This category includes all the posts which involve some aspect of inspecting a mobile home for possible purchase or sale.
This question, when asked in an online mobile home repair forum, received 161 responses in four hours. Below, I summarize what the respondents said. Affordability was the universal answer, but the reasons less expensive was important come in many flavors. Commitment to a mortgage free life. Several posters made it clear they WOULD NOT sign…
Remodeling a mobile home is a great idea if you see yourself in any of these statements. You have or are you willing to learn basic Do It Yourself skills. You want the most living space for the least money. You and your spouse/partner have a shared vision. You are able to find/negotiate a purchase…
Manufactured home construction Mobile Homes built before 1976 were constructed to much lower standards than those built later. Homes built prior to 1976 had only one or two inches of insulation wrapped around the walls, floor and ceiling, 2″ x 2″ or 2″ x 3″ studs, uninsulated air ducts in the floor and ceiling, no…
Effective complaining about mobile home problems requires knowledge. You have to know exactly what the problem is and who is responsible for it. Look through How Your Home Was Built and then go to the mobile home Setup post to see exactly who all the players are. Once you know that you will be able…
Manufactured home warranties Mobile homes come with warranties. You would do well to read them carefully and be prompt and persistent if you see something that needs to be taken care of. This is where knowing exactly who is responsible for what will be essential. In the factory at which I worked for a few…
Manufactured home humor You may not think so when you are in the middle of a repair disaster but in retrospect disasters are often extremely educational and very funny. The repair manuals, even mine, tend to assume you know what the problem is and give good clear instructions on how to fix the problem. In…
A question that is asked frequently is where to find a good contractor. It can be really hard to get a good answer, especially if you are needing some work done soon and don’t want to spend a few weeks researching everyone you can find. Sometimes neighbors and friends have good recommendations (or at least…
The dealer is responsible for any promises the salesman made that were beyond what the factory provides. Steps, awnings, etc. may be promised and then not delivered. Decks, skirting (underpinning) etc. are normally provided by the dealer or a contractor working for him. It is to your advantage to find out and record exactly who…
Manufactured home manufacturers The manufacturer is responsible for the home itself. The appliances in it will be covered by their manufacturers warranty. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage in transit or what happens on the dealers lot. Manufacturers and dealers love to blame each other so at least some manufacturers video tape the inside…
A good hacksaw is very useful since it can be used to cut PVC, copper, or steel pipe. Given the tight corners in which you frequently find yourself when repairing mobile homes, a mini-hack is also useful. This is a tiny hacksaw blade holder that will let you work in places that are to tight…
