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7 Common Mobile Home Inspection Problems


What are some common problems with mobile homesWhether you’re looking to purchase or sell a mobile home, it’s a good idea to hire a trusted mobile home inspection service in San Diego that can examine the property for defects and malfunctions that could significantly reduce its value on the real estate market.

In order to give you some idea of what to expect and help you prepare for your mobile home inspection, we have provided a list of 7 most common issues mobile homes suffer from. Read on to learn more.

What are some common problems with mobile homes?

Just like regular homes, mobile or manufactured homes can suffer from a variety of different issues, some of which may be serious enough to warrant reducing the price of the property or even cause the buyer to walk away.

Here are 7 common problems found during mobile home inspections:

1. Damaged floors and foundation

Some mobile homes sit atop concrete block supports placed over crushed rock, others use beam foundations, and others still use other types of non-traditional foundations. If the foundation wasn’t installed correctly, or if it has suffered damage due to moisture or pests, extensive repairs may be necessary and the mobile home may have to be raised.

Inspecting the foundations is especially important in older mobile homes that haven’t been raised regularly or properly.

2. Faulty or missing air conditioning

Replacing a mobile home’s AC system can be expensive. Furthermore, window AC units are a big red flag because they mean the mobile home likely doesn’t have an in-built AC system.

3. Damaged vapor barrier

Since mobile homes don’t use a traditional foundation, they rely on a special vapor barrier to protect their undersides from moisture. Torn, delaminated, or sagging vapor barriers can lead to mold infestations or damage to the wood subfloor of the mobile home.

4. Water damage

Leaky roof, overflowing gutters, or holes in the siding can all lead to moisture buildup inside the mobile home and even mold infestations and other issues inside the wall cavities. Water stains on the ceiling are a clear sign of a leaky roof. Cracked and corroded metal roofs are another major warning sign.

5. Faulty electrical systems

To be 100% safe, you should always have the electrical systems of a mobile home inspected by a certified electrician. However, your home inspector will still check all light switches, outlets, breaker panels, and appliances to make sure they’re working correctly.

6. Improperly sealed doors and windows

Worn or low quality door and window seals can greatly limit the ability of a mobile home to retain heat. This will result in reduced comfort for the occupants and increased heating bills. Furthermore, doors and windows that don’t close properly may signify larger problems with the property.

7. Malfunctioning sewer system

If you don’t intend to move the mobile home out of the mobile home park it’s currently in, you should definitely have the sewer system checked as well.

Where can I schedule a top-notch mobile home inspection service in San Diego?

Are you looking to sell a mobile home and you want to ensure it doesn’t have any serious flaws before potential buyers see it? Or maybe you’ve found a beautiful house in Talmadge, and you want to have it checked for problems before you decide whether to buy it or not?

Whatever your home inspection needs may be, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Inspectors Company. We’re an InterNACHi-certified home inspection company that specializes in providing the good people of San Diego with the crucial data they need to make a sound financial decision. Call us today.

What Are Mobile Home Inspections and Why Are They Important?


Do home inspectors inspect mobile homesMobile homes are prefabricated structures that are typically built on permanently attached bases and then transported to the site. Unlike regular homes, they can be moved to another location if the owner so decides or is required to do so for legal reasons.

As with all residential properties, performing a mobile home inspection in San Diego prior to putting it up on the real estate market (if you’re the seller) or purchasing it (if you’re the buyer) is crucial in order to verify that the property is in good condition.

But how do you inspect a mobile home? Can you hire a home inspector to examine a mobile home? Do only used mobile homes have to be inspected, or should you inspect new ones as well? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions.

Do home inspectors inspect mobile homes?

Absolutely. Every home, regardless of whether it’s mobile or not, can and will suffer from a variety of different problems. Most of these issues tend to be mild or easy to fix, but some can be so severe they can significantly impact the value of the property and may even make the property hazardous for the occupants.

Sellers should address these defects or adjust their asking price accordingly before listing the mobile home on the real estate market. Failing to do so will make finding a buyer a lot more difficult, and may even make the property legally unsellable until certain conditions are met.

Buyers should have the mobile home they’re interested in inspected in order to protect themselves and their investment. This should be done regardless of the age of the property.

What do home inspectors look for in a mobile home?

A mobile home inspection is a comprehensive visual examination of a property. Your inspector will check everything they can without having to resort to destructive testing.

A typical mobile home inspection checklist includes:

Foundation needs to be inspected regularly on mobile homes. Furthermore, these homes need to be leveled on a regular basis to prevent sinking and damage to the floor structure.
Doors and windows have to be sealed properly to prevent heat loss and energy waste. Old or damaged windows may need to be replaced.
Electrical wiring. All outlets, light switches, and appliances will be tested to make sure they work correctly.
Exterior panel and trim that has missing pieces or is loose to the touch is another major cause of water damage.
Roof should have all of its shingles or panels in place. Any corrosion on metal roofs should be addressed ASAP.
Flashing. This thin material covers the cross-section where the exterior wall meets the roof. Its purpose is to prevent water from getting into the home through these construction gaps. Loose or missing flashing greatly increases the risk of water damage.
Structure. Framing and other structural elements should be checked as well.
Plumbing. Water leaks can severely damage a mobile home, so all the pipes, sinks, water lines, faucets, appliances, and refrigerator water lines have to be checked.

Where can I schedule a top-quality mobile home inspection in San Diego?

What do home inspectors look for in a mobile homeWhether you’re looking to purchase a home in one of California’s mobile home parks, or you’re planning to sell your residential property in Swan Canyon, you’ll want to make sure the place is in good condition before making any final decisions.

Here at Inspectors Company, we can help you do just that by thoroughly examining the property and providing you with a comprehensive home inspection report. Our San Diego inspectors are all certified professionals who use the most modern inspection software and techniques. Contact us today.