Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned from the article about tie downs for manufactured homes the following: Tie downs are designed to keep manufactured(mobile) homes from flipping in high winds. There are two types of tie downs, Over the top tie downs, used for smaller homes, and frame anchors, which can be used for heavier homes, such as double wide.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Proper construction of a homes concrete block foundation piers is critical to making sure that the home is properly supported. It is also important that all portions of the foundation of the home should also be is good condition and not damaged. One of the blocks on this homes concrete block foundation piers are broken and should be replaced as soon as possible for the safety of the home and its occupants.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Even on a mobile or manufactured home, a dryer duct should terminate to the exterior of the home, and not in the crawlspace of the home. Dryer ducts allowed to terminate in a crawlspace add high amounts of moisture-laden air that could encourage mold growth, promote wood decay, or contribute to corrosion or decay of other building materials in the crawlspace.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection-Article
Inspecting the crawlspace under a manufactured or mobile home is more than just inspecting the structural integrity and moisture levels. Prior to entering the crawlspace you should evaluate the safety issues at hand. Whether there are unwanted pests, rodents or insects that can harm you or electrical wiring, standing water or waste or unstable support piers or columns, each inspector must make a decision to enter or not. If an inspector decides to enter the crawlspace, they must always use protective equipment for other hazards such as asbestos, hantavirus, or molds and fungi that are potentially dangerous to a human. This article explained different things to be aware of during a crawlspace inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a piece of rebar used for an anchor for a mobile home. The strapping to hold the mobile home down is missing. There where several anchors present but no strapping material.This was noted in the inspection report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I wanted to find out more about railing requirements. A platform in excess of 30 inches requires a guard rail and a stair way with more than 3 risers requires a handrail.The railing should be between 30 and 34 inches.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Problematic drywall was imported from China during a limited time, but identifying it is difficult when using only one method. Multiple clues should be used in determining it’s presence. Identifying it is important to stop corrosion and other damage to the affected homes.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of properly installed plumbing for a kitchen sink in a mobile home that I recently inspected. The s-traps are properly installed, there are no leaks at the time of the inspection and the functional water flow was sufficient.
Research & Writing Assignment:
On a recent garage inspection I was asked to pay extra attention to the trusses and how they were installed. There was a slight bow in the roof and the shingles did show excessive wear. I did take several photos of all deficiencies along with proper verbiage recommending the professional contractors to be contacted for further evaluation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Sealing gaps to prevent moisture intrusions: Its important for any home to seal gaps and/or intersections that can allow in moisture. Manufactured homes as well can have serious moisture issues if residents do not take care of basic Home maintenance.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire safety for the home: Residents of any home, apartment, condo, etc. should have a fire escape plan. According to this article its essential to plan and practice your escape plan. Families especially with childrens need to be wary of safe routes in a home when a fire is present.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Looking at skirting at the perimeter of mobile home. Skirting is made of metal and is in good condition. All ground runs at a slope away from the unit.Stairs and hand rails were all at proper hieth and spacing.All vents were present and unobstructed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
All manufactured homes should have a red tag showing manufacturer. All warranties should be available for the buyer and inspector. All of the built in appliancs should be accessable to home owner. This is arequirement of H.U.D.All heating and cooling placards should be accessable’
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Proper grading and drainage to prevent moisture intrusion into the crawlspace is a critical component in the prevention of settlement, insect/vermin attraction, air quality issues, and general sanitation of the property site. Care should be taken to meet minimum grading/drainage standards and ensure skirting remains in good condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To prevent air quality and safety issues, a full separation between living spaces and garages should be present. General standards state the following: No opening should be permitted from a garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes. No windows should be permitted in the exterior wall of a manufactured home where a garage is to be attached. Any opening between the garage and manufactured home should be equipped with a 20-minute fire-rated door of solid wood not less than 1-3/8 inches in thickness or the equivalent.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the under side of manufactured home a loose tie down strap was discovered. Tie down will be listed as defected and a recommendation to the client of a mobile contractor will be recommended to make the proper repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
During the construction boom around 2004 till 2007, drywall was in high demand. To meet this demand drywall was being imported from China. Unfortunately the materials used to manufacture drywall in china reacted to high heat and humidity in a not so good way. The reactions of the compounds used in the manufacturing process also had a by product that caused various health problems as well as costly effects on other components in a homes construction
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The rules for GFCI circuits in mobile homes are similar as those in single family homes. Mobile homes should have at least one GFCI circuit on the exterior. These should be tested periodically to make sure the mechanism is operational.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Manufactured homes must be secured to the ground with diagonal ties at a minimum. This applies to all manufactured homes in Wind Zone I. In windy areas, Wind Zones II & III, vertical ties are also required as well as diagonal ties. These ties should connect to the main frame of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The pictures I had chosen are from a inspection that I had done for a structural certification. The tie downs were spaced 24 inches between 2 straps and 48 inches apart. The slabs were 12 x 12 by 36 depth with metal caps . The straps were attached to a steel plate that was wielded to the frame of the manufactured home that set on block piers
