Adding on to an old mobile home?

Question

I’m thinking of buying about a 20 year old single wide trailer house for a camp. If I did, I’d want to add on to it, (extra bedroom, living space, etc.), but I’m curious about how they are built. If I were to add a room off of the side of it, would it shift some over time and just tear the walls apart where the addition is connected? Could I in theory build a platform under the main house and connect any additions to that so it would all be level? I really don’t know how mobile homes are built and how much movement should be expected over time so I’m just curious how working on one would work. Thanks for any advice.

Also, I realize that getting something newer and bigger is obviously a better option but this is cheap, already has plumbing and electricity, and I can do additions myself.

Anonymous · Answer

You need to check the zoning in your area, not to mention, regardless if you can do it yourself, you need permits. You can't just build on even your own property without the state and county knowing what you are doing. Hell, some places are so strict that building a back deck without authorization is a huge no-no. You don't 100% know what's on your land, underneath it, so you would have to get it surveyed and inspected, too.

Many people who skip these steps end up shelling out way more money than just doing everything the right way to begin with. I just looked at a house that had a very obvious, crappy back-alley addition, no permit to speak of, nothing legal, no records. The homeowner had her cousin do it for dirt cheap, and it showed. It was sinking, splitting, and not to mention, built over things that it should not have been built over. In order to sell the home, she had to pay to have it torn out/down, leveled, and made safe, so she lost money in the long run. Even if they had stayed, it would have collapsed on someone and/or caused all sorts of damages.

So do what you want, just go about it the right way and get everything surveyed, measured, and sorted out.

Marvinator · Answer

First, you should check building codes in the area, to make sure of what you are allowed to do, or what is required for a mobile home.

Generally speaking, you would want to build a sturdy foundation for the mobile home (cinder block or cement formed) guaranteeing that it wouldn't shift over time. then an additional foundation for the addition. This would give you the most security is keeping the house stable over long term.

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Adding on to an old mobile home?

2 Answers