that missing insulation is actually a freon line, not the water line, anyhow thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by Gregory Booth

2) Homes should be anchored. Anti-turnover devices can be used in lieu of traditional anchoring systems.

Depends where you are and who the lender is.

I agree with others, the rusting going on looks excessive.

Any other information to know about inspecting mobile homes that one may not think of would be appreciated as well.

Just released today How to Inspect Manufactured and Mobile Homes course.

Email us at fastreply@nachi.org and we'll give you free access to it.

Check the roof well they can have lots of problems. The water heater and furnace have to be manufactured home models when originally installed. If your changing them out they have to be approved for installation in a manufactured home.
Nothing can be attached to the home for structure, no awnings or decks. Just flashing. Check the cord that connects to the power. It should not be altered and the chassis should be grounded.
There should be an engineered plan for the piers and their placement located with the home. If you don't have it and you wanted to move it you would need to meet a new set that is probably more than what you have now since it would be sort of a universal fit type of plan. A small amount of uneven floor is expected but anything major should be looked into.

Originally Posted by Joseph Stevens

As a starting inspector I havn't inspected any mobile homes yet, but I went with a friend to look at one he might buy and had a few questions.

Details-Manufactured 1998, In a Wisconsin trailer park.

First off, I've heard in the past that they are required to be strapped down. Can anyone verify this or point me to where to look.

How much rust on a natural gas line is okay, these are the worst I've seen, they don't appear to be leaking, yet...

Are mobile home appliances (furnace, water heater) required to be listed for mobile home use? or can you put in any furnace/water heater assuming all clearances / manufacture instructions are met?

Any other information to know about inspecting mobile homes that one may not think of would be appreciated as well.

Thank you.

We do inspections for Mobile Home Foundation Certifications | Foundation Certification for a Mobile Home | HUD FHA Mobile Home Foundation Certifications | Manufactured Homes Inspections and Compliance | California 433a. I think they have some info on their site on the straps for your area.

How to Inspect & Troubleshoot Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes, Double wides, & Trailers