Research & Writing Assignment:
Child safety, a safety gate is a gate that is temporarily installed in a door or stairway. It allows adults to unlock and pass, but small children will be unable to open it.Window safety, Any furniture a child could potentially climb on should be moved away from windows.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a mobile home that was missing footings, had improperly constructed piers and was not properly anchored. Where wood was used as footings, it was not treated and was beginning to rot causing the roofline to sag.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at a picture of the required airspace around a chimney. Although insulation is not thought of as being combustible, it is not listed as a non-combustible and a chimney needs space to dissipate heat, hence the listed requirement being for an “airspace” not “clearance from combustible material”
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Every manufactured home should have stairs at each egress door of the home. It they have 4 or more risers, they should have at least one guardrail measuring from 34-38 inches above the landing and nosing of the treads. If it has a 30 inches or larger landing, it must also have guardrails.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Manufactured Homes (consumer-targeted).
Manufactured homes offer a product that meets the needs of many consumers. Thanks to Federal construction standards and guidelines, consumers can trust there are measures in place to make sure home purchasers are not being taken advantage of. Even so, it is important to inspect these properties, prior to purchasing them. Purchasers should also take into consideration many other factors, not the least of which are zoning, restrictive covenants and utility factors for placing a home on private land.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo, the mobile home skirting is damaged and has a large gap. Animals and other pests can more easily access the underside of the mobile home. It is recommended to have the skirting repaired or replaced. The only holes or gaps should be ventilation areas.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article Modular vs. Manufactured Homes, the author details the differences between the two structures. Modular homes are constructed in pieces in a factory and assembled onsite while a manufactured home is built completely in a factory and has minimal assembly once delivered. Modular homes are very similar to traditional construction building methods while manufactures homes are the less expensive trailer type homes.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attched photo is of a tie down strap that is typically found on manufactured homes. you can also see the permanent wood foundation and support pier. There is one thing missing though. There was no proper ventilation within three feet of the corner of this manufactured home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
We should no longer can them “Mobile Homes.” This type of constructed home is built in enclosed structures with regulated environments and after the location for the home is selected less than 5 percent are ever moved or relocated later on. The term “Manufactured Home” has been used since 1980 when Congress adopted the term.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The mobile home was installed properly on piers and all visible construction appeared to be completed well. Drainage was adequate with proper lot drainage. However, adequate skirting with proper ventilation was still required to complete the mobile home’s set up.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mobile homes and all homes require proper installation of asphalt roof shingles. Proper installation will maximize life expectancy of the shingles and will minimize the chance of wind damage. Any warranty will likely be void when shingles are improperly installed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is from one of my previous inspections. As you can see in the picture the vapor barrier was ripped off and insulation was missing in this area with exposed water supply lines. This area needs to have insulation installed and the membrane sealed to keep cold weather from freezing the water lines in the heating season and to keep the rodents from nesting or entering the building as well. If you look closer, you can see that the water lines are running directly underneath the sub floor and the floor joist are notched at the top as well. A metal plat should have been installed above the water line to protect it from possible nail puncture. The water lines should have been board threw the floor joists at least 2" or more from the top.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In this essay, I am going to write about the importance of leveling a mobile home. Leveling a mobile home should be done by qualified professionals. If a mobile home is not properly level, it could cause problems with opening and closing windows and doors for example. A mobile home should be checked for settlement after 60 to 90 days of installation. Proper grading is extremely important around the perimeter of the structure to keep standing water away from the footings. This could cause shifting on the piers and making the mobile home uneven.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image of the manufactured home shows the 8 x 16 blocking underneath for a standard set foundation. There are railings on the landing in front above grade 30". Missing is the approved skirting around the perimeter and .006 black poly underneath.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Manufactured housing disaster resistant piers are used in earthquake prone areas and consist of special connections and footings to resist upward and lateral motion due to ground movement or excess wind.They are required in seismic zone areas to ensure insureability and safety of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo shows a pier supporting a mobile home. This pier is made of stacked 8 inch by 16 inch by 4 inch concrete blocks. It supports a 4x4 which may be a smaller member than would be recommended. There are wood wedges installed to provide the necessary support to the beam.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this assignment I read the article “Modular vs Manufactured Homes.” These terms may cause some confusion to people as they may believe the terms are synonymous. This is not true, in fact there are important differences between these two types of home construction. Modular homes are much more similar to a site built home even though they are built in factories. There can be some advantages to modular homes over site built homes such as being strong and better insulated. Manufactured homes are less expensive, smaller and the construction falls under HUD guidelines rather than the local AHJ over building.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When examining the anchors of a mobile home you must ensure proper securement of the mobile home to the ground through the use of suitable materials like wire rope. The rope must loop through the anchor and over the frame itself.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Aluminum wiring became popular and was used from 1965 to 1973 because of it being cheaper than copper. Many aspects of the material caused its use to be seen as a fire hazard. There are fixes available, but the most effective way to reduce the risk of fires from aluminum wiring is to replace it with copper.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Electrical wire appears to be damaged and improperly supported. This could cause future issues. Wire is prone to animal chewing when its open and exposed to the elements. Ground contact can cause moisture damage to wire. Recommend a licensed electrician evaluate and repair as needed.
