No Home is Maintenance-Free
Whether you own a manufactured or modular home, regular care is part of protecting your investment and keeping your home comfortable for years to come.
Building materials used in manufactured homes, just as in site-built homes, require proper maintenance to extend their life. The homeowner’s manual, which accompanies every new home, explains proper maintenance requirements, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)information specific to manufactured homes.
A manufactured home does not require unusual or complicated maintenance, but there are a few areas that deserve a little extra attention because of how the home is built and installed. Manufactured homes need many of the same regular maintenance tasks as any other home, but homeowners should pay closer attention to areas like skirting, the underbelly, foundation support, drainage, and winter protection.
A simple checklist can make home maintenance feel much more manageable. Some items should be checked monthly, while others can be handled once or twice a year. Keeping a written list helps you remember what has already been done and what may need attention next.
Regular Home Maintenance
A few simple monthly checks can go a long way. These are the kinds of tasks that are easy to overlook, but they help your home stay safe, clean, and comfortable.
- Inspecting and/or changing furnace filters
- Running water down drains in seldom-used sinks, tubs, or showers to help reduce odors and freezing concerns
- Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Looking for obvious plumbing leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances
- Making sure vents and returns are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or storage items
Furnace filters are a great example of a small task that makes a big difference. A clean filter helps your furnace work more efficiently and helps keep the air in your home cleaner.
Bi-Annual Maintenance
- Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing batteries as needed
- Inspecting fire extinguishers and replacing or recharging them as needed
- Checking the roof for missing or damaged shingles
- Looking for plumbing leaks and cleaning faucet aerators
- Inspecting windows and doors for drafts or leaks
- Checking skirting for damage, loose panels, gaps, or signs of pests
- Looking for signs of moisture inside and outside the home
Annual Manufactured Home Maintenance
- Clean gutters and drain pipes (fall)
- Check roof for ice dams and icicles (winter)
- Remove window and door screens; check and patch as needed (fall)
- Check for leaks from windows and doors
- Check that home is level
- Check for moisture inside and outside of home
- Check AC unit (spring)
- Inspect and clean siding and skirting
Every home is a little different, so your homeowner’s manual is one of the best places to start. It explains the maintenance recommendations for your specific home, materials, and systems. If you are ever unsure whether something is normal or needs attention, it is always better to ask than to wait and wonder.
This checklist is not meant to cover every possible maintenance item, but it gives homeowners a good starting point. A little regular care can help your home stay safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for many years.
If you are planning for a new manufactured home or have questions about what to expect after move-in, Excelsior Homes is here to help. Our team can walk you through the process, explain what to watch for, and help you feel more prepared as a homeowner.
