Manufactured Home Inspection Checklist
If you are considering the purchase of a new or used manufactured home, use a manufactured home inspection checklist or hire a home inspector so you have a good understanding of the condition of the home you are buying. Home inspection checklists are a useful resource for verifying the condition of the interior and exterior of the property; including plumbing, electrical, heating and structural integrity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bathrooms
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Newer homes should have shower stalls, tubs and washbasins that are scratch-free. Shower door enclosures should be sealed properly and doors should glide easily. Check if the cabinet doors are straight and if the drawers open properly.
Electrical
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The best way to check electric components is after the framing stage. Check to see the wiring for the ceiling appears to be installed properly. Light switches and outlet boxes should be securely attached to the studs and straight. Once the drywall is up, check light fixtures to see that all of them are installed and functional.
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Exterior
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Verify the dryer vent flapper is installed with a cover. Check to see that a vapor barrier is installed under the home. Determine if the heat duct crossover has bends or kinks. The skirting should be the proper color and secured well. Check the belly wrap holding the insulation under the house to see that it's tear-free.
Steps should all be installed correctly with the proper materials. Verify the correct number of exterior faucets are installed and functioning. Look for damaged or missing shingles. Multi-section homes should have a marriage line properly installed. Check to see that there is a main water shut-off installed. Look for appropriately installed gutters.
Heating and Cooling
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Verify that the central air conditioning or swamp cooler is installed and working. Heating vents should be installed and functional. Make sure the proper size water heater is installed and connected. Br sure the water heater is working, especially in older homes.
Kitchen
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New homes should be checked to see that the ordered countertops are the proper style and color, and are level. Check to see that the cabinetry is hung correctly. New appliances should be the proper models, installed and working. Flooring should be checked for cuts and correct installation. Verify water pressure and temperature in faucets. Check for cuts in countertops and damage to cabinetry in older homes.
Windows
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All windows should be installed and operational. Older homes should be checked for cracked or broken windows.
Other Considerations
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Used manufactured homes often have worn flooring and carpeting which may be an important cost consideration. Appliances, water heaters, air conditioning and swamp coolers may be past their usefulness.
Home inspections on new homes often reveal what seem like simple or careless mistakes. Checking to make sure that everything is installed and done properly can save you time and problems down the road whether it's a new or used home.
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References
Resources
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