Archive for Manufactured Home inspection

4 Compelling Reasons to Hire Manufactured Home Inspection Inc.

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Whether you’re selling a home or buying one, home inspections play a vital role in helping you make an informed decision. At Manufactured Home Inspection Inc., we provide comprehensive inspection services throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County, California.

If you are considering buying or selling a manufactured or mobile home in the near future, here are four undeniable reasons to get in touch with us.

The Process

We strictly follow the procedures outlined in Title 25, the law that regulates health and safety requirements for manufactured and mobile home inspections in the state of California. These extensive guidelines ensure that every inspection we perform meets the highest quality and compliance standards.

Beyond simply following regulations, we make a conscious effort to stay current with all updates and changes to the law. This allows us to deliver thorough, accurate, and up-to-date inspections for every home we evaluate.

The Experience

Manufactured Home Inspection Inc. is a family-run business that has proudly served Southern California for more than three decades. Over the years, we have worked with a diverse range of clients, including independent homeowners, home dealers, and well-known companies such as Bear Flag and Monarch.

Licensed and Insured

We hold a California C-47 specialty license as a General Contractor, which requires adherence to strict state standards. Additionally, we are fully insured, giving you peace of mind and protection in the unlikely event of any issues arising during the inspection process.

Affordability

We offer competitive pricing based on the specific services you need. You can request an estimate at any time with no obligation or additional cost. For a standard home inspection, our services start at just $250.

In addition to inspections, we also provide home setup, repair, and remodeling services. Whether the home is manufactured or mobile, new or pre-owned, we can set it up, repair it, remodel it, and inspect it—fully tailored to your requirements.

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What is the Life Expectancy of Manufactured Homes?

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Today’s manufactured homes have a life expectancy of approximately 30 to 55 years, depending on the level of maintenance, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While this estimate is generally accurate, there are several variables beyond owner care that can significantly affect how long a mobile home lasts.

  1. HUD’s projection is based on modern manufactured home construction standards. A nationwide building code for manufactured homes was established in 1976, and construction standards have been strengthened multiple times since then. Newer homes are built to be more resistant to windstorms and fire, along with meeting additional requirements that improve overall durability and structural integrity.
  2. Although an aging mobile home may remain habitable, there are notable downsides to continuing to maintain an older unit. One common issue is insufficient insulation. Older mobile homes are well known for high utility costs during cold winters and hot summer months. Many also have outdated 60- or 100-amp electrical panels, which are often inadequate for today’s higher electrical demands. In addition, older floor plans may feel cramped by modern standards, with narrow hallways and small bathrooms.
  3. The original quality of construction also plays a major role in longevity. Budget models that offered large square footage at a very low purchase price typically do not last as long as higher-quality, more expensive homes. Poorly maintained, lower-priced mobile homes may begin showing signs of deterioration within as little as ten years.
  4. Site conditions are another critical factor. Homes installed on land that remains wet during parts of the year, or on sites that are not properly graded to direct rainwater away from the structure, are more prone to premature deterioration. Standing water beneath the home can lead to moisture damage to the underside, especially if the belly board has been compromised. Homes built in the 1980s with fiberboard siding are particularly vulnerable to moisture-related issues, including mold and wood rot.
  5. Remodeling an older mobile home can be a practical way to extend its lifespan, especially when investments are made in roofing, siding, insulation, windows, and interior upgrades. These improvements enhance both weather resistance and overall livability.

In summary, selecting a higher-quality manufactured home and maintaining both the home and its installation site are the most important factors in reaching — or even exceeding — the 50-plus-year lifespan projected by HUD.

For more information about scheduling a professional home inspection, please call us at (714) 353-1360 or contact us online.

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10 Very Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

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1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should confirm that both the inspection and the inspection report meet all applicable state requirements, when applicable, and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and review copies of these standards in advance and ask any questions you may have. If there are specific areas you want to ensure are included, be sure to identify them upfront.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession, and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to share their professional background and, ideally, provide references. While newer inspectors can be highly qualified, many work alongside a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors who can assist during the inspection process.

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspections?

Experience in construction or engineering can be beneficial, but it is not a substitute for formal training and hands-on experience in the specialized field of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, be sure to ask about relevant experience in that area as well.

4. Do you offer to perform repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow inspectors to perform repairs on issues identified during the inspection. Others strictly prohibit this due to potential conflicts of interest. It is important to understand where your inspector stands on this matter.

5. How long will the inspection take?

For a typical single-family home, the average on-site inspection takes approximately two to three hours for a single inspector. Significantly shorter inspection times may indicate that the inspection will not be thorough. For larger or more complex properties, additional inspectors may be required.

6. How much will it cost?

Inspection costs can vary widely based on region, the size and age of the home, the scope of services, and other factors. A common price range is $300 to $500. When evaluating cost, consider the value of the inspection relative to the overall investment in the property. Price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality.

7. What type of inspection report do you provide, and how long will it take to receive it?

Ask to see sample reports to determine whether the inspector’s reporting style is clear and easy to understand. Also confirm whether the delivery timeline meets your needs. Most inspectors provide a complete report within 24 hours of the inspection.

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?

Attending the inspection is a valuable educational opportunity. An inspector who refuses to allow this may raise concerns. Being present allows you to see the property through the eyes of a trained professional and ask questions in real time.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are numerous state and national professional associations for home inspectors. Ask to see proof of membership and conduct any due diligence you feel is necessary to verify credentials.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs?

No inspector can know everything. A commitment to ongoing education is a strong indicator of professionalism and dedication to quality service. This is especially important when inspecting older homes or properties with unique or specialized features that require updated knowledge and training.

In conclusion, asking the right questions before hiring a home inspector is essential to protecting your investment and avoiding costly surprises down the line. A thorough, qualified inspection provides clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the property you are considering.
By choosing an inspector with the right experience, credentials, transparency, and commitment to professional standards, you place yourself in the strongest possible position to make an informed decision—whether you are buying, selling, or maintaining a home.
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Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Repairs

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When planning to buy a mobile home or manufactured home, it is highly recommended that you obtain a health and safety inspection before closing escrow. From the exterior, a used mobile or manufactured home may appear to be in excellent condition. The real concern, however, lies in what you cannot see.

We have many examples of new homeowners who chose not to have an inspection, only to discover shortly after moving in that the home needed major repairs, such as complete plumbing replacement or a new roof. These types of repairs can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Replumbing an entire mobile home can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the scope of work, and a new roof can be just as expensive, if not more. These unseen issues are precisely why having a professional mobile or manufactured home inspector review the property before making a final decision is so important.

So what happens after you receive a home inspection and there is a long list of repairs needed? Who pays for the repairs, and how much will they cost? This is exactly why more buyers and sellers choose our manufactured home inspection services over our competition. Our inspection reports include photos of all repairs required to bring the home up to Title 25 health and safety standards. Alongside each photo, we provide an estimated cost of repair. These estimates are critical when negotiating the final sale price of a home. We are the only mobile home inspection company that includes estimated repair costs in the inspection report, which is one of the reasons mobile home agents continue to rely on our services.

Once you receive your inspection report with photos and estimated repair costs, the next question is often where to find a contractor to complete the work. Once again, this is where our company stands apart. We are licensed mobile home specialists who can perform all the repairs outlined in the report, at the same estimated costs provided in the inspection. In many cases, we are able to complete the repairs before escrow closes. Mobile home sales professionals repeatedly request our services because we deliver inspections and reports efficiently and on schedule.

As an added value, we also offer mobile home buyers a complimentary remodeling estimate. For example, if you are considering purchasing a mobile home but want to know the cost to demolish and install a brand-new kitchen, replace carpet with laminate flooring, or upgrade interior finishes, we can help. Many buyers choose to drywall over existing panel walls, add crown molding, or install recessed lighting. We provide free estimates for these improvements before you make your purchase decision, giving you greater confidence and clarity moving forward.

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Buying a Mobile Home and What to Look For

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Buying a mobile home in 2013 can be the right choice. Many Baby Boomers are discovering that owning a four-bedroom house with a large mortgage payment is simply too much to maintain. When your children have moved out, finished college, and started families of their own, it may be time to consider downsizing to a mobile home or manufactured home.

My father and I have more than 50 years of combined experience in the mobile home industry. I have personally inspected thousands of mobile homes, and in recent years I have seen more and more people preparing for retirement and realizing that buying a mobile home or manufactured home is the right decision. With mobile home space rentaveraging between $600 and $1,500 per month, homeowners can count on lower housing costs as they move into their retirement years.

Mobile homes are currently selling for nearly one-third of what they sold for in 2008. I regularly see double-wide mobile homes in Huntington Beach selling for $30,000 or less. While some of these mobile homes may appear outdated, remodeling a manufactured home can be relatively inexpensive if the structure is solid. The key to buying a mobile home is making sure the following components are in good condition:

  • Roof.

  • Plumbing.

  • Electrical.

  • Piers and pads.

  • Windows.

  • Siding and skirting.

  • Furnace and air conditioning.

If these mobile home systems are in good shape, simple upgrades such as new paint, flooring, and appliances can dramatically improve the appearance and comfort of the manufactured home.

I inspect mobile homes and manufactured homes every day—this is all I do. I inspect 1970s mobile homes as well as brand-new 2013 triple-wide manufactured homes. Over time, I see the same mobile home problems repeatedly. Below are the most common issues found during a mobile home inspection:

  1. Mobile home water heaters missing earthquake straps.

  2. Mobile homes missing smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.

  3. Mobile home plumbing leaks under bathrooms or kitchens.

  4. Rodents under manufactured homes due to improperly sealed skirting.

  5. Soft floors in mobile homes near toilets or moisture-prone areas.

  6. Mobile home ceiling stains near roof vents.

  7. Mobile home lights not working.

  8. Mobile home electrical outlets not working.

  9. Mobile home doors not closing properly.

  10. Low water pressure in mobile homes.

These mobile home repair issues are usually inexpensive when identified early during a manufactured home inspection. However, if left uncorrected, mobile home problems tend to worsen over time. One of the biggest advantages of completing a mobile home inspection before buying is the ability to negotiate with the seller to complete mobile home repairs before escrow closes. This is far better than discovering a major mobile home plumbing leak or roofing issue after escrow has already closed.

Our fee for a manufactured home inspection or mobile home inspection is a flat $200 and includes a detailed nine-page inspection report with photos. In over 90% of our mobile home inspections, we identify more than $1,000 in mobile home repairs that can be negotiated prior to closing escrow. When you consider the cost of unexpected mobile home repairs, the value of a professional mobile home inspection becomes clear.

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About our Mobile Home Inspection Process

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Manufactured Home Inspection is a family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience in the mobile home and manufactured home industry. Our company was built on decades of hands-on expertise in manufactured home inspection, mobile home repair, and manufactured home construction. Our leadership holds a California C-47 specialty license, allowing us to specialize in mobile home and manufactured home repairs, as well as a B General Contractor license, which authorizes work on single-family residences.

Our team has worked in this industry for generations, developing long-standing relationships with respected mobile home dealers throughout Southern California, including Monarch, Advantage, OC Mobile Homes, Wallace Homes, Blue Carpet, Sunrise, Strictly Mobiles, Heritage, and J&R. Our manufactured home inspection business has remained successful because we operate with honesty, objectivity, and accountability. Every manufactured home inspection is approached with the same level of care and scrutiny we would expect for our own family.

Our extensive manufactured home inspection typically takes between one hour and one and a half hours. The inspection begins on the exterior of the manufactured home, where we evaluate the siding, skirting, windows, driveways, awnings, sheds, electrical outlets, exterior lighting, utilities, water heater enclosure, furnace, air conditioning system, gutters, downspouts, roof, vents, porches, steps, and doors.

We then move inside the mobile home to inspect all plumbing systems, faucets, drains, electrical outlets, lighting, appliances, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, electrical panels, showers, bathtubs, and flooring materials.

Once the interior and exterior inspections are complete, we perform a crawl space, or undercarriage inspection. This is a critical part of any mobile home inspection. During this phase, we inspect the belly board and insulation, rusted, missing, or cracked piers, improper electrical installations, plumbing leaks, ductwork, dryer vent connections, axles, earthquake bracing, vapor barriers, tie-downs, and marriage piers.

After your manufactured home inspection is completed, we email you 20 to 40 detailed photos documenting our findings. Each photo includes a clear explanation of the issue and how it relates to Title 25 health and safety coderequirements. Within 24 to 48 hours, you will receive a comprehensive nine-page inspection report that documents every aspect of the inspection in detail.

With this report in hand, buyers and sellers can confidently enter negotiations to determine how required mobile home repairs will be addressed prior to closing. When all factors are considered, a flat inspection fee of $200 is a small investment for such a thorough, objective, and professional manufactured home inspection.

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Top 10 Reasons to Complete a Mobile Home Inspection

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If you are planning to buy a mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home in the near future, there is one critical step you should take before closing escrow: get a mobile home inspection. Why is a mobile home inspectionso important? There are many reasons, but below are the top ten reasons every mobile home buyer should have their prospective mobile or manufactured home professionally inspected.

1. Know What You Are Buying

A mobile home inspection provides a detailed written report with photos that identifies existing or potential problems with the home. From mobile home plumbing to mobile home roofing, you deserve to know exactly what you are buying before committing to the purchase.

2. Be Safe

There may be safety issues you are not aware of, such as a gas leak, electrical hazards, or a deteriorating porch or steps. A licensed mobile home inspector can identify these risks and help ensure the home is safe for occupancy.

3. Negotiate the Purchase Price

If a mobile home inspection reveals $1,000 or more in necessary repairs, this information should be addressed before closing escrow. Inspection findings and estimated repair costs can be used to negotiate a lower purchase price or require repairs prior to sale.

4. Prevent Future Problems

Some issues may not be visible to the seller or buyer but can develop into costly repairs if left unresolved. A thorough manufactured home inspection can catch small problems early, preventing larger issues down the road.

5. Save Money

Once escrow closes, the mobile home — and all of its problems — becomes your responsibility. Investing in a mobile home inspection before purchase can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

6. Educate Yourself

If you have never owned a mobile home or manufactured home, you may not fully understand how these homes are built or which issues are most common. Meeting with a licensed manufactured home inspector gives you valuable insight into ownership and maintenance.

7. Know What’s Possible

A professional manufactured home inspection also provides an opportunity to discuss potential upgrades. Buyers often ask about kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, flooring upgrades, or other improvements. Knowing your options upfront helps with long-term planning.

8. Get Repairs Completed Before Moving In

If issues are identified during the mobile home inspection, you can negotiate with the seller to have repairs completed before you move in. This can significantly reduce stress and avoid immediate out-of-pocket expenses.

9. Don’t Buy a Lemon

In some cases, an inspection may reveal that a mobile home has far more issues than expected. When that happens, it may be better to walk away and find a manufactured home in better condition with fewer problems.

10. Peace of Mind

For a flat inspection fee of just $200, a mobile home inspection provides invaluable peace of mind. Compared to the cost of unforeseen repairs, the investment is minimal — and the confidence it provides is priceless.

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Are you seeking a Mobile Home Inspector in Orange County California?

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Are you seeking a Mobile Home Inspector in Orange County California?

Look no further. Manufactured Home Inspection has been serving the industry for over 30 years. As a family-owned and operated business, we stand behind our reputation on every home we inspect. Referred by numerous Mobile Home Sales Agents—including Blue Carpet, Advantage, Monarch, Heritage Homes, J&R Homes, Strictly Mobiles, OC Mobile Homes, Wallace Homes, First Team, and Bear Flag—our mobile home inspections are both affordable and comprehensive.

After visiting the mobile home and conducting a thorough one-hour to one-and-a-half-hour inspection, our team returns to the office to transcribe detailed findings into a professionally typed mobile home inspection report. This report highlights any outstanding health and safety repairs that may be required and can be used during escrow, as it is often necessary to finalize the sale of the home.

There may be other mobile home inspectors in the area, but Manufactured Home Inspection is a licensed mobile home inspector you can trust—especially when it comes to the safety and comfort of elderly homeowners. Our inspections take senior needs into careful consideration and include checks for tripping hazards, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, leveling issues, proper ventilation, smoke detectors, electrical outlets, furnace and air conditioning systems, as well as stoves and ovens. All findings are clearly documented in an in-depth inspection overview for your records.

We welcome new customers and are committed to turning every client into a satisfied client. To schedule a mobile home inspection, please call our office directly at 714-353-1360.

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