We have inspected a good number of Mobile or Manufactured homes and they often present unusual  and unique challenges not found in standard construction.  The fact that they are so tough often exacerbates issues because the owner never knows there is a problem; problems can easily generate  decay and get worse  while all seems well.  Not only that, much of the repair work is done by the owner or a local handyman and not fully checked out or approved.  Never skimp on the crawlspace inspection.  If the inspector can't get around under there and do a thorough inspection, hire someone who can finish the job. 

"Definitions"

Manufactured Home. The manufactured home is constructed to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, a uniform building standard administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code). Over 97 percent of all homes constructed in California factories meet this code. These are usually assembled at a factory.

Mobile homes. These homes were constructed to comply with standards enforced by the State of California prior to June 15, 1976. when the federal preemptive HUD Code became effective. Mobile homes have not been constructed since this date, same animal, different name; Manufactured Home.

Factory-Built "Modular" Homes.  Factory-built "Modular" homes are constructed to comply with the California Administrative Code. About three percent of all factory homes produced in California meet this code. They are normally assembled on site.

413 or 433.  Commonly called a "Permanent Foundation Certification" The Department of Housing and Community Development forms 413 and 433 are not necessarily an indication that the mobile home is mounted on a secured foundation, these forms are usually an indication that the wheels, axles, and towing devices have been removed to prevent easy removal of the coach from its location, and that some sort of fixed support system has been added to the underside of the structure.  This could range from un-secured metal piers on wooden planks to fully anchored and seismically braced concrete/steel attachments.  Most coaches in this area do not have modern seismically attached foundational systems unless they have been retrofitted with a Perma-Brace, or other attached and anchored type of attachment system sometime after the Northridge Earthquake.. 

Crawl Space.  Mobile and Manufactured Homes are usually on raised leveling/attachment system; the inspection of the raised structure system is not a seismic or structural inspection. Our inspection is to determine and report on the type and condition of attachments, plumbing, electric, venting, ductwork etc; and to check for moisture intrusion or leakage.  The inspection is intended to give you an overview of the systems and attachments; it simply is not possible to inspect every square foot of the crawl space during a standard inspection.  Refer to The Standards of Practice, Section 1: A & B, as well as Section 13 in its entirety for further clarification. 

Fees:  Don't get suckered into thinking that these puppies are "cheaper" than sticks and bricks construction; it just don't add up.  My Mobile/Manufactured fees are the same as my fees for standard construction plus the crawl space fee, and I am Mobile Home Certified by HCD.  Mobiles on property or rural type parks (The Farm) are slightly higher.  Please call me for a firm bid.  

Call The Office Phone  (209) 304-2292