The picture I am including is of a 4x4 deck support post. The 4x4 post is partially and precariously resting upon two 4x8x16 cap blocks and a rock. The blocks were placed upon the ground with no concrete or prefabbed footing present. The deck had other defects, however, this was the most severe issue I found at the time of the inspection.
I often, but not always, find wooden decks and porches added onsite to modular homes have easily identifiable defects. These issue range from undersized framing to no adequate footing support. This may be due to non-professional work being performed after the modular home is set.
For my research, I read the article Modular Vs Manufactured Homes. I admit that I have used those terms interchangeably. This article was very helpful in helping me understand the differences between the two types of structures. I have been asked on occasion if these type of homes were as structurally sound as site built homes. This article confirmed my assumption that “modular” homes may tend to be be more structurally sound in some respects.
In this assignment I took photos of the support system of a modular home.
You can see that there is no tie downso from the frame to ground. There is a Minuteman style anchor for stabilization. The piers are plastic base with 8x16 block alternating to create a 16x16 pier. Wood shims are used to complete the support.
Research Assignment “Moisture Meters for Inspectors”
For my research assignment I chose the article on Moisture Meters for Inspectors.
This article was very helpful because I will be using a moisture meter in my inspections.
This is a drainage issue, caused by a broken down spout.It washed out the base of the footer and caused it to lean. Also the shims used were rotted out and need replacing.
I just recently bought two magnet signs for my truck and have ready noticed a small increase in calls. On weekends I try to drive by open houses, to show buyers, that i am readily available. So far these method is paying off.
The attached picture shows longitudinal and lateral bracing under a mobile home. In lieu of flat metal strap bracing they used larger rectangular galvanized tube bracing. The bracing appears to be adequately connected to the main frame / chassis of the home as well as going down to permanent concrete foundations.
I read the article titled “Meth Labs” by Nick Gromicko. The main damage to a home can be from spilled or vaporized chemicals. These can damage carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, and fabric. These chemicals can potentially poison future residents of the home. Potential health problems include cancer, brain and nervous system injury, injury to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive disorders.
This picture is of a poor repair to a deck structure that was failing. The deck was originally built without proper support. In the picture you can see that an attempt was made to add support, but that was also done incorrectly. The support post lacked a proper footing and was sinking. Shims had been placed to try and fix this.
The research article I read was Trade Shows for Home Inspectors. I have several events coming up and this article offered some great tips on how to have a successful event. The free use of the banner and table cloth from InterNACHI, plus the free handouts is a really nice member benefit.
After inspection the foundation on this module home has the proper vents and pier spacing as well as crawl space and does not protrude past the bottom walls
after research i see that a mobile and module home can get a VA loan or FHA loan as well as a HUD loan if it has the HUD tag. The tag is mounted in the interior usually riveted or screwed on. This tag will give year and manufacture and zone 1,2 or 3 that the home is rated for the climate as well as a map that should not be able to be or has been wiped away from cleaning or anything else.
This is a mobile home that had a pretty sturdy cement fiber board skirting around its perimeter. While crawling around, I noticed a 2x4 that had a good amount of apparent mold. I really like to include pictures with the moisture meter in reports so that I can let the client know that it may not be that big of a deal or if it is something that really needs to be addressed by a contractor immediately. Here, we see the moisture content is below that which is conducive for microbial growth.
In my recent experience, I have found that manufactured homes with decks tend to not have GFCI protected receptacles as often as one may like. It can be an item almost overlooked, but I have found that it is typical of DIYers that build their own decks to leave the GFCI out and then there is almost a 50/50 chance of the receptacle that is there to have a reverse hot/neutral. It’s good to carry a checker with you at all times.
this image shows a major defect of stains and peeling drywall tape and plaster. No elevated levels of moisture was found has it had not rained in several days. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair the ceiling, and that a licensed roofer evaluate the roof for possible leaks.
Crawlspace Hazards article describes the hazard commonly found in crawlspaces. While most manufactured homes have crawlspaces, the hazards found under these homes have the same hazards as stick built homes. In my area, some districts have no building codes, so the crawlspace is one area of the manufactured home, that will have above normal hazards.
Recently inspected a mobile home and found it odd the water heater was located at the master bedroom closet in a wall cavity that was not readily accessible. Access panel to water heater was screwed shut. Also, noted the water heater was strapped in place and did not have a drip pan at base of heater. Found that uncommon. Would have lost valuable time had home owner not revealed location of hot water heater.
Unlike a standard built home by a general contractor, manufactured homes provide a warranty that can become complicated given the multiple parties involved with the sale, such as manufacture, selling agent and installer. There does not appear to be a set standard for warranties within this industry and leads to “buyer beware” and possible litigation when all parties do not perform to the manufactures specifications.
