Whether you are moving into a new property or want to do some remodeling on your current home, you should be aware of some common problem areas and issues with older mobile homes. Ignoring these problems for too long can lead to far more significant concerns, making it necessary for more thorough and intensive remodeling. Know what to look for in your older mobile home to eliminate these potential issues before they occur or take action immediately if they do.
HVAC Unit
Through constant use, HVAC units will eventually degrade over time, significantly decreasing overall effectiveness. Allowing your climate control unit to falter will not only lead to uncomfortable living conditions and increased utility bills (as the units become less efficient), but it can also cause serious damage to the home if you live in harsh environments or leave the home unattended for long periods of time.
Insulation
On the topic of increasing heating and cooling bills, it is also critical to address insulation in older mobile homes. Insulation material will deteriorate over time, allowing hot air to escape in winter and cold air to escape in summer. Make sure your insulation is durable enough to keep your property’s temperature at the level you desire without adding additional stress to your HVAC units.
Windows
Windows are another critical source of insulation for your home, and they’re one of the primary factors to consider when remodeling. Just as with standard stick-built homes, replacing older mobile home windows with new dual-pane vinyl windows is one of the best ways to add value to the property because it has a dramatic positive impact on the curb appeal of the home as well as on its energy efficiency as well. When evaluating mobile home windows for replacement, be sure to evaluate how weathertight they are, that they are still centered and square in the studwork and framing of the home (this may not be the case if your foundation has shifted at all), and that they still open and close easily.
Please note that at Mobile Home Outfitters, we stock a wide selection of common mobile home window sizes to suit your needs. However, it is not uncommon for customers to need custom sizes. We have close relationships with several window manufacturers and can special order any model or size that you might need with competitive pricing and reasonable lead times. Call us today for more information!
Plumbing
One of the most common problem areas in older mobile homes has to do with plumbing systems. Many older manufactured homes use polybutylene pipes, which have a history of degrading faster than other materials. Without proper care and protection (like heat tape for cold weather climates), your pipes could easily burst, leading to water damage and more costly repairs. Avoid these by having your plumbing inspected, replacing old lines with new pipe (PEX is a great option), and protecting your investment with pipe wrap or heat tape depending on the demands of your climate.
Foundation
It is vital to ensure that the foundation of your home is in good condition. This is especially critical during the inspection process as repairs to this component of the structure are usually the responsibility of the seller. When managing the inspection, make sure that the foundation of the home is level, that all piers or supporting structures are in good physical condition, and that there are no critters taking residence underneath the home! This is also a good time to check that your mobile home’s skirting and underpinning (or another foundation cover) is still in good condition, as that provides a crucial measure of protection from weather and intrusive animals.
Get Renovations Done When Necessary
When you spot an issue with your mobile home, we always advise you to get repairs done sooner rather than later. Allowing your home to degrade will only lead to further issues that you will need to fix and that are bound to get more expensive over time. If you don’t know where to start or would like to consult with one of our experts, please give us a call today at 888-MHO-SRVC (888-646-7782), and we’ll be happy to assist you!