Book Review: The Manual for Manufactured/Mobile Home Repair and Upgrade

(Note: Recently, I’ve had a lot of folks contact me asking what the difference between some of Lonnie’s as well as other mobile home investing materials out there and which one I’d recommend the most. So, I’ve decided to go ahead and start a new series of posts – book reviews).

For many who have been following my blog through the years (as well as reading the “Terminology Tuesday” posts), you’ll know I rarely offer homes in “as-is” condition. Most times, there is fix-up work needed.

(Note: Although Lonnie Scruggs offered homes in “as-is” condition indicated in his book, Deals on Wheels, his clientele and strategy differ from mine. For those interested, I talk more about the types of folks I work with and preferred clientele in my book. Thanks for reading!)

When acquiring mobile homes, so many times the same repair issues come up over and over again. And, in doing so I’ve made sure to arm myself adequately with the proper home repair reference books . Though, it is this book that I constantly use time and time again.

What I like about this book is that it is very simple and easy to follow. It’s not complicated and there is no confusing terminology — it aims to truly help you.

It is divided into the following sections: Floor and Belly Repair, Siding, Walls and Windows, Roof and Ceilings, Plumbing, Exterior, Heating and Cooling and lastly a Miscellaneous area where it provides quick tips. As a reference book, it is very easy to look up specific areas of interest.

(Note: The Miscellaneous section offering quick tips is very helpful in the day-to-day process of mobile home repair. This section offers a nice overview and great advice on the most common areas for fix-up work.)

Apart from the sections, I also like that there are real life pictures and examples for each issue addressed. When it comes to home repair books, a picture is truly worth a thousand words.

So many times I’ve had an issue (as in the “Terminology Tuesday” posts) and have had to confirm the problem. Having a picture to match does wonders to help with the process of determining the problem. Once the problem is determined, then it’s all a matter of fixing the issue — pictures can definitely be of service here as well.

For those who are in the mobile home niche for the long haul, this is a must-have reference book. It’s not exactly a book that you read from cover to cover in one sitting (you can if you want!). Personally, it’s more of a book I’ve utilized over the years with experience.

With each new acquisition, I’ve had to reference this book over and over again. Sure, you can look up information online. Though, it’s good to have the information in a book which makes it all easily accessible as well as portable.

(Note: Before meeting with contractors and getting bids, I’ve definitely used this book as a stepping stone which has helped with my knowledge.)

Overall, I think this is a good mobile home repair reference book. If you’re looking for one to add to your library, you’ll definitely want to check this book out.

I hope you enjoyed reading this book review. With the high amount of requests for my opinions on these, it’s something that I’ve decided to start doing from time to time.

Happy investing!