Purchasing a residential park home is a significant decision, particularly if you’re looking to downsize or find a peaceful community for your retirement years. You’re making a considerable investment, and you want to be absolutely certain that your new home is structurally sound. A park home structural survey gives you the confidence to move forward with your purchase, helping you identify any potential issues before you commit.
Understanding what to look for during a park home structural survey isn’t just about ticking boxes on a checklist. It’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your new home will provide you with years of comfortable, worry-free living. Let’s walk through the important elements you should focus on during your park home inspection.
Key takeaways
- Park homes have unique construction methods compared to traditional houses, requiring specialised survey knowledge
- External inspections should cover cladding, roof condition, chassis integrity, and proper levelling
- Interior checks must include floor soundness, wall condition, damp signs, and all major systems
- Asking the right questions after your survey helps you make informed decisions about your purchase
- A thorough park home structural inspection protects your investment and provides peace of mind
Why a park home structural survey matters for your investment
Residential park homes differ significantly from traditional brick-and-mortar properties in how they’re constructed. They’re built to British Standard BS3632, which specifically governs residential park home construction. These homes are timber-framed and mounted on a robust steel chassis, then transported to the park where they’re sited and connected to mains services.
Because of this unique construction method, a standard house survey simply won’t cover the specific elements that matter for park homes. You need someone who understands timber frame construction, chassis integrity, and the particular challenges that can affect manufactured homes over time.
For those of you making this lifestyle change at 50 or beyond, a thorough structural survey isn’t just about finding faults. It’s about gaining complete confidence in your purchase decision. You’re investing in a home where you’ll spend your retirement years, and you deserve to know exactly what condition it’s in.
The survey protects you financially too. If significant issues are discovered, you can negotiate on price, request repairs before completion, or in some cases, decide to walk away from a problematic property. This gives you control over one of the most important purchases you’ll make.
The exterior: what to inspect from the outside
When you walk around your potential new home, you’re looking for signs that tell you how well the property has been maintained. Start with the exterior cladding. Check for any warping, cracking, or discolouration. The cladding should be uniform in appearance without gaps or loose sections where water could penetrate.
The roof requires careful attention. Look for the condition of the tiles or covering, checking for any missing pieces, sagging, or signs of water damage. The roof should be level and properly sealed at all joints. Pay particular attention to where the roof meets the walls and around any vents or chimneys.
Window and door seals are your first line of defence against the elements. Run your hand around the frames to check for draughts, and look for any gaps or deteriorating sealant. All windows should open and close smoothly, and doors should sit squarely in their frames without sticking.
The undercarriage and chassis condition is something many buyers overlook, but it’s fundamental to your park home’s structural integrity. Ask to see underneath the home if possible. The steel chassis should be free from significant rust, and all support pillars should be firmly in place and properly adjusted. The home should be perfectly level – you can test this by placing a spirit level on windowsills and floors.
Check the condition of steps, decking, and pathways around the home. These should be secure, level, and free from rot or damage. Adequate ventilation underneath the home is important for preventing damp and maintaining the timber frame.
The interior: checking structural soundness inside your potential home
Once you step inside, your park home inspection checklist shifts to interior structural elements. Walk across every floor in the home, feeling for any bounce, sagging, or uneven areas. Floors should feel solid underfoot without excessive movement. Soft spots could indicate water damage or structural issues with the floor joists.
Examine the walls carefully. Look for any cracks, particularly around door frames and windows where stress points occur. Small hairline cracks are often cosmetic, but larger cracks or those that run diagonally could suggest structural movement. Press gently on walls to check they feel solid – they shouldn’t flex or feel spongy.
Damp is one of the most serious issues you can encounter. Look for telltale signs like discolouration, peeling wallpaper, or a musty smell. Check in cupboards, under sinks, and in corners where damp often first appears. Condensation on windows might indicate poor ventilation or insulation problems.
Test all doors throughout the home. They should open and close smoothly without sticking or scraping. Doors that won’t close properly or have been planed down might indicate the home has moved or settled unevenly.
Check the heating system condition by asking when it was last serviced and requesting documentation. Test radiators or heating units to ensure they work properly. Examine visible plumbing for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or amateur repairs. Look at electrical sockets and switches – they should be secure and modern, not loose or outdated.
Insulation quality affects both your comfort and running costs. Ask about the insulation specifications and check whether double glazing is fitted throughout. Modern park homes should be well-insulated, but older properties might benefit from upgrades.
Questions to ask and next steps after your survey
Once your survey is complete, you’ll have a detailed park home condition report. Now it’s time to dig deeper with specific questions. Ask the surveyor to explain any technical terms or concerns in plain language. What issues are cosmetic, and which ones require immediate attention?
If you’re buying from a current homeowner, ask about the home’s history. When was it manufactured and sited? Have there been any significant repairs or replacements? Most park homes decrease in value over time, so understanding the home’s age and condition helps you assess whether the asking price is fair.
The park management can provide valuable information too. Are there any restrictions on structural modifications outlined in the park rules? What’s included in your pitch fee, and are there any upcoming changes to park amenities or fees? At communities like Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park, we’re always happy to discuss these details with potential buyers.
Understanding what constitutes a major versus minor concern is important for your next steps. Minor issues like decorative repairs or small maintenance tasks are normal. Major concerns might include significant structural movement, extensive damp, or problems with the chassis that could be costly to repair.
Use your survey findings as a negotiation tool. If repairs are needed, you can request the seller addresses them before completion, or you can negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to cover the work yourself. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the survey reveals problems that make the home unsuitable or financially unviable.
Remember that when buying a park home survey, you’re protected by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which regulates the agreement between you and the site owner. If you’re purchasing from an existing resident, the site owner is entitled to 10% commission on the sale price, but you don’t need to contact them or attend any interview during the purchase process.
Making your decision with confidence
A comprehensive park home structural survey gives you the information you need to make a confident purchase decision. You’ll understand exactly what you’re buying, what condition it’s in, and what costs you might face in the coming years.
Here are your key takeaways:
- Park homes require specialist surveys that understand their unique timber frame and chassis construction
- External checks should cover cladding, roofing, seals, chassis condition, and proper levelling
- Interior inspections must identify damp, structural movement, and the condition of all major systems
- Ask detailed questions about the survey findings and the home’s history before making your final decision
- Use survey results to negotiate repairs or price adjustments, or to walk away if necessary
We understand that purchasing a residential park home is about more than just bricks and mortar – or in this case, timber and steel. It’s about finding a place where you’ll build the next chapter of your life, surrounded by community and countryside. That’s why we encourage all potential buyers to invest in a thorough structural survey.
If you’re considering park home living and would like to discuss what to look for or arrange a viewing at one of our parks, we’re here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and answer any questions you have about structural surveys and what makes a quality residential park home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specialist surveyor for a park home structural inspection?
Yes, you should use a surveyor who has specific experience with residential park homes. Standard house surveyors might not understand the unique construction methods, chassis requirements, or BS3632 standards that apply to park homes. Look for someone with demonstrable experience in park home surveys.
How much does a park home structural survey typically cost?
Survey costs vary depending on the size and age of the home, but you can typically expect to pay between £300 and £600 for a comprehensive structural survey. Whilst this might seem like an additional expense, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind on such a significant investment.
Can I conduct my own park home inspection without a professional surveyor?
Whilst you can and should conduct your own visual inspection, it shouldn’t replace a professional survey. You might spot obvious issues, but trained surveyors can identify hidden problems with the chassis, structural integrity, and systems that aren’t apparent to untrained eyes. Given that most park homes decrease in value over time, ensuring you’re buying a sound property is particularly important.
What happens if the survey reveals significant problems?
If major issues are discovered, you have several options. You can negotiate with the seller to have repairs completed before you complete the purchase, request a reduction in the asking price to cover the cost of repairs, or decide not to proceed with the purchase. The survey protects you by giving you this information before you’re legally committed to the purchase.
Are there any warranties or guarantees I should ask about during the survey process?
When buying from a current homeowner, ask whether any manufacturer’s warranty is still valid or if there’s a structural warranty like the 10-year Gold Shield or Platinum Seal cover. If you’re buying a new home directly from the park, these warranties should be included. Also ask if any survey has been conducted within the last 12 months, as sellers are required to provide this information if available.
