You are excited about your new mobile home and can’t wait to enjoy your holidays and travels with your family or on solo trips. With this new environment and accommodation, you will be thrilled to check off long-waiting items from your bucket list.
However, just like you promised your family or yourself to get a new manufactured home, it’s time you make a promise to check the safety and security of your new mobile home. Starting from your roof system to the flooring, you should give a thorough top-to-bottom check to ensure your property is safe for you and your family.
Mobile Home Safety – Introduction
Maintaining and checking the safety aspects of your manufactured home is vital for multiple reasons. It not only ensures comfort and security but also keeps your property value high. Cross-checking your house’s safety is not always exciting, but it is the reason your life in a mobile home will be peaceful. So, here are some checklists to ensure your mobile dream house is safe and protected.
Checklist item 1: Check Smoke Detectors & Battery
A smoke detector is a pivotal element in every property and is the first sign indicating something is wrong in your house. Since most smoke detectors run on batteries, it’s mandatory to check the battery levels from time to time. Perform an annual inspection of each of your smoke detectors to check whether they are functional. Ensure that both the device and its batteries are at their full strength, ensuring they don’t fail to raise the alarm when you actually need them.
Moreover, some smoke detectors have inbuilt batteries installed, and therefore, when the device loses charge, you may be required to replace the entire unit by fixing it into a cradle mounted on the ceiling. You will get these disposable units at most hardware stores. Don’t worry; you will need to replace them once every few years.
Checklist item 2: Check Your Fire Extinguishers
All mobile homes are equipped with at least one fire extinguisher, which would be located in and around your kitchen area. And if your home comprises more than one fire extinguisher, consider placing them near the entrance of your home.
Develop a habit of checking your fire extinguishers once or twice annually to check whether they are in good working condition. You are not required to test your extinguishers every time you check them, such as by trial spraying them in your backyard. It would be wise to get your extinguishers inspected professionally by having the team visit your home.
Although fire extinguishers don’t come with expiry dates, they will last longer if you maintain them and examine them routinely. Store the fire protection devices in a dry place, and yet ensure anybody can access them readily. Also, keep the extinguishers away from exposed chemicals.
Checklist item 3: Check & Service your HVAC System
Your HVAC system has a dual performance as it operates both your air conditioning and your furnace. You need to inspect your HVAC system from time to time for numerous reasons. Firstly, ensure that the filters are clean and properly functional. Consider replacing the filters every month. Secondly, check that the ducts of the HVAC system have caught no dirt or debris, as it may damage the interior parts. Also, ensure that there is no mold growth in these ducts.
Besides, the HVAC of your mobile home may also include an evaporator coil or a condenser. Make it a habit to check these parts, too, every year. Neglecting these parts may be a costly affair as it may lead to a complete breakdown of your HVAC system. Whenever you are unsure of the right parts to cross-check and inspect, seek help from a licensed HVAC professional.
Checklist item 4: Make sure Power Strips and Extensions Cords are Safe to Use
Extension cords and power strips are indispensable in modern homes. This is the age of digitization, and therefore, every home owns one or more smart speakers, gaming systems, electronic devices and their charges, and other appliances. Needless to say, there would be numerous wires and cables lying around.
Therefore, you want to make sure that the power strips and extension cords have the load capacity to bear around a dozen electronics, which you can plug in at once without any risks. Ensure that there is no damage to these power outlets or any leakages in any cords or cables. If you notice even the slightest wear and tear or damage in any wire, replace it immediately. You must be 100% sure no cable or outlet is opposing threats or risks of damage to your dream home.
Checklist item 5: Check Your Nearby Trees
Now that you are done checking with the interiors, it’s time to take care of the exterior as well. As the chilly winter months are approaching and the leaves have fallen off the trees in the country, it’s time to check whether any trees are present near your property. Ensure no trees are brushing against or even coming close to any power lines and other electrical structures.
Moreover, check whether any branch is on the verge of breaking off and causing significant property damage or physical injuries. Also, check whether any tree is at risk of falling off or getting uprooted entirely. Hire a professional to trim the trees posing a risk, or take other necessary actions to address the issue and keep your home and your loved ones safe.
Checklist item 6: Checkout the Foundation
The foundation of mobile homes is a critical component of your manufactured home. Develop the habit of inspecting the property’s foundation thoroughly every year, irrespective of the type of your home. Check for any visible signs of deterioration or damage. Address any concerning areas immediately.
Furthermore, check for any mold growths, cracks, water leakages or floods, etc. In short, get the foundation right and your home will automatically ‘stand’ strong! Remember that mobile homes are not like traditional houses that are fixated on firm ground. Mobile homes are delicate, and therefore, they need special attention and care.
Conclusion
To conclude, being a responsible homeowner, you must cross-check the safety and security of your mobile home. By following the above checklists, you should be able to increase the safety and value of your property, thus ensuring the happiness of your family. To learn about more such safety and maintenance tips, get in touch with a reputed and trustworthy real estate consultant.
