Terminology Tuesday – Deck
(Note: I think it’s important to know the terminology and words used when learning any new business including mobile home investing. I came up with ‘Terminology Tuesday’ as a way to go over the terminology used in the mobile home business. It’s important to know the terminology when talking to people in the business so you’re all on the same page).
As defined in Wikipedia:
“A deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a stairway. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to control sunlight. “
In general, mobile homes usually have decks attached to them in order to gain entrance to the home by the use of stairs. Most mobile home parks require both a deck and a porch (or back stairs) to the front entrance and back entrance of the home respectively.
Each park will have certain specifications as to the dimensions of mobile home decks and requirements. Most will require safety features such as railings and specific materials used.
Personally, I encounter more involvement with mobile home decks when I am dealing with a mobile home move. In these cases, sometimes the owner will want to keep their deck and/or porch. Or, the mover will not move the deck and/or porch. So, I’ve had to be more involved with decks in these type of cases.
In one case, I got lucky. The park manager had saved a deck for me. So, I was able to save costs that way and not have to look for a deck or have one built on site.
If a deck is needed, usually one will need to be built on site by a professional carpenter. Right now, I’m in negotiations with a bank regarding an abandoned home they took back where the prior owners took the deck as well as the back porch (not to mention the skirting and air conditioning condenser unit).
Here’s a pic of the home:
No Deck
No Back Porch or Back Steps
If you do find the need to build a deck, it’s best to look around at the homes in the neighborhood. For this deal, I took a few pics of the homes in the neighborhood and their decks to give me an idea of what I wanted.
Home next door
Home across the street
(Note: If you’re doing business in a mobile home park, make sure you check with the park manager as to the specifications and requirements of decks and/or back porches/steps needed in the park. Last thing you want to do is build a deck with the wrong specifications and/or requirements).
As it turns out, my carpenter told me it would take about one week to build both the deck and the back porch steps. This would need to be built on site.
If you’d like to read more about the process of building decks, check out this article “How to Build a Deck in Front of a Mobile Home.”
Happy investing!
4 Responses
Interesting blog! Do you resell or rent the units when done?
-AppraiserJenn
Nice to see you here AppraiserJenn, thanks for the note!
No, I don't rent – just sell. For me, I prefer working with homeowners over renters – its just a different mentality all together.
Hope that helps, thanks for stopping by!
Hello!
This is the first time I've read your blog (seen you post Steph and Shae's blog before.)
I really like your blog. It's brought back a lot of memories. I actually started my investing career by doing Lonnie deals in 1999.
Haven't done one in forever, but I can honestly say that I still read the classified ads for potential mh deals and even call on them and would check them out…nothing has panned out lately though.
Keep up the good work!
Carey_PA
Thanks for the note Carey, always glad to meet another pal of Shae and Steph!
I'm glad you enjoy the blog. Wow, that's awesome how Lonnie deals started your investing career – guess this is truly a blast from the past!
I'd definitely love to hear your stories if you come across any that you decide to pursue – I always enjoy hearing stories from others Lonnie dealers.
Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!
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