Things To Include In Your Mobile Home Quality Comparison

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As you shop around for that dream mobile home of yours, you’re likely to pause and wonder how to whittle down the list of homes that catch your interest. Some homes you’ve found look like new and others could use a little love and elbow grease.

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But other than the wear the homeowner has placed on the mobile home, what can you look for to determine the quality of the homes that you’re considering?

To help you get through the decision-making process, we’re bringing you some tips for mobile home quality comparison. Going into an investment-related decision a little more informed is always a win.

Things to include in your mobile home quality comparison

This isn’t just a checklist for mobile home quality. It’s a mobile home quality comparison guide brought to you by folks who are in the mobile home investment business. So get yourself a notepad and take note. You’ll be glad you did.

Aluminum doors vs Steel doors

First point of your mobile home quality comparison is to look at the exterior doors. What materials are they made of?

In an aluminum door, you’ll find a poor quality door, susceptible to dings and damage. A steel exterior door is a good sign of quality in a mobile home.

Should you find one home carries aluminum doors and the other a steel door, you’re already off to a good start in determining which home is of better quality in its construction.

Single pane windows vs Double pane windows

Now let’s talk windows. To continue whittling down your list of mobile homes, check out the quality of the windows. The installed windows of any mobile home will speak volumes of the quality. So let’s compare.

Are the windows single pane or double pane?

open window

If they’re single pane, each window is made with a single layer of glass. They’re not going to keep noise out of the exterior temperatures, making them an energy hog rather than an energy saver. There is no insulation in a single pane window.

While single pane windows are low budget, they’ll cost you more over time with their inefficiency in energy savings.

On the other hand, double pane windows make use of two layers of glass, creating a protective barrier from the outside temperatures. While they cost more, they are well worth the investment.

Particleboard vs Plywood or OSB for sub-flooring

Let’s move onto sub-flooring. Another invaluable aspect of mobile home quality comparison is sub-flooring.

What material is used in the sub-flooring?

If it’s particleboard, don’t touch that mobile home with a ten-foot pole (unless you think you can replace the floor and still get a good deal). Particle board is known for being far from resilient to moisture. It can quickly become soggy and uneven, posing a danger in the future. Walking on a soggy, rotting floor could break a leg when it caves in under your weight.

Vinyl vs Drywall

In addition to your flooring, let’s look at the interior walls. What materials are the walls made from? Vinyl or drywall?

cross section view of a wall with drywall

Vinyl covered at the seams is good, drywall is even better. Just a thought to bear in mind as you figure out which home is worth your money.

Consider your roof pitch

So how about comparing roof pitch? If the roof pitch is that of 2/12, you’re looking at a home that’s bottom of the barrel in quality.

However, if you’re looking at a roof pitch of 3/12 on up, then you’re looking at a good point of quality in the mobile home.

The mobile home’s roof pitch will play a significant role in quality. While a steeper roof will cost more in construction, it comes with its perks. For example, a steeper roof pitch can withstand more weight and better do away with moisture.

Look for the certification label

If your mobile home is used, this will a point to investigate. If you’re getting your mobile home brand new, then you have nothing to worry about here. A HUD tag (or certification label) is the standard for factories to meet legal requirements for mobile home construction.

The lifespan of your mobile home

As far as the lifespan of mobile homes goes, you can expect it to last anywhere from 30 to 55 years. But that’s just an estimate — it could last you longer if you’re on top of its care and maintenance.

As you shop around with mobile home quality comparison in mind, you may find yourself infatuated with the idea of remodeling a mobile home. If so, we have some how-to tips for you.

About Dan Paton

Dan Paton has been working full-time in this field for over a decade. Both him and his partner, Dan Leighton, formed EZ Homes back in 2006 and have seen explosive growth ever since. Dan works heavily in the administrative role within the organization. He is a jack of all trades type of guy. Dan and his wife have 4 children.





Written by Dan Paton

Dan Paton has been working full-time in this field for over a decade. Both him and his partner, Dan Leighton, formed EZ Homes back in 2006 and have seen explosive growth ever since. Dan works heavily in the administrative role within the organization. He is a jack of all trades type of guy. Dan and his wife have 4 children.

December 11, 2018

 

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