News

What Happens in a Courtesy Home Inspection?

Feb 25, 2010
Posted In: General

All modular dealers and builders must be licensed by the State of Maine. To maintain a license, the dealer or builder must adhere to a strict list of building codes.  The work of modular dealers and builders is regulated by the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.

Bob LeClair, Executive Director of the Maine Manufactured Housing Board  (MHB) recently conducted separate courtesy home inspections for Schiavi Home Builders and Hallmark Homes. Voluntary inspections such as these are required as part of maintaining membership in the Modular Home Builders Association (MHBA). “These inspections are a great opportunity to learn ways to improved your building practices,” explained Rob Sherman, Presidentof Hallmark Homes. “We all want to provide our customers with the very best home possible. The builder, the MHBA and the MHB are all on the same page.”

These inspections are generally conducted upon completion of the home, prior to occupancy by the homeowner. The home must meet various code standards for energy efficiency and safety, and Journeyman Quality Standards for finish work. These rules can be found in the Housing Board’s section of www.Maine.gov.

Aside from courtesy inspections, LeClair’s office fields questions and addresses formal complaints filed by homeowners for unsatisfactory work by a licensee. Formal complaints prompt an inspection and subsequent action.

In each case, LeClair’s courtesy inspection began outside where he visually inspected all aspects of the exterior construction. Once inside, he located and logged the three labels identifying the specific home: one label identifying the installer/dealer, another label outlining the manufacturer’s warranty, and the third providing certification by a third party that the building envelope meets all the required standards.

A detailed visual inspection of all the finish work is a key part of the inspection. Since a modular home is constructed in a factory, delivered in pieces and assembled on site, close attention is paid to joining of the various sections. The joining of these sections forms the “marriage wall.”  LeClair made note of each such wall on each floor of the home.

The inspection continued throughout the home, from basement to eaves, with notations made regarding insulation, structural aspects, compliance with new radon rules, ventilation, etc. The inspection will be formalized for each builder in a written report.

Scott Stone, President of Schiavi Home Builders, sees these inspections as a valuable opportunity for the serious builder. “We’re all stakeholders in the standards now. And those builders who want to be seen as quality builders can begin to use these types of Association programs to differentiate themselves.”

Although there is a specific list of items to review, the courtesy inspection gives the  builder an opportunity to highlight and showcase their work in a cooperative atmosphere. LeClair, in turn, is able to learn a little about the builder’s style, approach and ethic which can be helpful when handling a homeowner’s complaint.

The MHBA promotes the concept of courtesy inspections as a way of bringing the various parties together to promote compliance with standards and the pursuit of continuous improvement. The Association designs continuing education programs to help members improve their construction practices and thereby reduce the number of formal complaints. Builder Members wishing to schedule a courtesy inspection should contact the Manufactured Housing Board.

The Modular Home Builders Association of Maine is proactive with issues affecting members, consumers, and public policy.  The Association establishes and promotes practices and standards for excellence in homebuilding.