Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a manufactured home, it’s important to understand the wind zone where the home is located. There are three possible wind zones, each with their own lateral loads possible that the manufactured home must be able to resist. An inspector should verify that the home they are inspecting is appropriate for the wind zone it is located.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A significant difference between a manufactured home and a traditional framed home is the use of a permanent steel chassis that remains attached to the home. The placement of a manufactured home’s steel chassis can be on a permanent foundation like a traditional home. However, it can also be placed on piers and footings without the use of a permanent foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that was read for this essay was titled, "Manufactured Housing and Standards. There are three distinct temperature zones that have been established in the United States. These zones are in accordance with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. These zones are temperature zones. Knowing which temperature zone that you will be placing the home in will help to ensure that the correct manufacturing process was followed in producing and building the home. Even with standards within the correct zone, the manufacture may offer additional and optional upgrades for greater home energy efficiency and appliance efficiency. This may be in the form of increased insulation, a higher SEER rating on the air conditioning equipment, higher quality windows with two or even three panes, and 2x6 exterior wall construction. Added storm windows to the home can be an energy saving option to consider. The manufactured home will come with different certificates. Among these will be a heating certificate and a cooling certificate that will be located in a conspicuous location. The course teaches that the grading should have a slope of 5 percent away from the home. Whereas, the article stated that the site should be prepared, graded, and sloped for proper water drainage and runoff. This is especially important if a basement will be built for the manufactured home to be placed upon. Finally, proper foundation structure and design are essential. When the home is placed on the foundation and properly set, the house should be level. A level house is very important. Anchoring should be installed and this should be done by a professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the exterior of a manufactured home, I observed the handrails to the front deck (landing)loose and dry rotted. The rear deck did not have hand rails or guard rails installed. I also noted that there was 2 pieces of skirting missing in the rear. It was noted in the report that correction is needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While doing inspections on manufactured homes, you have to know the HUD requirements and codes as they sometimes differ from the requirements of a conventional stick built home. For example, leveling and anchoring of a manufactured is very important. Joining of the marriage line is also of great importance.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Frost Line: After a few minutes of hand work we found that the pier footing was six inches below grade. The minimum frost line for the area is 36" add to that poor drainage and a 4" thick footing and we have a recipe for disaster.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Clearance Requirements: While assisting another home inspector we made a quick stop to do a mobile home inspection. Due to the weather we started the inspection inside. For the most part all seamed fine, only a few minor conditions. Then we hit the master bedroom located at the rear of the home. Large areas of rug were removed,visible patches of new floor sheathing were installed and some of the wall paneling had been replaced. We moved outdoors to find that three sides of the home had skirting installed, but the area below the bedroom was open. The owner worked in construction and had a very large pile of framing lumber and rough cut lumber that he had been saving over the years stacked tight to the bottom of the floor. As we pulled out a few pieces the infestation of termites was very visible. Needless to say the potential buyer backed out of the purchase.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A manufactured home or sometimes referred to as a mobile home is built to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards set forth by the United States Housing and Urban Developement standards and the Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards. Each home should have a red metal tag located on the exterior stating this.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is always a good idea when finishing a home inspection to double-check that all faucets and/or other water distributions have been turned off. Then find the outside water meter and take 3 time stamped pictures showing that there were no water leaks or any other water systems still running apon leaving.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A GFCI is required and very important when the required outlet is used on the exterior of a mobile home.The GFCI will not allow any over amperage of the outlet therefore protecting the equipment and any person that may be using the receptacle if the fault occurs while they are using it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A GFCI is used to cut power to a branch of conductors if there is an interruption in current. It is different from a fuse in that a fuse is designed to burn out and stop current flow if the hot wire were to touch the neutral wire.The GFCI can be reset and is usually part of the receptacle or sometimes a breaker.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Structural Components: The home inspector is not required to enter any area or perform any procedure that may damage the property or its components or be dangerous to or adversely effect the health of the home inspector or other persons.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Gallery image: (Crawl space Construction) Manufacturers often establish a special set of conditions for foundation systems intended for use with there homes. The intended is to result in properly engineered and reliable foundation systems. Whether used with real property or personal property, all foundation systems are meant to be safe, durable and long lasting.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I observed in my Inspection of the access compartment to the bathroom tub area to be hard to get to. Once accessed I observed wiring and insulation to be loosely affixed. It is recommended further assessment by a professional,No further issues were observed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Vapor barriers: A vapor barrier is a material, typically a plastic or foil sheet, which resists the diffusion of moisture. Usually 0.006-inch-thick vapor retarder of continuous black membrane sheeting installed according to the following requirements:
The membrane sheeting seams should be overlapped by at least 8 inches.
The edges of the membrane sheeting should not extend beyond the perimeter for a proper seal.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article “Manufactured Housing and Standards”. It was a long article, but had good information. It was interesting to know that manufactured homes are no longer called mobile homes because less than 5% are ever moved once in place. I drove through a neighborhood “trailer park” and did not see any red and silver seal that certifies the home was built under federal home building standards. The article is about warranties and the import of warranties because its difficult to find replacement parts at the local home depot. Very good report on what to consider if buying a manufactured home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This receptacle is located about 2 feet from the kitchen sink and indicates an open ground. All receptacles within 6 feet of a kitchen sink that serve a counter top are required to be GFCI protected. Make comment about safety hazard that exists and recommend that an qualified electrician correct the problem.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting GFCI protection. Testing GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers can be easily done with the proper GFCI tester. It is important to know where GFCI receptacles should be located. An inspector should understand that a branch circuit can be protected by a GFCI receptacle if the load wires of the circuit are fed from the GFCI receptacle in the circuit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Vegetation that touches the exterior of the house should be removed or cut back. Having this next to the structure invites moisture invasion, pest invasion and possibly deterioration. Being aware of the growth and keeping a watchful eye is the best prevention.
Research & Writing Assignment:
there are many ways to limit your liability for being sued. you can Join InterNachi, Become incorporated or LLC, You can take every Internachi online course and become a Certified Master Inspector. Use a pre inspection agreement and never refer to yourself as an expert.
