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Purchasing a new manufactured home is very different from the process of buying a motor vehicle. There are a lot more moving parts, which can be confusing. Likewise with a dryer, the crawl space will be saturated with moisture and can cause mold issues. The space will also become covered with lint that can become a fire hazard. It seems that every mobile home we have purchased, for investment or otherwise has had issues with the HVAC system.
We have successfully been able to re-plumb an entire mobile home with modern Pex piping for less than $1,000. This is a common occurrence when there are foundational issues as discussed above. It’s not only the sizes and dimensions of windows and doors on mobile homes that are standards. The frames themselves are usually quite plain and understated. Installing decorative frames or simply painting them a new color usually improves the looks of a mobile home dramatically.
Appearance enhancing additions
PROBLEMS – Over time these sheets of steel can begin to rust even though they are galvanized. The seams between the sheets can also begin to leak as well as around the perimeter of the home. Focus on the seams between the sheets and especially around the perimeter. Proper site preparation is a must when setting up a home originally. Mobile home sites should be graded with a small berm in the middle with the ground slightly sloping outward.
You can definitely make a case for mobile home manufacturers prioritizing practicality and low costs above attractiveness. Most mobile home owners are always on the lookout for ways to improve the curb appeal of their home. As upgrading the look of your mobile home is usually relatively inexpensive, remodeling projects such as these are common. They provide the benefits and comforts we want in our housing at affordable prices. Not only this, but they are growing in popularity as a result of their simplicity and minimalist qualities.
The roof
The steel chassis is permanently attached to the mobile home. The wheels and axles, however, can be removed after the home has been planted into place. They should never be considered part of the home’s foundation or support structure and their removal is required to convert your mobile home into real estate. Keep in mind that often, parts on a mobile home can be unique to mobile homes.
This can cause the piers of the foundation to sink, tilt, and pull away from the home. In such a case the home can become un-level and cause all the problems stated in the section on foundation issues. Mold also becomes a major issue with the ground being constantly wet. SOLUTION – Often, the ductwork may need to be repaired, or in the worst case scenario, replaced. Follow this link to a our blog post on “How Much Does It Cost To Replace Ductwork In A Mobile Home?
What is the Best Furnace for a Mobile Home
These will usually attach to the roof of the mobile home on one-side and have their own support posts on the other. These materials are of very light weight and specifically designed for use with the mobile home. I have found that this is an easier and less costly fix than working with the panels. If leaks in roofing go undetected, the trusses above the ceiling can become damaged and warp and or rot.
This is usually one of the first things new owners upgrade. This opportunity is also usually used to add a small welcoming patio to the front of the home. Unlike modular homes, there aren’t any two-story manufactured homes. It just isn’t feasible when you take the construction materials used and their purpose into consideration.
Ceiling materials, is far easier to repair than warped or rotted trusses. PROBLEM – If leaks are not repaired, wood rot can occur rapidly. Remember, that the rot that occurs is in the actual structure of the home. I’ve seen homes that were pretty much just “tear-downs” because small leaks were ignored.
The problem doesn’t usually have to do with the manufactured original wiring, but with homeowner modifications over time. ACOUSTICAL PANELS – Slight water staining can occur to these panels and they are not damaged enough to replace. If it is just staining, the panels can be primed with “Kils” primer and then repainted.
A roof over can also be used as an opportunity to add decorative eaves to the home which is another refined finishing touch. Wall panels might also be kept together using wall strips. Should you place your new manufactured home in a park, or on a lot that you own? When buying a new manufactured home, choosing where you will put it is one of your first decisions to be made.
This makes any water that may get under the home to run away from the home. Water pooling beneath the home is a major cause if failure with piers and tie-down systems. The stability of a manufactured home is only as good as the support system it rests on. As in the illustrations below, a good secure manufactured home system uses a series of piers and tie-downs to keep it secure. Wiring – Wiring can be problematic if the home has had owner added additions and features where the wiring has been tapped into the original electrical panel. In this post, we’re going to explore the most common problem areas we see when purchasing older mobile homes.
This can be done by taking new plastic sheeting and spreading it over a much larger area than the damaged part. SOLUTION – If add-ons exist, look to see how the weight transfer next to the mobile home as designed. There should be load-bearing support posts outside of the mobile home to carry the weight of the structure down to the ground. If the proper load transfer system is not in place, this must be built to solve the problem. Generally wiring and electrical panels installed at the factory generally hold up well over time.
Most states actually require mobile skirting by law for this reason. Today, many manufacturers make use of CAD and improved techniques to allow buyers some level of customization without sacrificing those qualities. You can read more about mobile home sizes and how it should affect your decision to buy one here.
Their window and door frames and sizes are similarly generic. It means that when you want to replace your windows, window frames, doors, or door frames, that you don’t have to worry about sizes that much. Doors and window frames are almost exclusively square or rectangular. Mobile home roofs are usually pretty easy to lift off the frame of the house as a solid piece and a total roof replacement is a common enough remodel. Their lightweight designs also make it common for owners to simply roof over their flat roof by placing a pitched roof on top of it.
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