A HOME THAT WAS BOUGHT AS IS

[CHARLES CHERRY]

WE HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS:

1. WHAT CAN WE USE TO COVER OUR VENTS OR ETC. TO PREVENT SO MUCH DUST FROM ENTERING OUT HOME. WE ARE DUSTING EVERY SINGLE DAY?

2. THE PREVIOUS OWNER USED "A LOT" OF SCREWS AND NAILS TO HANG PICTURES ON THE WALLS. WHAT CAN WE DO TO PLUG UP THESE HOLES TO MAKE THEN UNNOTICABLE?

3. CAN THESE WALLS BE PAINTED?

4. THE ELECTRICITY IN THE BACK BATHROOM IS NOT WORKING. WHO IS THE BEST PERSON TO CALL?

5. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE CARPET REPLACED IN CERTAIN ROOMS, A FRONT AND BACK PORCH BUILT OR BOUGHT PLUS A FEW OTHER IMPROVEMENTS DONE TO OUR HOME. WHO OR WHAT IS THE SAFEST APPROACH?

[Tom]

Im not sure how the vents can be the culprit of a dust problem. But, if you do not have the type of vent that can be closed, measure them and try to find a replacement at a local home store or check in your yellow pages to see if you have a local MH parts store under Manufactured Homes. If your underbelly is intact and in good shape, dust from the vents should not be a problem.

The fix for the wallboard depends on how many and the size of holes you have and want to do all the work to fill them. You can try ordinary drywall joint compound to fill them. If they are too large it may not be feasable to do this and your only other option would be to purchase new panels or possibly texture them. Its up to you to decide which way to go. They can be painted after a good cleaning then prime, then paint.

First thing to check in the bathroom is of course the breakers. If okay then, if you have a GFI outlet with a built in breaker, check that to see if its tripped. They often go bad if they get wet they generally must be replaced. Any electriction should be able to assist you.

Additions to MH's are generally not a good idea unless professionaly installed. There are special problems that MH's have with shifting and twisting that can effect additions if not done properly.

My advice is for you to contact a local MH repairman either via recomendations from other homeowners, yellow pages. Its important to get to know them and their abilites so do your homework in finding one.

There is a book available for MH owners that covers alot of the everyday repairs, that is invaluable to a new homeowner. You can purchase it by going to http://www.mobilehomerepair.com and click on the books and parts link.

[Threnody]

There are vent filters you can buy at Wal Mart that will filter out some of the dust. We've had pretty good luck with them.