There is a huge amount that can be inspected in a surprisingly short space of time when you know what to look for.
The emphasis from a park owners perspective is on the glitz and glamour of the show home and no doubt there will be fluffy towels placed on the toilet seat (Yuk!) and running ducks in the shower cubicle (curious!).
Do not be distracted by the ‘show’. When you are living in the home any short comings will soon overtake any enthusiasm for soft lighting and flashy décor. Water leaks especially will dent your euphoria.
Whether you are viewing a brand-new home, one which has been sited but unoccupied or a second-hand property it is essential to inspect the home well. If you feel after your inspection the home is still attractive, then this is the time to get your surveyor to do a detailed survey. If you have any doubts about the home after your first look, walk away. Do not fall for the 'we'll get that sorted out for you' nonsense as you could be waiting forever. It might also be the case that any work done might not meet the requirements of the manufacturers or GoldShield warranties or further problems manifest themselves later.
The easiest way to guide you through the inspection is with the list below. Do not be hurried.
Print this and take it with you when you visit any home you may possibly have a passing interest in.
Check List.
Basics.
Date of manufacture.
Date of siting.
Date heating was turned on.
Warranty validity.
Evidence of any maintenance and painting etc.
If the home has been left empty and unheated it is likely the warranty will be affected and GoldShield cover not applicable!
From outside the home and standing away from it.
Is the base slab on which the home sits above or below the surrounding ground level? A slab which is lower could be flooded with rainwater keeping the slab permanently damp and causing damage the steel work and woodwork under the home.
Where do the down pipes empty into, on to the ground or into a drain? Can this end up on the slab?
Does the home look clean and free from mould and lichen?
Is the paint the same colour all round or does it look patchy indicating some repair work has been done? Paint splashes on window and door frames are a tell-tale sign that the home has been touched up. Ask if this has this been done to meet the GoldShield requirements and ask to see the proof. If not, it could have been painted to cover up damage.
Are the gutters level and downpipes vertical? Are there signs of water staining indicating leaking guttering?
Does the roof look clean and free from moss and lichen?
Does the roof look neat and free from dents and damage?
Does the paint on the walls look fresh and free from cracks?
Looking more closely now.
Can water run off find its way on to the base slab under the home?
Do the windows and doors look square?
Look closely at door and window frames. Are there any cracks where these meet the rendering?
Check wall boards for any bowing or sponginess. Simply press a hand on the board and press. There should be no movement.
Check for cracks in the elevations and for signs of blistering or bubbling,
Are there any signs of repairs?
Does the brickwork skirt and any steps and patio look intact without cracks in the mortar joints?
Is there any discolouration of the brickwork indicating dampness?
Is the skirt and base area clean and free of weeds and other vegetation? Has any planting been allowed to contact the walls of the home? Check behind anything which obscures the structure.
Does any brickwork have a damp proof course installed?
Is there an air gap of at least 25mm between the top of the skirt wall and the underside of the home woodwork? This is to stop rising damp.
If there is a patio or front step construction is this built so as not to touch any part of the home? Again, there should be at least 25mm gap between any building work and the home.
Is any path and hard standing level and weed free?
Are any paving slabs loose?
Look out of the windows and stand on the patio if one exists. Does the outlook and proximity to the adjacent homes seem acceptable?
Overall is the home well presented.
Inside.
Does the front door open, close and lock properly?
Does the home smell fresh? Heavily scented air fresheners my well mask the odour of dampness that can easily occur in a home which has been left unheated.
In all rooms check for wrinkled or split wallpaper, protruding plaster board, creased ceiling paper and gaps in the corners of walls and ceilings.
In all rooms look for gaps in door architraves, skirtings and ceiling trims indicating poor siting and support.
Open and close internal doors to make sure they do not bind or squeak.
Look at window and door reveals where the frames meet the walls. Check for gaps, missing mastic and signs of damp, mould, or water ingress.
Open and close windows making sure they open easily, and the latches operate without undue force.
Look closely at wall and floor tiles. Are they level, uncracked and neat and is the grout sound?
Look up at the ceiling and check for signs of water leaks or signs that repairs have been made.
As you walk through the home does the floor creak?
Open cupboards and wardrobes. Do the door open and close easily?
General.
Ask about warranties on domestic appliances and other installed equipment such as boilers and bathroom fittings. Are they still valid?
Ask to see the appliance manuals and other owners’ information.
Are there any pots of touch up paint as supplied by the home manufacturer? These may now be unusable. Is there any wallpaper for repairs? You could end up with a complete redecoration if none is available.
Confirm the GoldShield maintenance has been carried out. If the home over two years old, it should have been painted
Summary.
Damp is the worst enemy of the mobile home. Building works and planting which are too close, cracks and paint damage will all contribute to the potential for premature water ingress leading to serious and costly issues. A rusty chassis could prove irreparable.
Be cautious if the home has been sited for over a month without heating.
Be clear about any promises that any 'snags' will be made good should you seem keen on the property.
