Whether you’re a home inspector that wants to inspect mobile homes or you own a mobile home and need an inspection, you want to know a few things first. This type of inspection is a bit different, but not all that different from a regular home inspection. Here are a few things you should know before getting a mobile home inspection done.

Mobile Home Inspections are Similar to Residential Home Inspections

While a mobile home and a stick-built home are quite different, the inspection for both is pretty similar. If you are a home inspector looking to expand what you offer, it won’t be difficult to start doing mobile home inspections. 

Mobile Homes are Different

Yes, the inspection for a mobile home is very similar to a regular home inspection. However, mobile homes are different, so you want to be aware of the key differences as a home inspector or someone looking to buy a mobile home. 

Mobile and manufactured homes, often called trailers or factory-built homes, are built to be moved. They will at least be moved from the factory to the property of the owner, but are often moved more than once.

Due to the mobility, these homes are built with different types of materials compared to stick-built homes. For example, the steel chassis will act as a floor support system. Mobile homes are also not permanently attached to the site where they are found, even if they are anchored.

The building regulations will be different for a mobile or manufactured home, too. They are smaller than stick-built homes and will have to follow different regulations, which can vary from county to county.

Damage Happens Much Easier

Since mobile homes won’t be put on a permanent foundation, they are less stable and more susceptible to damage. Plus, DIY repairs are rather common with these properties, which a home inspector has to be on the lookout for.

A mobile home inspection will need to look at specific types of damage that might have been caused by severe weather or from the transportation of the home.

DIY Additions are Rather Common

Whether you’re the inspector for the mobile home or looking to buy one, you have to be on the lookout for DIY additions. These homes are usually pretty small, so owners will add to them.

While all additions must have their own foundation, according to Mobile Home Living, this isn’t always done correctly with DIY additions. Without a foundation for the addition, it can shift independently of the original structure, which a mobile home inspector should be aware of and should look for.

Another type of addition that is rather common with mobile homes is a wood burning stove or another type of heating structure. These additions are not safe or suitable for a mobile home, especially if they are not installed correctly or the size is too large.

Inspectors need to be looking for DIY electrical systems, as well. This is rather common with older mobile homes that don’t have GFCI protection and may have aluminum wiring. Both of these are dangerous to anybody deciding to live in the home.

Checklist of What to Expect with a Mobile Home Inspection

If you plan to inspect a mobile home or you are having one inspected, you can expect the inspection to include:

• Insulation
• Ducts
• Heating Systems
• Fire Safety
• Water Damage
• Proper Electrical Grounding
• Electrical Wiring
• AC Units
• Proper Hurricane Tie-down installation
• Crawl Space
• Exterior and Roof, specifically water-sealed
• Septic
• Home Age Certification

This list will be a bit different than a stick-built home, but it will be pretty similar.