The Importance of a Mobile Home Inspection
- Attic To Alley Home Inspections Inc.
Categories: Attic Inspections , Crawlspace Inspection , Electrical System Inspection
Purchasing a mobile home can be an exciting milestone, but it’s crucial to ensure that the property is in good condition and that there are no safety or structural concerns before you jump in! Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to invest in a mobile home in Kelowna, BC, or elsewhere in the Okanagan Valley, a comprehensive inspection is essential. At Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc., we specialize in providing Mobile Home Inspection Services to help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we will highlight the key areas to focus on during a mobile home inspection. You need to be aware of any potential issues before making a purchase.
Let’s start with the most important area:
The crawlspace
If you are making calls to inspectors, one of the critical questions to ask is, “Do you go into the whole crawlspace?” and then, Question #2, “What do you look for when you’re down there?” This is definitely one of the most important areas to investigate during a Mobile Home inspection. Key items to inspect are:
- Methods of support – materials used, spacing, and footings.
- Belly cover or belly wrap – is it intact?
- Signs of water draining from beneath the home
- Is there a vapor barrier in place?
- Are there signs of rodents or other animal entry?
- How are any additions supported?
- Where are the water and electrical service entrances? Are the correct provisions in place for each?
- Among other items
Electrical System
Critical question #3 – What do you look for during your electrical inspection? There are specific rules in place for electrical installations in Mobile Homes. Any deviations from the original electrical installation must be permitted or specific labels applied to confirm inspection by the governing authority afterward.
Labeling
Speaking of labels, Mobile Homes have specific label requirements to comply with safety and taxation regulations. You need to be certain that all labeling is present.
So far in this blog, you have learned the way a mobile home inspection differs from a stick-built or other type of home inspection. The remainder of the inspection is much like any other.
In short, here is what will happen during the rest of the inspection.
- On the exterior, the siding and skirting of the home are inspected for defects and building envelope problems that could allow water entry.
- The roof and all its components are inspected for age and condition.
- The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system(s) are operated using the available controls and according to best practices given seasonal conditions.
- The plumbing components are tested for functional flow and drainage.
- Any areas that are prone to water entry or water damage (e.g., windows and walls below windows, appliances that are plumbed, under sinks, around toilets, etc.)
- The remainder of the interior is inspected for defects, and accessible windows, electrical outlets, and switches are tested for operation.
There are many other items that make this list, as a comprehensive inspection is very important.
For an in-depth description of the inspection process, please visit:
https://www.attictoalley.ca/blogs/best-home-inspector-bc-blog/1065091-tara-s-home-inspection-process
When you are shopping for an inspection be certain you are asking the right questions. It is imperative that your inspector has experience in Mobile Home Inspection as there are many inspection processes that differ from other types of homes.
Do not base your decision on the lowest price. This is one of the most important purchases that most people will make in their lives. Don’t look for a bargain on your inspection.
Your inspection is a vital step in the home-buying process. The inspection ensures that you are well informed about the property’s condition and potential maintenance requirements. You can make a confident decision when you have all the information.
If you’re ready to take the next step in purchasing a mobile home, then contact Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc. We inspect the property from top to bottom to locate structural defects, leaks, suspect microbial growth, and a multitude of other problems which could end up being big-ticket expenses if left undetected.
Get in touch with us today!
To learn more about what we do, please click here. To contact us, please click here or, better yet, call us at (250) 718-7890. We look forward to serving you.