Level My Home
Mobile Home Re-Leveling
Hurricane Season-Is Your Home Ready?
Check out the condition and safety of your
anchors and tie-down system.
Is your Home Hurricane Ready?
Hurricane season began on June 1st which is significant to those of us who live in the south east states of the USA in particular Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana.
Here in Florida we haven't had a direct hit from a hurricane since hurricane Charley came ashore in Punta Gorda. After destroying the city it moved inland and traveled north through the center of Florida causing massive destruction.
If you need to be reminded of its power, please watch the short video below….
Damage.
The damage was not confined to any particular structure, conventional housing, mobile homes, commercial buildings and government buildings were all affected. However, many older mobile homes which were not directly in the hurricanes path were destroyed or badly damaged due to tie down failure.
On the other hand mobile homes / manufactured housing, which were not in the direct path of the hurricane, but were installed to the new Florida regulations suffered far less structural damage.
Whole communities of older mobile home where destroyed as their anchor systems failed.
In certain areas correctly installed manufactured housing fared better than the traditional homes.
So what can you do to prepare?
Firstly, let's take a look at when and how your mobile home was installed and try to take care of any issues that need attention.
Click here to arrange a free no obligation report on your tie down system
Your home should fall into one of the following categories:
- Your home is new, installed recently using up-to-date codes and materials.
- Your home was installed in the last 12 years using up-to-date codes and materials.
- Your home was installed prior to the 15-c regulations but it's tie down system has been upgraded.
- Your home was installed prior to the 15-c regulations but it has not been upgraded.
- Your home was installed in the 1980s and has some hurricane/tie-down straps and piers in place.
- Your own is 1960/1970s and most of the anchors and straps are rusty and missing. Some support piers.
Florida regulations.
The new regulations and codes particular Florida were brought into legislation to prevent tie-down failure during storm conditions. This was done both to protect the home and to protect other structures from the dangers of flying debris. The new regulations are designed to keep the home is securely on the support piers and the roof secured via straps to the anchoring system.
So what can you do?
- Check the condition of your straps and anchors.
- The straps should be tight and free from rust and cracks.
- Anchors heads should be level with the ground and not covered with dirt.
- Some of the tie down straps should be vertical and attached to the side wall of the home.
- Support piers should be in contact with the I-beam and vertical.
- Support piers should have no missing or cracked blocks.
Code or enhance?
Depending on the age of your mobile home it is possible to either upgrade your home to the 15-C code or to make enhancements which will bring your home as close to code as it's construction will allow. These enhancements whilst not the exact code will improve the chances of your homes survival and are recommended for older existing structures.
Take action.
Do not think that hurricane damage can not happen to you!
This time of the year even the newer homes should undergo a quick inspection to make sure that your straps are still tight and the piers are in place. There is some settling that often takes place after the installation of a new home which can cause looseness in the tie-down straps.
OR
If you reside in Central Florida and feel that you would like a professional company to check out the condition of your tie-down system :
Posted in Hurricane safety, mobile home set up | 2 Comments
How To Level My Mobile Home.
The purpose of this article is to explain to you how to level a mobile home. If you're reading this it is most likely that you already know that you have an issue with your home. To some degree all homes will settle slightly over time and depending upon the condition and stability of the ground on your lot you may have a small or large leveling issue.
These instructions are relevant for mobile homes or modular homes built on pier foundations, where concrete blocks are loosely stacked on a concrete or ABS base pad with wooden shims and wedges. For the purpose of these instructions I will assume that the mobile home stands on its own and is not attached to any other structures including sun rooms, porches, garages or covered areas.
It is also assumed that sufficient sections of your mobile home skirting have been removed to allow you easy access and sufficient light to carry out the job.
Usually, the home will be sinking into the ground but it is unlikely that all areas of the home will sink at the same rate, and when I say sinking I'm only talking about a small amount of movement. Even if your mobile home as only dipped 1 inch in a corner it could still be noticeable as you move around the house.
It goes without saying that a mobile home is a heavy structure often weighing several tons. These jobs are best left to professional crews who fully understand the dangers involved and have the necessary skill and equipment to carry out these procedures. However, if you take your time and follow the instructions there is no reason why a homeowner cannot successfully level their home. However, if possible try to work with another person who can pass you the materials and keep an eye on the home for safety reasons
Tools required:
- One water level.
- One torpedo level.
- Flashlight.
- 12 ton bottle Jack.
- Hammer.
Materials:
- Wooden wedges.
- 2 x 8 x 16 pressure treated wood.
- 1 x 8 x 16 pressure treated wood.
- 8 x 8 x 16 concrete blocks. (To replace cracked or broken blocks)
Procedure:
Set up your water level to the approximate height of your mobile home piers, then take one end of the water level underneath the home. Check the height of each pier and mark on it how far above or below the line on the water level it stands. Using this method you will be able to determine which pier or group of piers is the highest. Take note of this pier, mark it and set the water level to its height. The idea here is to bring all of the other piers up to the height of the highest one. The only time I wouldn't use this procedure would be if for some reason the height of this one pier is abnormally high in comparison to all of the others.
Next set your water level to match the height of the highest pier which was identified in the previous paragraph.
You're now going adjust the wedges on top of each pile of block until each pier matches the highest point.
- Using the 12 ton bottle jack raise the I beam to the correct height.
- Adjust the wedges accordingly.
- Work your way down one beam at a time.
- Do not lift the I beam any higher than necessary to adjust the height.
- Replace any broken or cracked blocks as you go through the procedure.
- Level the base pads as required.
Take your time and finish off each section before moving to the next.
I hope that this article helps you to level your home. For more detailed detailed information on leveling your mobile home please check out the related posts.
Posted in level my mobile home | 2 Comments
Level My Home
There are many reasons to level your home, some more obvious than others. The more obvious signs would be:
- Visual signs of leaning.
- Doors that stick or swing in one direction.
- Windows that won't open or close properly.
- Cracks in the ceiling or wall joints.
- Problems with awnings and attachments.
Most of these issues will be resolved once you home is level.
Leveling a home is a task best left to an expert contractor for a number of reasons. This is not a job that needs to be performed on a regular basis and so learning the necessary skills would not be productive use of a handy mans time or resources. Secondly some of the tools required are expensive and would not get the amount of use required to justify the initial cost.
Last but not least are the safety considerations of inexperienced workers tackling strange jobs on structures that can weigh in excess of 10 tons. There are some obvious safety issues involved
A local set up company can usually re level a mobile home in one day at a reasonable cost with little disruption of family life.
In my particular area the cost to level a mobile home starts at around $300. This usually includes materials and labor. When you speak to a contractor make sure that you explain your concerns and that both of you agree on what you will get and how much it will cost. Be as detailed as possible and don't make assumptions.
Most importantly write it down, so that both parties have a point of reference to go back to if there is a disagreement..
When the job is completed ask the contractor to show you what has been done to your home.
Future articles to include:
What is involved in moving a mobile home?
How big a truck is required, can anyone do it?
Are there legal issues with towing a mobile home?
Posted in level my mobile home | No Comments
How to use a water level.
How to use a water level.
In certain situations the best type of level to use is a water level. This is often the case when the distance between the two objects being leveled is considerable or intervening obstacles prevent the efficient use of a laser level.
One particular instance where this is the case is when the supporting piers are my home are being set to the same level. Sometimes these piers can be a considerable distance apart, on an 80 foot long double wide home the long diagonal distance is over 90 feet. There is no clear path underneath the home that would allow the use of a laser level, air conditioning ducts, plumbing pipes, I beams and other piers would obstruct the beam.
Despite the fact that a water level is a manual device it remains fairly accurate over this type of distance, even using the human eye it is still possible to be accurate to 1/8 of an inch over this type of distance. There are of course some things to watch out for in particular water bubbles in the line which will effect the level of accuracy.
The basic setup is a container of water and a length of plastic hose. One end of the hose should be submerged in the container of water, the hose is then filled with water by sucking on the other end keeping the tube below the level of the water in the container. The level of the water in the container and at the other end of the hose should be equal, this can be tested by placing one against the other.
The water container is set to the desired height and remains stationary while the tube end is moved around the job site to the various positions that need to be leveled . The far end of the hose needs to be made of a material that is clear and will allow you to see the level of the water.
If you're working underneath a mobile home attach a magnet to the end of the hose so that it will stick to the steel I-beam allowing you to keep both hands free. This will make working and moving around easier and stop water leaking from the tube. Keep the end of the tube ABOVE the level of the water in the container at all times.
There are a few things that will affect the accuracy of your level:
- Excessive cold weather will freeze the water in the line.
- Excessive heat sometimes causes bubbles to form in the line.
- Kinking of the tube will stop the free movement of the water.
- Care must be taken not to get the tube trapped under heavy objects.
If you have any questions about this article or any of the others on the site please leave a comment or send me an e-mail via the contact page.
Posted in water level | No Comments
I want to set up a Mobile Home on one acre of raw land.?
I have an idea… I want to set a mobile home on one acre of land in Tulsa Oklahoma. I know how much the mobile home is going to cost, and how much it will cost to move it to the site, the problem I have is how much it will cost to get electricity, water, and a septic system. Anyone have any ideas? To round it out… this is an empty piece of land off the road between two cow pastures, and I don’t think it has a well. Will this be expensive and hard to do? I expect the back will only give me a loan for a few thousand. Thanks for your impute.
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Posted in mobile home set up | 2 Comments
How much to move a doublewide mobile home?
If I were to purchase a mobile home and move it to another property later on, how much do you think it would cost? I'd move it maybe… a three hour drive away.
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Posted in Level My Home | 3 Comments
Will someone tell me how much it cost to set up a modular/manufactured house?
I was wondering what other cost you have when you place one on your property. Like cost for foundation, wiring, water, etc I just would like a ball park figure. Anyone who has done this please let me know what you know. Thanks 
Posted in modular home | 1 Comment
I am looking to move into a manufactured home. What costs can I expect?
I know there's lot rent and then the cost of the loan from the bank to buy the manufactured house but do you have to pay taxes like you would on a normal house? how much are the taxes on a manufactured home if that's the case? Any information would be great!
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 1 Comment
Perfect-A-Line, Inc. multi-directional system video
instructional video for Perfect-A-Line multi-directional rolling and jacking systems used for setting manufactured homes
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Posted in mobile home set up | 1 Comment
How to get the address for a mobile home just moved?
I just had a mobile home moved to some land that I recently cleared off. I know the name of the street but I want to know how I would go about getting the address number for this mobile home set up. Who would I need to contact?
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Posted in Mobile Homes | No Comments
Why am i having trouble financing a Modular house???
OK my fiance and I bought a little ranch house about 4 years ago. W now want to buy some land near my parents in Pa and put a brand new modular home on it!!! The problem is all these companies keep telling us they cant finance mobile homes, but i’ve researched it and and ther is a difference between Mobile and modular!!! in fact my sister and her husband bought a beautifull cape modular home about 10 years ago and it is considered a house, Her home even went WAY up in value. im getting very dicouraged!!!! What is the problem???? These modular homes are beautiful it seems stupid to stick build when these new modulars are available. what should i do? Am I getting screwed over by these finance companies or what?
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 5 Comments
Whats your opinion on manufactured housing?
Double wide opinions only please!
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 11 Comments
Any advice, tips, or stories on building your own house/buying modular homes?
We want to buy a chunk of land and get a custom/modular home built on it.. Does anybody have any suggestions, tips, websites to look at, or just plain person stories of your own experience with doing this? Anything would be helpful. Thanks.
Oh, and, insight on the expected costs would be helpful as well.
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 3 Comments
Which wholesale lenders are still doing FHA loans on manufactured houses?
I’m trying to refinance a client with a manufactured home. Loan had been approved with Wells, but they stopped all loans on manufactured in December. I already checked with Chase, Suntrust, First Horizon. None of them do manufactureds either.
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 1 Comment
What is the legal difference between a vehicle and a mobile home?
I seem to be hitting a brick wall on this one. See, last Sunday I had to move my mobile home into the next county. Long story that I don’t want to get into. So anyway, I had my friend Lou hook it up to his truck and drag it down route 41. Then some nimrod comes flyin up state 32 in a dinky Honda and T-Bones it. His air bags went off, so he’s ok, not that I really care, but my home is pretty much a loss. At least the kitchen and livingroom part. The cops say that since it wasn’t a registered vehicle I’m liable for for the damages to the dirt for brains driver that ran into it! They told me to contact my insurance compant. Right….like I’m going to have insurance on a ’65 single wide.
So I guess what I’m asking, is how can I be responsible for an accident between some airhead in a Honda and a home?
By the way, I didn’t mention that my dog, Ole Ernie, was in it when that fool slammed into it. Scared the crap out of him. Now I have to clean that up too.
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Posted in Level My Home | 10 Comments
what makes a modular home different from a real house?
I was thinking of getting a new modular home or a used house.
What makes it different if they both use the same materials(real wood, real drywall, ect..) the mod home costing me k + 15k lot total = 37-40k, while the used house cost 60k and above.
So I can’t buy a lot for k and put a modular home on it.
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 7 Comments
Question about manufactured house?
If i buy a manufactured house (mobile home like and was built in 2005), will it be easy for me to sell it later?
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 11 Comments
Can I level land after movin a mobile home onto the property?
I just purchased a piece of land that I am going to move a mobile home onto. The lot needs leveling because it slops a little the farther it is away from the road. I was told that it would be best to level it before moving the mobile home onto it but I don’t think I’ll be able to afford it. Is there anything wrong with leveling the property after moving the mobile home?
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 2 Comments
How do I go about repossessing a mobile home that's still on my land a year after I sold it?
Here’s the deal: my husband and I lived in a mobile home on my grandparents land until they died and I inherited their land and house. We moved into the house and a year ago, we sold our mobile home to a man we know. Well he hasn’t moved it yet and it’s been over a year. He’s been to it doing things maybe only about 7 or 8 times. He keeps saying he’ll move it when he has the money, but I think a year is long enough to have the money. Meanwhile, my daughter got married and they need a place to stay. Someone told me I could have a notarized letter delivered to the man saying he had thirty days to move his mobile home and if he didn’t do it within thirty days, I have the right to charge storage fees, take out a lien, or even repossess it. What exactly are my rights here?
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Posted in Level My Home | 7 Comments
Cost to set up a mobile home?
So my boyfriend is looking into buying a double wide trailer but we know there are a lot of hidden costs. He lives in Kentucky, so we need a close estimate as to how much it would cost to get the septic system and the electricity and all that hooked up to it. Any estimate or advice is appreciated. Thanks
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Posted in mobile home set up | 1 Comment
How do I level a 14×70 mobile home ?
Im trying to level a 14×70 mobile home,not sure how to do it or whats needed to do this job accurately and correctly.
Im trying to level a 14×70 mobile home( not for distruction) It needs to sit flat/straight.How do I do this & what tools are needed to complete this job.
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Posted in mobile home set up | 1 Comment
How can you fix a slanting staircase in a split level home?
Interested in purchasing a home and after the inspection, we were told that one of the staircases is slanting towards the interior wall. How would you go about fixing this? Does anyone know the app. cost and or labor associated with this?
It’s app. 6 steps in total, but completely sheetrocked behind into an enclosed closet on the level below. thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 2 Comments
How much does a set up of a Mobile Home cost on avg. southeast singlewide?
North Carolina set up of a single wide and set up of a doublewide
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Posted in mobile home set up | 1 Comment
Is there a legal document that will prove my house is modular, if someone removed a manufactued tag?
I am trying to sell my modular home, however several buyers have insisted that it is a doublewide manufactured home. I have given them the building details that shows it was built to modular standards, however they seem to think because they used steel beams as a base, it is not. I am looking for a legal way to prove to them that it is indeed a modular home. Is there a legal document that will prove this?
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- List Building: Keep List Building And Keep Searching For List Building Secrets » Which, timeList, Specialize, Niching, Start, Don\t » xForce Articles
- About Modular Homes Today | Announces Portal for Announcements and Public Relations
- Modular Home Furniture: 7 Wood Bed, Chair & Desk Designs | Designs & Ideas on Dornob
Posted in Mobile Homes | 8 Comments
Can you move a mobile home with a regular pick up truck?
across from me someone is trying to move a mobile home with a pick up truck isn’t it illegal?
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Posted in mobile home movers | 6 Comments
Can you add on to a modular home?
we are getting ready to move into this modular house…it is kind of small and we just found out we are going to have another baby…..so i was wondering if there is any way that we can ad on to it…..we are going to have 2 kids we need a bigger house….and if not what are other options…maybe a basement….
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 2 Comments
Mobile Home?
I am wanting to transfer to another city but to do so I have to move my mobile home. (approximately 130 miles) How much does this usually cost and what is involved in the price decision?
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Posted in Level My Home | 3 Comments
Mobile Home Set Up Laws?
I have plans to purchase a piece of property to build a house on. Because of financial restrictions, I would like to purchase a mobile home to place on the land while I build my dream home. My question is; If you live in California, can you put a mobile home on a piece of property without a foundation, since it is a temporary residence?
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Posted in mobile home set up | 1 Comment
Does anyone know where I can buy a house or modular home in North carolina or other areas with bad credit?
I am trying to buy a house. I considered the rent to own or lease option but I was told by a friend that it was a waste of money. I am looking at houses or either modular homes. I really could use some useful info. I have been renting for two years and It is time for me to get my own.
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Posted in Mobile Homes | 6 Comments