Mobile homes are an affordable alternative to traditional stick-built homes and come in all sizes and shapes. From a single-wide to a two-story, double-wide home, mobile homes are fast becoming a new housing trend. However, when you run into trouble and need repairs, you may not find the right help at the same places as other homeowners. Mobile homes standards are just a little different to accommodate many of the same options as stick-built homes. Does this Spark an idea?
Diagnose the Problem
The first thing you need to do is diagnose the problem before you get to the repair. What may seem like a simple appliance hiccup may really be a wiring or electrical problem. Sites like mobilehomedoctor.com and mobilehomerepair.com can guide you through troubleshooting just about anything that may be going on in your mobile home.
A Different Standard
In most cases, you won't find repair items in the big box stores for your mobile home. Doors are non-standard size, wall composition is just a little different, heights and widths are not equal to a stick-built home. That isn't to say those are bad things. It's only to say that you won't find a door to fit a mobile home frame at a traditional do-it-yourself store.
The same applies to appliances--major and minor. Furnaces and water heaters are engineered a little differently due to venting issues, and kitchen appliance hook-ups may be a little different. There are stores that carry parts and accessories specific to mobile homes, so start looking there before wasting time at other suppliers. Most parts suppliers can be found online, like Magic Mobile Home Supply (mhparts.com), or through a mobile home trade or park magazine. If you live in a mobile home park, ask the park management for referrals.
Not Your Average Repair
Mobile homes repairs require specific knowledge, and while there are a lot of DIY websites out there, don't embark on a repair if you are unsure. Fixing a bad repair on a mobile home is more costly and can lead to repairs you didn't count on in the beginning. Find a repairman that specializes in mobile homes. Ask your mobile home park manager for references, or find reliable help at referral sites, such as Angie's List (angieslist.com).
Tags: mobile home, your mobile home, little different, your mobile, home park, just little
