Buying used...what do I look for?

[Paige]

Hi,

I am considing purchasing a used mobile home (1981). My question is what do I look for?

Plumbing, Electrical etc? What tale tale signs should I keep my eye open for ?

Thanks

[pat]

Have a licensed inspector check it out.
They do it for a living and know what
to look for. Then if you can have a
contractor give an estimate on what it
will cost to fix any problems you will
have a good idea of what you are into.
Otherwise, look for water damage,
stains on cieling or around walls.
Under sinks and around tubs is good also.
this will be the largest source of problem
encountered in a used mobile. Bring a pen
knife and poke around at any wood that looks
like it could be soft. You can slip it in
aroud the carpets along the walls.
good luck.

[Spud]

I would suggest that you also walk the floors, maybe even take off your shoes so you can feel the floor better. Feel for any "softspots" where the is more give in the floor, etc. Particularly in corners, around entry doors, under windows, and around appliances. In a doublewide the main waterline usually runs along the marriage beam of one unit, normally the back half, and has crossover connections to the other half. If thee is a leak, you can have soft spots along the marriage.

If there are skylights, check for stains or loose testure. Also check the plexiglass for cracks. Unless the seller has repaired the cracks, particularly if the home is on a lot and/or not set, the number of stress cracks in the walls will give you an idea of how well the home is constructed.

Check along the eves, the rafter ends and facia boards for dry rot. Also, if the home has trim around the bottom check that closely. That is normally where dry rot in the siding will show first. Look for pealing paint, blisters in the paint and soft spots.

[Tracie]

I have the most important thing you should look for in buying a used home. The Piping!!! A couple years ago, I bought a used 1998 24 x 56 Fuqua Odessey. Since that time I have had 6 major plumbing leaks. No one ever told me that I should check for Polybutylene Piping in my house, and none of the plumbers even bothered to mention that I have what is called quest piping and there is a settlement out there that will cover the cost of replacement and in some cases it will cover the cost of damages to. Unfortunately for me, The settlement only covers a Manufactured home for 11 years from the dates of manufacturing. Of couse had anyone informed me of a potential problem, or even let me know that I had an outlawed piping, I would have been able to file a claim in time. Meanwhile, I am out approximately $10,000 in plumbing bills.