Building a level mobile home is an easy way to create space for yourself and your family. You just have to know how!
Leveled mobile homes are easier to manage as they are built on higher ground. This means that you do not need as many supplies or tools to build your level mobile home.
This is not a problem if you do not have the right supplies or tools to complete your level mobile home. Fortunately, this does not mean that it is not worth doing!
You can get started very quickly if you are careful and do not make any major errors. Leveled mobile homes are perfect for weekenders or beginners because it is so easy to build.
Mobile homes can range from small, compact, leveled trailers to large, bulky square trailers.
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Bring your mobile home into compliance with the re-leveling schedule
When the government levels a mobile home, they run a series of tests to make sure it is in compliance with the new leveler schedule. These testing procedures are explained in annual inspections.
If your mobile home is not Level 1 or Level 2 certified, you can bring your leveler into compliance by following the new guidelines. To do this, you must bring it to a qualified technician and have it re-evaluated and approved by them.
Most technicians can help you get your leveler in compliance with the re-leveling schedule, but some may be more efficient at doing so than others. If possible, have the technician check you out by putting you in a hypothetical situation where the equipment works but someone else does not (they can help rule out individual errors if that is an issue).
Prepare your site for leveling
When levelering a mobile home, there are two main things you need to do. First, you must remove all of the above-mentioned nails and screws that were used to attach the site to the ground. Second, you must prepare your site for leveling the mobile home.
This includes removing any plantings or other decorations that may impede the leveler from moving smoothly over the mobile home. Also, if a roof was needed, make sure it was replaced first before adding additional material to the mobile home.
Lastly, before any leveling can take place, all water must be removed from the site. Any pipes or drains that were present must bec taken out and cleaned out to allow for more room for leveling equipment to move through.
Re-level your home according to schedule
If you live in a higher elevation, or if your mobile home is taller than the law allows, then it is important to re-level your home according to law.
Many communities have additional fees for higher levels of land. If your home is higher than the law allows, you should consider having a construction crew add additional feet to your home to accommodate the new land.
Additionally, if your home is taller than the legal level, then you must have a secondary residence unit in your house to meet local standards. Local authorities may require one of these units be present for social purposes.
When looking into potential re-leveling projects, it is important to find out if they are covered by law and if there will be any cost involved. Attempting this before agreeing contract with the homeowner may save both of them some money in future projects.
Check for proper drainage around your site
Most mobile homes require a little preparation before leveling, as it can be difficult and/or impossible depending on the mobile home. If you do not have one, then check out some websites to learn how to do it.
There are many ways to level a mobile home. Some popular methods are using an old dresser or chest of drawers as a base, sliding in a kitchen cabinet or piece of furniture that fits inside the larger space, and finally placing a floor on top of that cabinet or piece of furniture.
Checking the depth of each area is important as it can be done with a knife or some other sharp object. It is also helpful to have someone help with this as some skills are different between individuals.
With any leveling process, make sure you save your trailer! Check into safe handling and being careful of yourself.
Report any problems to management immediately
Even if you think your mobile home level is fine, there are some things you should report to the management to ensure it keeps going smoothly. If the management finds problems, they can call up help from other mobile homes or workers to come and fix the issue.
For example, a water problem is noticed in one area of the mobile home, so a repairman is called in to fix it. Or someone notices that one area of the mobile home is starting to leak, and another area needs repaired. As long as there is an approved system for communication and maintenance, this will work.
Mobile homes are not meant for long periods of time without being cleaned or repaired.
Document any damage to your home before leveling begins
Damage can be extensive at level 8, it can be minimal at level 4. While both levels are safe, more damage may mean higher level. If you have a piano in your home, you would say yes to this!
Like any construction project, there are rules to have for Leveling a Mobile Home. These include: Using power tools only; Using safety glasses or protective clothing; Using a certified leveling tool; and Adhering to local codes and regulations.
Using a degree mark or pencil is an acceptable way to mark the surface of your mobile home. Only one side of the mark must be positive and the other must be negative.
Generally, mobile homes that do not require major renovations or modifications may level on their own.
Know your rights as a homeowner
As the holder of homeowner status in Florida, you have certain rights and powers as a homeowner. While many of these rights and powers are limited to homeowners, this knowledge is useful for any New homeowners who need to know these privileges.
As a housing owner, you have the right to enter your home and its contents at any time for any reason. You can also remove unauthorized persons from your property, correct damage when someone damages it, and stop someone from using your property illegally.
As a homeowner, you also have the right to legally defend yourself and your property from unlawful activity. When someone trespasses or vandalizes at least partly in violation of your rights, you can ask the authorities to force their way into your home to remove them.
In extreme circumstances where legal protection is lacking, both parties can go to the local police station. There, an officer can apply law enforcement tactics such as entering someone’s property to forcibly remove them as well as provide help if they are removed.