Originally Posted By: Roger Frost This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Help!! I have a 30 yr old mobile home to inspect in Ontario, Canada. What should I be aware of that is different from inspecting a house. I am especially concerned about roof and crawl space. Any help would be appreciated.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Roger,
First a word of warning a 30 yearold mobile is 10 years past its sell by date and no one will lend on one that old, I would expect:
Plumbing issues, many were piped with PB (check how water heater was replaced if you can get at it at all).
Moisture problems with the flooring (especially under kitchen and bath), roofing issues
Roofing issues both with the condition of the covering and possible sagging of the structure (many have been improperly re-roofed)
usual electrical problems with homeowner additions.
Check for proper footings under piers and presence of whatever tie downs and anchors are required by local codes.
Originally Posted By: Roger Frost This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thank you very much Gerry, I appreciate the advice. As far as I know, there is no tie down requirement in Ontario, (I will check code) and there has been no additions to the original structure.
Originally Posted By: Roger Frost This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thank you Joseph Hagarty
Now that you mention heat tape, what is the best protection from freezing water pipes in our climate, can be 30 below in winter. Should skirting be insulated or all the piping?
This home is in original condition, 30 years old, no additions. This is how it was described to me. I want to be well prepared when I go there tomorrow :0)
Originally Posted By: Roger Frost This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I was surprised at the time it took to do the inspection. The crawl space took a while as there was a lot of problems under the mobile home with insulation missing, vapour barrier missing and debris laying around. I charged the same as a regular home and I think they got a very good deal. I noticed one inspector charged an extra $75 for mobile home inspections, well deserved I think.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I personally charge the same as any home based on SF. My liability certainly doesn’t diminish if it is a mobile home or a conventional home so why should I cut a break. I guess I see a lot of questions about reducing fees and there are going to be times when that is appropriate but frankly, my dentist doesn’t cut me a break whenever I go to him, the mechanic that works on my truck doesn’t, the real estate agent doesn’t cut their customers breaks. Home Inspectors need to carefully consider before giving discounts. It may be that we are unconsciencely giving people the impression that we are less than professionals by reducing prices. If your prices are fair and on par with those in your particular area than you should expect to be paid for your knowledge and experience. Had someone tell me yesterday I needed to come up with a reduced price for her because she uses me all the time. I told her she WAS getting the good price. The subject got dropped because she knows I was right. Nuff said.
