Tips on Buying a Used Mobile Home
There are many benefits to owning a mobile home. For many, the biggest benefit is that buying a mobile home is cheaper than renting or purchasing a new house. Buying a used mobile home can save even more money, but it can end up costing more if the used mobile home ends up being in disrepair. Know what common mobile home problems to look for before you commit to buying.
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Check for Roof Stains
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Stains on the ceilings can mean that the used mobile home has had water damage from rain. If you notice that the stains are dry when the weather is wet, they may have already been repaired. However, a bunch of dark stains can mean that the roof is currently leaking or that the roof was not adequately repaired. A sagging roof with dark stains can equal rotten wood.
Check the Floors
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If the floors have a spongy feel to them, it may mean that they have gotten wet, warped and rotted. Take your time walking around, and test the floors especially around areas with plumbing fixtures, such as the bathroom. A floor that feels spongy around the toilet, bathtub or sinks may spell trouble with the floor or the fixtures.
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Check the Plumbing Fixtures
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A used mobile home may not have plumbing fixtures that are of very sound quality. As a result, they are more likely to crack and leak. If you find that every other aspect of a used mobile home is solid, you may choose to buy the home and simply upgrade the fixtures to ones made of porcelain-covered steel or heavy plastic. It's best to have a shutoff valve at each fixture to avoid problems during emergencies.
Check the Wiring
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If the used mobile home you look at happens to be older, it may have aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring is now known to break down and cause sparking inside the walls. To inspect the wiring, remove electrical outlet covers and peer inside with a flashlight to see if you can find wire ends that appear silvery. If you find that the mobile home does have aluminum wiring, you may wish to get it rewired for safety. You may also need to rewire it if you wish to insure your mobile home.
Check the Roof
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Choose a roof that is shingled. Most shingled roofs provide adequate ventilation, while metal roofs are more likely to be sealed and cause moisture to gather. Check the attic to make sure it is properly ventilated, because an improperly ventilated attic may reduce the quality of a shingled roof. Also choose a roof that extends past the mobile home's sides. An overhang allows rainwater to slide off the roof rather than gathering, entering the walls, and causing water damage.
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