Mobile home repairs

Jokarva · #1 09/09/12, 06:01 PM

An new acquaintance lives in a mobile home on her own land, and the house is literally falling apart. The ceiling sags, the floor is rotting in some places, the windows leak, along with many other problems I'm sure.

She is 77, still works full time as a cashier and has a heart of gold. Not able to do repairs herself and can't afford them anyway, she's just hoping the house stays standing till she dies....but unless she plans to die pretty soon I'm not sure that's going to happen.

So, I was thinking some of us younger folks (HA! - we are in our 50s-60s) could get together and help her fix the place up a bit, but I don't even know if a mobile home can be repaired to that extent? Floors I assume can be shored up and subfloor replaced, but a new roof? I can go to her church (she goes to my sister's church where we visit often) and talk to some of the members to see if anyone's interested in helping, but I want to figure out if it's doable first.

rags57078 · #2 09/09/12, 06:24 PM

it would more than likely be cheaper to find her a different mobile home and move it on her land

old school · #3 09/09/12, 06:39 PM

Try contacting a church or even a local vocational school for help or look on Craig's l... good luck

Heritagefarm · #4 09/09/12, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rags57078

it would more than likely be cheaper to find her a different mobile home and move it on her land

Yep, once a mobile home reaches that point, you might as well throw it into the dump. If someone was willing to donate an old mobile home it would be much better, but even a used mobile home that's livable can get expensive. Sometimes people want to just get rid of old structures; perhaps someone could relocate an old building for her? That sounds pretty sucky to be 77 and in that condition...

Molly Mckee · #5 09/09/12, 08:10 PM

Around here you can find some pretty nice older singlewides free if you watch craigslist and put the word out. If you can find one close enough you can move it with a farm tractor and save moving costs.

rancher1913 · #6 09/09/12, 09:26 PM

try using grace ice and water shield to repair the roof, its a self sticking rubber roof underlayment, but works on its own in a pinch. the rest anybody thats handi with tools can fix easy. a day repairing beats several days and permits and hassels of moving a home. yah she might be better off with a newer trailer but then her taxes might go up and if shes lived in this one for a while its home to her and there a lot of hassle packing and unpacking stuff.

salmonslayer · #7 09/09/12, 10:05 PM

The floors are probably particle board and it just needs to be ripped out and replaced with a new sub floor; easy job for a DIY type. The windows and doors leaking are probably why the floors are rotting; not much to do there except replace them but you may be able to find a grant from your state or local electrical cooperative.

AngieM2 · #8 09/09/12, 10:21 PM

My next door neighbor has had her 2nd bathroom floor redone, and part of the roof re-done after the tornadoes dropped a tree on it.

Talk to a mobile home parts dealer to see what can be done. But I have seen hers, and I've seen a double wide totally redone on the inside.

Be aware that faucets are not standard to regular home plumbing, but you could replace that if you wish.

But, they can be redone.

Jokarva · #9 09/09/12, 10:23 PM

Thanks guys, it's a sad situation for sure. We're going to put the word out if anyone knows of a free/cheap home, and I'm going to start doing some checking into volunteer/social services type help as well. I think we can at least make it better than what she has now.

Wolf mom · #10 09/09/12, 10:30 PM

If it's "fixed to the land", try USDA Rural - they have a grant up up to about $7500.

In my area, Area Agency On Aging has a program called Weatherization that's free.

Both may refuse if it's not worth putting time & money into, BUT they're worth looking into. They can go out & let you know if it's repairable. Both programs are for low income, but if she's working at her age, she may qualify.

goatlady · #11 09/10/12, 03:45 AM

If nothing else one could build a "free-standing" roof over the existing mobile with big enough eaves to stop further window leaks. Would most probably help with heat retention in the winter also. Post and pole framing, solid roof, shingles and tar paper would go a long way.

barnyardgal · #12 09/10/12, 05:14 AM

We have an Area Agency On Aging here to & i THINK they go by your income,not sure how that works but might want to check if your area has something like that.They hire some one to come in & fix things that need fixed or put up gutters etc..etc..

Also might want to try the school FFA or one of those programs to see if some school kids could come out one weekend for learning experience..

gilberte · #13 09/10/12, 06:03 AM

See if you can find someone in the area who is experienced in working on mobile homes, maybe get some names from mobile home dealers in the area. Have them take a look at it and give you an opinion as to what extent it is worth repairing.

blooba · #14 09/10/12, 06:32 AM

Also, as a word of warning! Talk with her and see what she wants to do. I have had plenty of experience with elderly ladies and their stubbornish ways.

She may not want a new home so you would be stuck fixing that one up even if its not worthwhile.

greg_n_ga · #15 09/10/12, 07:11 AM

Wish I was closer to Asheville !! I would be glad to help. The Church I am a member of helps people in need like this all the time. They usually buy the materials and pay folks in need of work to do it !! A lot of folks seem to have roof problems !! Ramps for the elderly and disable are common as well. Win Win all around !! Good luck up there.

ooopss.. To stay on topic, I am saying that there is probly other churches that will help out !! Not just the one she attends. You just have to figure out how to get the word to them.

ronbre · #16 09/10/12, 09:47 AM

for elec and plumbing you might need stuff from mobile home repair center, all other things should be well doable with normal stuff..quite easily..

mobile homes are very easy to redo entirely..but make sure the roof is sound first..as all other repairs will be ruined by a leaky roof

Maura · #17 09/10/12, 11:38 AM

At this point she may be better off moving into a senior apartment. It will be clean, kept in repair, and she will make friends. She is probably a person who likes to be around other people if she is happy at the cashier job. At the point that she can no longer work she will end up alone and the occasional visitor will not keep her happy regardless of the new roof or new floor.

Nimrod · #18 09/10/12, 11:46 AM

I have a 62 year old trailer. The roof leaked a bit when I bought the property. I got some elastomeric roof coating and put it on the metal roof. It is liquid and goes on with a paint roller. It sealed the roof and it's white so it helps with the heat in the summer. You should put on 2 coats. It cost about $250 for enough to cover the roof twice.

Here, If I do anything that requires a building permit, I have to put in a new septic system. Check with the county before you do anything and be sure you don't get into more than she can handel. Don't tell the county who or where or they will come and inspect. Just find out what the rules are.

foxfiredidit · #19 09/10/12, 05:39 PM

This lady sounds like she would be an excellant candidate for Habitat for Humanity. There are a couple offices in or near Asheville, Buncombe County. Also an office in Waynesville, NC. If there enough volunteers about the area who know her, she may could come up with a completely new small cottage sooner than later. Sure wouldn't hurt to ask. If she owned that property where the trailer is now would also help, but not necessary.

Jokarva · #20 09/10/12, 11:23 PM

You guys are just full of good info - thank you!