Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Will,
I had a long discussion recently with a fellow HI up here about inspecting Mobile Homes, I personally decided not to offer inspections to this market segment for the following reasons, 1) the build materials are generally of poor quality. 2) the life expectancy of mobile homes is only about 20 years therefore inspecting 10-15 year old mobiles is counter productive as they are inherently going to be suffering from major failures soon !!. 3) in most cases it is very difficult to examine the mechanical systems due to on the most part they are well hidden behind panels etc. 4) my main reason for not wanting to do them is that I feel that they represent and increased insurance liability.
Manufactured homes I have less bad feelings about as up here they are increasingly difficult to tell apart from stick built, and conform to normal building codes and practices, and unlike Mobiles are put down on a normal slab or footing or even sometimes on a full poured basement.
Hope these ramblings help 
Originally Posted By: Nick Gromicko This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Combustible fuel water heaters or furnaces are usually in the back of a closet in mobile homes. The closet is stuffed with personal items resting on the hot flue.
Also, because most mobile homes don't have much roof slope, the flue's roof flange leaks. Usually easy to spot... no attic.
Also, the ones sitting up on blocks often have a fence like skirt around them. Sometimes the insulation underneath falls down exposing a water line that hasn't caused any trouble till winter.
Originally Posted By: mhenderson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Sometimes you have to check the ByLaws at these Park Communities…(where most mobile homes are kept) they might have an expiration date on mobile homes being sold…(not over 25yrs.) that means if you buy a mobile home thats 24 yrs old…stay a year & decide to move…you can`t sell the mobile home at that park because its 25yrs old & your stuck…have the client see if their is any restrictions on ages of mobile homes 1st…it might not be worth it for them to buy one
Originally Posted By: mbailey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Check to see if the tongue, wheels, tires, and axles are removed ? and where said components are stored.
Check how many tie downs are installed ? and what type, also note the type and amount of supports - and if they are on concrete piers.
Look for cracks/openings in the skirting that can allow access by vermin.
Check main water supply line to make sure it is protected from freezing ? often times these are unprotected.
Do your plumbing check before you crawl under the home ? unless you want to go under twice (either way it is messy ? or as my daughter says ?mighty icky?).
You may also want to check with your E&O carrier to make sure you are covered for mobile home inspections.
Some quick ramblings ? hope it helps.
-- Mark Bailey
Stonegate Property Inspections LLC
Ponca, NE
