Are the mobile homes and prefabricated houses resistant and safe?
Of course yes, currently the manufacture of mobile homes and prefabricated houses are very safe and resistant, we would say that they are much more prepared than ordinary people believe. They are designed and manufactured with first quality materials complying with the current regulations of the CCE both in thermal systems and with the application of new technologies already existing in construction.
They are usually very comfortable, safe and strong, designed to suffer high temperatures of both cold and heat and even strong winds. The new manufacturing is with hot galvanized steel chassis, anti oxidation with the side walls and roof of thermal panels in aluminum and polyurethane fillers. Qualities far superior to the conventional work of a normal house made with simple brick and cement.
While inspecting this manufactured home I found the only two windows in the master bedroom blocked. The first one with wood due to the lower section of the window missing so wood was installed on the outside, and the other with a dresser on the inside. This would create an issue in the event of a fire as egress would not be easy and there was no fire extinguisher in the room either. My recommendation would be to have a professional fix the window with the wood in it and to move the dresser so that it does not block the window.
Bathroom tub access panel allowing visibility. The wastewater pipe is one inch and a half. The cold water pipes that split for the shower head and the faucet have corrosion and electrolysis. Checking for pitting and insulation. Also with the cavity, checking for pest.
Manufactured homes are quite different from modular homes. Manufactured homes have the ability to be mobile, and can be moved from place to place, whereas, modular homes are treated more like regular houses. Both are pretty much created in a factory and transported onsite, but the term manufactured closely relates to mobile home or trailer.
When inspecting deck posts the inspector should check to make sure that if any wood is touching the ground that it is pressure-treated, and if possible to verify that the cut end is above grade. The inspector can use the pick test to verify if the wood is rotted or in good condition. Another thing the inspector should look at the footing to ensure that the post is attached to it so they do not slide off or lift out.
I really learned alot from this course. Although i received six months free. I will still purchase it in the future. I dont think i would have learn as much and so quickly using another program. I liked the detail explanations that they provided for me along with pictures.
This is a pictture of a electrical outlet. The cover has been removed and the wires are exposed. The wires are not live and belong to a light switch. The outlet should be covered to prevent and accidental injuries due to exposed wires.
Image show a mobile home in S.E. Florida. The age and installation date is unknown. The roof is a flat (2 Tier) type with a slight peak at the center. The exterior has some differed maintenance issues. The skirting, while visibly intact, needs maintenance or replacement at various locations. Access door at rear of home is missing (Underfloor space). The potential for moisture intrusion, vegetation growth and animal, rodents entering the home is likely. This could lead to mold and fungi growth and deterioration of wood and metal structural components. Driveway Pad (Gray Area) has 2 large cracks on each side( in front) allowing for vegetation growth and moisture intrusion underneath pad and under home. Cement and Asphalt driveway is cracked, deteriorated and poses a potential tripping hazard. The shed structure appears to be close to the home and could cause a danger in the event that access from the main egress door is blocked. A qualified mobile home professional should be contacted and consulted to have the necessary repairs made.
Preventive maintenance procedures for tie downs on a Manufactured/Mobile homes is important. Annual or bi- annual inspections must ensure that tie downs are performing as designed. Missing or corroded straps must be replaced. They must be straight and taunt according to the manufactures specifications. Anchoring systems that are attached to the tie downs, must be free of deterioration and breakage. External skirting, which helps prevents damage to tie downs and anchors. must be in place. Additional tie downs can be added to supplement existing protection. Manufactures specifications, local building codes and AHJ can be consulted. Because of their high profile and lightweight, manufactured and mobile homes must be able to resist potential dangerous environmental concerns.
This picture shows a defect found while recently inspecting a manufactured home. Both galvanized straps were detached from this double head earth anchor due to corrosion. Longitudinal tie down requirements were met by one of the six metal piers shown in the background.
In the article “Power Strips: Their Uses and Hazards” you’ll learn that these devises provide a needed function, but are often misused. The article describes a number of these improper uses that are encountered on job sites and during home inspections.
This is my second mobile/module home inspection I did. This mobile home happens to be built in 1974 and appears to be in its same or current location from conception. I have found the piers, shims, and footings to be missing, moved, and in some cases, not located under the frame of this home. Recommended to have this home’s support system brought up to todays mobile home standards of support.
Manufactured housing and standards. Yes I guess I am old school still calling manufactured homes mobile homes. I was very surprised to read that less than 5% of manufactured homes actually are moved from its first point of set-up. Living in some of these older manufactured homes just after high school and remembering those days I have to say I am glad for the HUD decision in 1976 to adopt the living standards for these homes. Doing some inspections on these older homes, one just has to wonder! Write everything up!!
There is no vapor retarder present in the crawl space. A minimum of 0.006 inch thick (6 mil) vapor retarder of continuous black membrane, such as polyethylene sheeting placed above the soil, or a continuous clear membrane, such as 6 mil polyethylene sheeting covered with gravel, is recommended to retard the intrusion of moisture from the soil into the crawlspace. It is recommended a qualified crawlspace specialist evaluate and correct as necessary.
Tie-downs for manufactured homes protect the home from wind damage like sliding and overturning in high winds. There are two types of tie-downs consisting of over-the-top tie downs which cross over the top from side to side and anchor into the ground and frame anchor tie-downs which attach to the frame of the home and also anchor into the ground. Longitudinal tie-downs are over-the-top tie-downs, except they cross the length of the home before anchoring into ground. For all tie-downs there are a variety of ground anchors available. Regulations for tie-downs vary considerably by jurisdiction so the inspector should contact the local building department to see what the requirements are for locations in question.
Improper installation will result in severe damage. The stress on one small part of the structure impacts the entire home. The home will age quicker, and the pressure causes warping and bowing. After a short time has passed, the homeowners will begin experiencing issues such as leaks, and it just goes downhill from there. Unfortunately, by the time the minor issues pop up significant damage has been done to the home and it can be expensive to repair or correct the problem.
Education and inspection are the two best defenses against improper manufactured home installation and setup. If a homeowner understands the installation process and can ask the right questions they can ensure it is done correctly.
The installers of manufactured homes on site are called set-up companies. The installer technicians are employees of the retailer, or they work as contract employees. A set-up company may also be a site preparation contractor, and this is preferred because one company performing both functions can result in a seamlessly coordinated effort rather than two separate entities working on the project. Many installation projects incur delays and problems which seem almost impossible to resolve, and at the least require added time to address.
This steel tie down strap has separated from the ground anchor due to extensive corrosion and is a significant safety defect. It should be replaced as soon as possible to restore the home’s ability to withstand potentially serious storm and wind-related damage.
There are some options available for the placement of manufactured homes including leasing space in manufactured home developments or parks and placement on privately owned acreage. However, several areas of the country have zoning restrictions that prohibit class C or older types of manufactured housing, and clients are advised to check with the local ordinances prior to purchasing a manufactured home for placement outside of an established development or park.
This manufactured home did not have a required vapor retarder installed. The ground within the enclosed crawlspace beneath every manufactured home should be covered with a 0.006-inch-thick vapor retarder of continuous black membrane sheeting. Joints must overlap at least 8 inches, all holes or damaged areas must be covered with approved tape, and the covering cannot extend beyond the perimeter of the manufactured home.
