If you’re considering buying a new or pre-owned mobile home in Colorado, it’s essential to know what to look for, whom to trust and how to get the best value for your money. A mobile home inspection is the first step.
What is a Mobile Home?
A mobile home is a prefabricated structure built on a chassis, the base of a truck or trailer. Mobile homes are popular in the United States, especially for retirees and families who need affordable housing.
Mobile homes come in all shapes and sizes, from small trailers to large luxury models. They are usually made from metal or wood, but some can also be made from vinyl or aluminum. They have many different amenities in their construction, including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more! Mobile homes are trendy among people who live in northern Colorado because they are easy to move around and store when not being used by their owners.
In Colorado, mobile homes have become very popular among retirees and vacationers. They are also commonly used as permanent homes by people who cannot afford more expensive houses or apartments. It’s important to note that building codes do not regulate mobile homes in northern Colorado because they don’t have foundations. Instead, they must meet guidelines the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) set.
What Does a Mobile Home Inspector Cover?
The Society of Home Inspectors is a professional organization that is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of home inspection and customer service. Home inspectors are trained professionals who inspect homes for safety, condition, and value. They are typically certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
If you’re looking to buy a mobile home in Colorado, you may wonder what a mobile home inspection entails.
Inspectors inspect mobile homes and here are the most common types of inspection that they do:
Structural:
The structural inspection checks for damage to the home’s structure, including the foundation and framing. This can also include checking for mold growth and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. A mobile home inspector may also be performing a roof inspection to check for any signs of damage or wear, whether there are leaks or other problems.
Mechanical:
The mechanical inspection checks for the proper operation of all heating and cooling systems and plumbing.
Electrical:
The electrical inspection checks for proper wiring and connections. The mobile home inspector will check your gas systems and will check for working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and electrical wiring for hazards such as overloaded outlets (inside and outside).
Plumbing:
A certified inspector will do a plumbing inspection to check for leaks, improper installations, and other plumbing issues.
Radon Testing:
Some home buyers would also request to have this test done to ensure radon gas is mitigated in their mobile homes.
What is the Process of Mobile Home Inspections?
Colorado’s mobile home inspection process is almost the same as a manufactured home inspection. It is comprehensive and thoroughly inspected, ensuring you get the best possible deal when buying a used or new mobile home.
The first step is to schedule the inspection appointment with a certified inspector. When hiring an inspector, You can check with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. Once you have prepared for your inspection, you must ensure you are ready. This means having all your paperwork in order and making sure that any repairs have been made so the inspector can examine the house.
Once your mobile home inspector arrives at your home, they do a visual inspection and will inspect the frame and electrical systems. The structure should be checked for signs of rust, corrosion, water damage, leaks, and other structural damage.
Electrical systems must be tested for proper grounding and wiring connections before they are deemed safe enough for use by occupants. In addition to these significant components of any home purchase, smaller items such as windows, doors, and appliances must also be inspected thoroughly before being deemed safe enough for use by residents who rely on them daily.
The inspector will also check for any signs of mold growth and pests such as termites and bed bugs. If any pests are found, they need to be dealt with immediately so that they do not spread to other areas in your home.
This is also the best time to ask frequently asked questions regarding your home’s maintenance/ planning.
After completing this initial inspection process, if no significant issues are found with either structure or electrical systems, it’s time for final approval.
If you want your mobile home inspected, then it is best to contact an experienced professional trained under state law.
How Much Does a Mobile Home Inspection Cost?
Mobile home inspection costs in Colorado vary depending on the size of the home, the number of units, and the age of the house.
The average price for a single-family mobile home is between $350 and $400. For a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home, expect to pay between $550 and $600. A 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom mobile home will cost between $800 and $900 to inspect.
Who’s a Mobile Home Inspector Near Me?
If you’re in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Johnstown, and nearby cities in northern Colorado, Foothills Home Inspections is the one you can count on. We have been serving homebuyers and sellers in the area since 2015.
We’re a professional, certified home inspector and a locally-owned business in Fort Collins Co, proud to serve the local community. We have the knowledge and experience in home inspections.
Home inspections are essential to any type of home — whether it’s mobile or manufactured homes, so we ensure they’re done right. We’ll do an extremely thorough inspection of every inch of your mobile home, looking for signs of wear or damage, and explain everything you need to know about it.
So if you’re looking for a mobile home inspector near you, call Foothills Home Inspections or book an appointment online to request an inspection of your mobile home.