on an inspection and I’m seeing a lot of these additions that are built onto a manufactured home. I know that the decks that are built on the manufactured homes are supposed to be a freestanding structure. It makes sense to me that if an addition is to be built onto a manufactured home that there should be some means of a structural engineer to take part in the design. I know that I’m not gonna find that type of information on this home just based on my past experiences. This addition looks pretty good. I don’t wanna be a deal killer and so I’m looking for some expert advice here.
Anyway, I presume you cannot see the structural tie in or if the roof load has been modified. Nor are you an engineer, correct?
My rule of thumb, free standing structures conjoined are not a major concern such as porches and decks. If any of the load bearing features have been modified, then I recommend engineer evaluation. And I also recommend obtaining permits, drawings, invoices, warranties etc.
The reason for the question was intentional. If you are an engineer, it could change everything depending on your scope of work.
This is a great example of what a home inspection is not- engineering services.
But we can provide some guidance and transfer liability to the customer.
As far as killing the deal, I would advise my customer to continue further with their due diligence, obtain the permit information and hire an engineer if needed. (and fix the roof )
Pick out the structural defects, and there are several, and refer to a licensed general contractor with inhouse structural engineer for further review and required repairs.
Act upon any recommendations therein.
For engineering HUD certifications (often requested by lenders if the client is financing a manufactured home), the roof of that addition may cause the certification to fail. HUD guidelines do not allow the manufactured home to carry additional weight that it wasn’t designed for. The roof of the addition appears to be partially resting on the roof of the manufactured home.
Good point. Good luck finding a lender for that home. Though they do exist, things become more complicated. Which is obviously outside our lane. Proceed with caution
For engineering HUD certifications (often requested by lenders if the client is financing a manufactured home), the roof of that addition may cause the certification to fail. HUD guidelines do not allow the manufactured home to carry additional weight that it wasn’t designed for. The roof of the addition appears to be partially resting on the roof of the manufactured home.
We are currently remodeling a double wide and I’m quite surprised that they hold themselves up let alone additional stress from structural members resting on the roof.
No, it does not look good. That sag in the ridge is very telling that it has an issue. As you noted, nothing can be attached to a manufactured home; everything must be freestanding and can not depend on the manufactured home for support.
You need to report what you have found and be forthright and honest about it. We do not kill deals, but homes do commit suicide!
By the looks of the vented soffits on the manufactured home you could be right.
As well the roof might be separate and not supported by the manufactured homes roof.
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