Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is there a site to look up codes? I am ordering the Code Check book (should probably splurge for the CD now that I think about it), but I had a few basic questions that are common sense write-ups, but I am not familiar with the codes regarding them (or even if there is one…)
Specifically, I am looking for:
1) do mobile home crawlspaces have to be vented on 2 sides or can they be fully enclosed?
2) I am sure I read somewhere that no structures (decks, porches, etc) can be permanently attached to the home, but I can't find a source.
3) It is common sense, but is there a code that says that a door that is elevated must have steps below it?
4) Does the Electric Code cover phone jacks within 1 foot of a sink (regular outlets should be GFCI, what about a phone jack?)
These are some of the craziest problems I ever thought I would see...and I know to write them up, but some back up from a real source would be nice.
I don't mention codes but I can answer your questions according to my specs...
1) If I don't see venting on the skirt, I recommend it. I like seeing those perforated vents on all four sides.
2) Most trailers have those small metal decks/porches that are never attached. I always inform my client that the porch is not secured
3) If it's more than 8", I recommend a step(s).
4) Phone jacks are low voltage. I don't bother with any sort of phone jack locations whatsoever.
Read the info on the link above. It'll help answer a lot of questions pertaining to mobile homes and their defects.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks, DAvid. I was working off of that link, too.
I understand about the phone jack being low voltage, I just wasn't sure if it was addressed anywhere.
The missing steps I wrote up (a 3 foot drop) but I wasn't sure if this was a requirement or just a safety issue since it is a mobile home.
As far as attached steps/decks, etc...do you write it up as a negative if they are attached? I thought I saw where they were not supposed to be permanently affixed, but I dont know where, and now I wonder if I just made it up!! (These are wood and lag bolted to the home)
I also wrote up the venting, but I know it is an issue of some debate and I was looking for alittle support on my rec. I am earching the threads here, but it is a lot to read through!!!
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
The difference in height from the threshold of the manufactured (mobile) home and the ground level is thirty (30) inches or greater. Handrails shall be constructed, secured, and maintained in such a fashion as to be able to safely bear the loads and stresses of persons using them for balance and support while using the steps provided.
Here's another article...
All auxiliary structures (such as porches, decks, awnings, cabanas, stairs, etc.) shall be entirely self-supporting, unless designed and approved by a Professional Engineer or Architect or manufacturer to be supported on the mobile home.
Even though codes state that they can be self-supporting, my clients will be well advised that the porch is not attached.
Originally Posted By: wwarner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree with David.
If it’s not attached or not attched properly (i.e. lag bolts, not nails), I note it for the client. Those rickety things they put at mobile home entrances are extremely wobbly (with any age on them) especially when placed on uneven terrain. I’ll always note it as a safety issue.
Originally Posted By: jcampbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I did one earlier this week and while I was able to enter the crawl space and manuever around alot of the crawl space, come areas are just not accessible when items (hitch/axles etc…) are in the way… limits a lot of the plumbing sometimes when you cannot get to certain areas as well as the plumbing is covered…
Do you all simply write it off as obscured/inaccessible ?? 
Originally Posted By: wwarner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I try and find access from different points. (With easily removable skirting of course)
Those crawls are definately belly inchers. If there are areas you cannot view due to obstructions then I would note them. Most of the time you get a feel for what the entire underbelly looks like from the first few feet. I try to view the problem areas like beneath bathrooms and kitchen, and get a good look at the tie downs at least. Many times, the rest is covered up (at least in this area) and I so note it.
Originally Posted By: psmothers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the link David. After my mobile/manufactured home experience at the in-laws it got me interested in learning more about them.
Only question I still have is why are tornado's so attracted to them  
-- Foxe Smothers
"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Do you all simply write it off as obscured/inaccessible ??
The answer is "Always". If you can't get access to certain areas under that mobile home, write it up and why.
If there's a plastic vapor barrier installed on the underside flooring area, write it up as viewed. ?Underside of floor not viewed due to covering?.
Attempt to check every projection coming out of the entire floor area, check the blocks that are in place, check the waste area, check the electrical area, etc, etc. You should inspect every area the same way you would a typical home. Except this situation, you're on your fat belly.
If you look around under that trailer, you'll end up finding something wrong. I manage to locate some sort of defect under every trailer.
Another hint... While inside, if you locate a spongy area in the flooring, recommend a complete floor evaluation. I had located 2 rotted areas in a client?s floor, informed her of these weak areas, and she went and purchased the home without looking further into the rotted areas.
She called me two months later and asked why I didn't tell her that the entire floor had to be replaced. I simply stated to her that if she looked at my report, it describes the damaged floor areas and that I had recommended further evaluation of the floor before the close of escrow. She told me that she thought the damage was minor so she let it go. I told her that that was her biggest mistake.
She told me that her attorney will be contacting me. I politely apologized for the inconvenience and told her I'll gladly speak with her attorney.
This was 8 months ago and I'm still waiting for the phone call.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
So, it sounds like the consensus here is that the stairs, etc SHOULD be lag bolted to the home. Doesn’t this go against the concept of “mobile”?
I wrote up the unattached one because the support posts are cracked the entire run, and actually splitting in two. But the attached one, I am not sure is appropriate because, theoretically, it is a permanent attachment, making it no longer "mobile".
Again, I can't find the place I thought I originally saw that they should be free standing, so I may be wholly wrong. David, your quote about attached appurtenances is not clear to me (maybe I need the previous sentence for clarity). It sounds like it says that "Every stair, porch, balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto" if taken in a grammatically correct way would mean "appurtenances attached to the stair, porch or balcony". No?
Like I said maybe the sentence immediate preceding that lends more clarity to the interpretation.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Not what I originally recall using (and certainly not a code citation) but this is what I was referring to:
DECKS, STEPS AND CARPORTS
The most successful additions are non-weatherproof additions. Decks, steps, carports, porches and sunrooms are examples. As a rule, non-weatherproof additions should not be attached to the home as it's generally not worth the expense of putting frost line footings underneath them (more on that later). Keep decks and steps separate from the home by not attaching them.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
structures (such as porches, decks, awning, cabanas, etc.) not provided or approved by the home manufacturer,shall be entirely self-supporting unless designed and approved by a Registered Engineer or Architect.
I still advise my client of these so-called "Self-supporting" porches.
By the way, I'd like to see one of those cheap metal stairs hold in place when you toss your weight around atop them. It's not gonna happen.
Originally Posted By: janderson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
David has it right on.
When planning to do any type of significant structural alterations to these types of structures (attaching anything to the exterior may be considered a structural alteration), it is imperative that one consults with the manufacturer of the home (if they are still in existence) and request approval of the proposed alteration. Failure to do so will void the original certification of the structure. This process is lengthy and usually discourages the idea of attaching exterior decks and porches, so that is why so many of them remain unattached.
One thing to keep in mind is these types of homes are designed and built as a unit, if the design is structurally altered it requires approval from the manufacturer. I have only seen one approval in my experience, it was for an $8,000 sunroom addition. A factory representative and engineer reviewed the plans before construction began. An approval letter was provided, basically stated that the construction needed to follow the approved plans EXACTLY, it also contained disclaimers and exclusions.
-- Within the seeds of ignorance lie the fruits of denial
Originally Posted By: ddivito This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My favorite mobile home defect is when the plastic underwrapping is torn off to connect utilities and not resealed. I have talked to manufacturers and they said that the warranty is void if the underwrap is missing or has not been sealed around penetrations with a recommended tape or sealant.
Appendix E in the 2000 IRC documents requirements for manufactured home installation. It basically says that HUD regulates the structural aspects of the house itself and that all manufacturer's recommendations be adhered to for installation.