Just researched the article on permanent wood foundations. I was not aware of this type of construction and learned quite a bit of information from the article. Knowing that ground should be dry is one key to not incurring moisture intrusion as the wood ages. Proper sealing, and sealing the exterior foundation with 6 Mil. Polyethylene sheeting are critical to preventing moisture intrusion. Understanding the key points presented in the article will allow me to properly inspect a home with wood foundation, should the situation arise
Attached is an image of the crawlspace under a manufactured home. This home has been placed on a permanent concrete slab. The image shows a concrete block pier with the masonry units in the incorrect orientation with the holes horizontally oriented. Further review and remedial actions were recommended to address the potential structural issue due to the relative weakness of the masonry units in this orientation.
Hard water refers to the amount of minerals found int he home’s water supply. The hardness of the home’s water supply can be determined through testing and controlled through the use of water softeners or conditioners. Home owner’s can mitigate the effects of the hard water in their homes through the use of a softener, but may opt to have drinking water or exterior use water remain hard due to the added sodium that occurs in the softening process.
When inspecting a master bed room I took the above photo. It shows this electrical receptacle has what is called open neutral. The outlet is the second one one the left.
What does it mean to have an open neutral?
Open Neutral. thismeansthe receptacle is not working because, even though the black wire is hot, the white (neutral) wire is not connected well somewhere, so that it cannot carry any current “back” to the main panel.
I recommend to have a qualified electrician to inspect and repair.
This picture shows three piers in a manufactured home’s permanent set crawl space. On each side of the picture is a single stacked pier that supports a main runner beam. In the center of the picture is a double stack pier that supports a column under the marriage line of the home. The double stack pier cap does not match the cross-section area of the pier and is off-center. Eccentric loading of the pier may cause differential settlement of the pier and pier footing. The black plastic vapor barrier is poorly stretched with large gaps that reveal the soil underneath. There are water puddles and wet mud on top of the plastic. The vapor barrier edges should overlap at least eight inches. The area under this home is very damp. The steel framing members have become heavily rusted. Ventilation of the crawl space should be improved.
The attached pic is from a recent inspection at a manufactured home regarding fire safety. As seen in this pic; the hallway smoke detector was inoperable and not secured to the ceiling rough-in box.
There seems to be a common thread lately when inspecting dryer vents. The vast majority of vents have an inoperable damper flap and they are loaded with lint causing the door to remain open when the dryer is not operating. A word of caution; wear gloves when reaching up in the dryer vent hood as I’ve been stung by bees on more than one occasion.
This photo is that of a manufactured home. The skirting around the perimeter shows that there has been movement and/or settling of the home. Further inspection showed that there was significant ponding of water near and around the foundation which caused settling of the home. This water will need to be diverted and controlled before a repair can be done to the piers which also showed movement.
I chose to read an article in the library about vermiculite. This is a crystalline light weight mineral that is odorless and fire resistant. It has been used widely as an insulator in attics and walls. When inspecting a home it is advised to remind a home owner that this material can cause health defects, but is rather harmless when not disturbed. However, when moving or handling this material it has the potential of causing certain airborne lung diseases and cancers. Caution should be used and preventive measures taken to protect individuals from contact with this material.
This photo is of a home inspection on a modular home where a deck had been installed and the hose bib removed and the pipe cut back in the cellar. The home owner had shut off the water and taken off the handle but never capped the end of the copper pipe.
Suggested that a cap be soldered on by a licensed plumber and notified the buyer of the issue during the inspection.
I did my inspection article on Tie Downs for Manufactured Homes. The article discusses how tie downs stabilize the home and how they reduce the capacity of it from sliding or overturning in high winds.
It discussed the two types of tie downs used, Over the top anchors that are usually used in single wide homes and Frame anchors that attach to the homes frame rails.
The types of Tie down components were discussed such as Ground anchors, hookup and tension devices and over-the- top tie downs and how they require roof protectors from cutting through the tie down.
The article also discussed what an inspector should look for when inspecting the straps such as loose, bent or corroded straps, and validate that ground anchors are not corroded.
I inspected a mobile home in Summerville, SC. There was evidence of a termite infestation in the crawlspace. One of the wedges on a pier had termite damage and a piece of wood on the ground had live termites on it. The client was notified.
I read the article Manufactured Housing and Standards. In 1976 the US Government began regulating manufactured homes. There are many things to consider when purchasing a mobile home: warranties, location, style, price, etc. Municipalities sometimes dictate where manufactured homes can be located. Correct installation is very important. It is wise to do research prior to purchasing a manufactured home!
This course was helpful in many ways. I learned some of the more in depth codes and requirements for installing and anchoring a Mobile Home. This is a great course for new inspectors to take loads of info. I also picked up on a few things to better my inspection process of inspecting Mobile Homes.
The image that I have attached is of Anchor System on a Mobile Home I inspected. The anchor is of a metal strap that attaches to the chassis on the home. It is then anchored to a piece a rebar that is poured into the footing. The strap is the tighten down. The anchors are spaced according to the installer and the length of the home.
This outlet is located in a closet behind the shower. There is no power to it. There are 2 other outlets without power and appear to have been modified. All breakers are in the ON position. Suspect wiring. Recommend investigation and repair by a qualified electrical contractor.
Skirting on a Manuf. home pic.
As seen in this pic the skirting is loose and needs reattachment. It does provide more ventilation in this manner but not designed to keep out pest. Recommend that repair replace as needed by a qualified person.
Steps and support.
Treated wood recommended for contact or near contact with soil / ground. Steps are often constructed from wood to entry into a dwelling. Often the framing material for a poured concrete step is left on site and may appear to be part of the step and shows signs of decay, but not a structural / safety concern if step is concrete.
The image of a manufactured (mobile) home in peoples minds is usually a cheap, flimsy, drafty, aluminum clad box. However, today’s manufactured homes are nothing like that. It is very difficult to even tell it’s one just by looking at. High end amenities, large spaces, energy efficient and stylish looks are common today.
