Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The foundation beneath this trailer does not provide a vapor barrier and lacks the proper depth for local frost line conditions. Also, there is no provision for ventilation. The white and dampness on the concrete is frost and indicates the soil level on the outside.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Manufactured vs. Mobile Homes. Manufactured homes are completely built in a factory and then assembled on the customers property. They comply with all normal building codes and are treated the same as stick-built construction by banks. Usually they are simpler in style than locally built homes, but they are stronger and can be infinitely customized. Mobile homes are usually made in one or two sections and jointed together on site. There construction meets federal standards and they are treated by a different set of standards by banks.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a large tree root underneath a manufactured home.
Left alone the tree root can damage many of the components underneath the home including plumbing.
The main concern is that it may affect the stability of the piers and cause shifting of the home over time.
Recommend removal.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A mobile home is nowadays being called a manufactured home.
They are built in a factory and never are more than one story. They also don’t have a permanent foundation.
Mainly there are three sizes. Single wide, double and triple wide versions.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Manufactured homes are subject to water intrusion much more then a stick built home. Extra caution and time should be spent probing for rotten wood and soft floors. A thermal camera can be very useful to help detect these areas.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows the correct installation of a supporting pier. It also shows the diagonal anchor strapping and the 6mil vapor barrier. When inspecting the under a manufactured home it is very important to look at each pier support. As even one support that has failed can significantly reduce the stability of the entire system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a good look under a manufactured home. Vapor barrier is down on top of the ground. The plumbing has hangers. All supports are straight with shims in place. Tie downs are correctly spaced and x-bracing supports are in place.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a mobile or manufactured home data plate attached to the exterior. This plates certifies that the mobile home was manufactured in accordance to the Department of Housing and Urban Development construction and safety standards. It also has the serial number of the manufactured home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the HVAC always check the return filter to the unit. Many times they will be completely clogged or extremely dirty from the home sitting vacant. Many times the filter will be the wrong size and will be installed incorrectly. Be sure the arrow on the filter is pointing towards the air handler and blower.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This is the image I chose for this article: https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=296
It is an illustration of chimney flashing. One thing I run into a lot is an improperly flashed chimney. I use this illustration to convey what a properly flashed chimney looks like. It has counter flashing embedded into the mortar joints over the step flashing. An improper way I see a lot is just metal flashing caulked to the chimney.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Leak Master Bathroom - Tub
An active leak of water was observed coming from a either a drain, waste or vent pipe located in the master bathroom from under the tub area. During the inspection an improvised plywood patch or access hatch with visible moisture stains is located where the active leak was observed. It is suggested that this may be a reoccurring issue. Further evaluation from a qualified contractor is recommended to repair.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Your Essay is under floor access. Under floor access needs to be easily identifiable, require no tools, no more than 5 lbs of force to open and have a maximum of 4 devises to open. must be at least 18X24 inches in size and have a clear entrance space of 30 inches directly in front of the enterance.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Your Essay: site preparation.before moving your home you should make sure your site is prepared for your new home. Make sure the location is accessible by the truck transporting your home. Trees and other things will allow access. ground is compacted solid surface and free from large rocks and stumps. Water and sewage pipes are in and plumbed to at least under the home location. The ground around the home is graded to drain off rain and flood waters.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The front porch is property supported on it’s own. The posts are on a concrete slab and could possibly move or side because of not being in the cement. The vinyl siding and roof surface seems to be in good condition
Research & Writing Assignment:
Tie-downs and heavy-duty straps and anchors for properly stabilizing the foundation of a mobile home and tension is also important to keeping good tension from popping from being too tight tie-down should be connected to the anchor with a Ground anchors for mobile home
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the photo you will see I am in a crawlspace underneath a manufactured home. The underneath side of the manufactured home has thick insulation between the floor joist and then it is sealed using a permeable type material to help keep moisture from entering through the floor area.
This home had a severe high humidity problem in the home. The home tried everything to figure out what was causing the issue. As you can see this was part of the problem. Pretty much the whole underneath side of the manufactured home had its permeable barrier cut open and the insulation pulled down. I asked if the home owner had any plumbing work or duct work done in the past year. They stated yes they had a pipe burst under the home and the plumbing company came and repaired. After showing the pictures to the homeowner they plumbing company was called and were held responsible for not sealing up the holes they created.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The air handler for the AC/ Heat Pump does not have the air filter installed. Additionally the return air is being taken directly from the attic space (enclosed air). The is not return air being brought in from the inside area of the home. It is recommended that this be resolve by a licensed AC/ Heating contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection: This was the article I chose to read. It perhaps is more in tune with crawlspaces under wood frame structures but the same environment exist underneath manufactured homes. Although the manufactured home is usually sealed with some type of moisture resistant covering throughout its underbelly, an inspector still needs to observe the space for any flaws that exist. So Safety, Safety, and Safety is in mind when entering a confined space such as a crawlspace. From rodent feces, snakes, and yes even raw sewage, the crawlspace is a dangerous space.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Footing installation in my area: In Sarasota, Florida the frost line is 12 inches below undisturbed soil.
When installing a deck your footing should be at least 6 inches below the frost line or 18 inches deep in my area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Are prefabricated houses safe? Totally. And also very resistant to corrosion, due to the galvanized structures they use.
They also have a perfect level of thermal and acoustic insulation, because they use plaster and other insulating materials. Because of this, they consume less energy, allow more privacy and take care of the ecology.
Conclusion: Absolutely do not worry about the safety factor of your new prefabricated house because it is resistant and as safe as traditional housing
