Watch This Before You Renovate a Mobile Home - Weight and Structure

[@CroneLife1]

Doug, this is probably one of the most important videos out there on what must be done to prep for any major mobile home renovation - understanding why a mobile home is not the same as a wood-frame house. This video cannot be shared enough. An extremely important video. Thank you so much for making this. Oh, and Happy Day-Before-Half-Price-Chocolates Day! :D

[@diyfferent]

Thank you. I hope it helps someone out there :)

[@americawaters4257]

I saved my husband's life about 20 years ago. We bought a property, to clean up and resale, with an old single wide on it. He was tearing it down and I was working on landscaping. I was pregnant with my beautiful daughter and stopped working to sit on the hood of our car for a break. I was watching him take screws out on the outside wall when I noticed the trailer was ever so slowly starting to lean.. I yelled, It's going to fall! Get away!. He walked toward me to see what I was talking about and the whole thing leaned that way and the roof, with layers of tar on it, crashed down right where he had been standing. He hadn't even had time to turn around and look. So close. Still thanking God for that. If I hadn't gotten tired and if I hadn't been looking, that would have been so terrible.

[@tamarackmi9195]

Wow! What a miracle!

[@diyfferent]

That's crazy. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad it ended well!

[@theropesofrenovation]

Whoa!!!

[@americawaters4257]

Thank you for sharing. This video reminded me of it. I hadn't even thought about it for years. Those old, first ones were made for travel. They had 2x2's in the walls with paneling on the inside and sheet metal on the outside. Taking out some screws was all it took to come down with all the years of tar being added to the roof. People had been living in it right before we bought it. They were lucky. A strong wind could have probably brought it down. Have a good day! Loved Ashley saying bye at the end. : )

[@fava7753]

Thats all it can take a split second . I personally have seen serious and fatal accidents in construction . Always be aware of your working environment , best to work in pairs that is what our rules were even on small jobs . So glad you were both ok afterwards . Most common cause of injuries on any site , is , believe it or not , slips , trips , and falls . . Every year we had to take a health and safety course from the health and safety executive organization in uk , was mandatory before you were employed by the company we worked for . The main government department recommended safety provider . Mandatory certification before anyone was allowed on any main sites or to operate any machinery on site . You would not be employed by any main contractors otherwise . Health and safety first and foremost on any working site in uk .

[@miaace5070]

I just can't get over the Huge amount of work that has been done and you guy's still find the time to share your lives on youtube. I just want to thank all of you for doing so, I really enjoy watching. Happy Valentines Day DIYfferent Family luv mia :)

[@nannypat6520]

Cleanest crawl space ever! 68 yr old granny enjoying your teaching from my recliner in Vancouver BC ❤️ Happy Valentines Day to you and your family.

[@maggiesue4825]

We live in an old farmhouse (~1895) with a crawlspace under most of it. When we moved in, there was a mold/odor problem, which was fixed when we laid down heavy plastic and installed a ventilation fan in one of the foundation vents. No more smell, no more mold!

[@JB43186]

That white kitchen phone brings back many happy memories of my childhood! This is a very informative video!

[@lindacruikshank2656]

I love that you make sure to explain this kind of stuff to your viewer's. You are so honest and caring. Thank you.

[@SDugan52]

Doug, you have a kind heart, you continue to help your audience learn.🌿

[@picketfence2028]

Your work is meticulous. The two of you seem very knowledgeable. I come from a family of carpenters and even though I'm a nurse by profession, I've been pounding nails since I was a little girl. My hubby is a machinist by trade. We learned through the years of building our own houses by trial and error. Some things we learned from the people that sold us our building materials. I'll bet folks have learned a lot from you guys. Sharing the knowledge is very kind. Happy Valentine's Day dearest ones, take time out for yourselves! ;)

[@jonmr1]

Am I the only one on here that's jealous about how clean your crawl space is? 😅

[@truckingwithtobee]

We have a 1983 mobile home.It’s 1600 ft and we purchased it we paid a little over 5000k to tie it down and make it officially a permanent foundation. There’s brick around the bottom and we had the home stuccoed. We also put a metal roof on it and laid it over the existing shingles for extra insulation. The home sits on 1.86 acres of land. We are about 45 minutes outside of Vegas. For those of you that say that mobile homes aren’t worth fixing...... we paid 85,000 for the property in 1995. Well, we just sold it for $325k 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼😊Good luck everyone! Great video!

[@sunnydays542]

This is GREAT news. My budget requires creativity 😉. I think buying an old double vwide is going to be best for me. I'd rather refurbish that and buy land. Your success is motivation for me. Thank u for sharing. It really makes me feel good🌟. I have options and it's going to work out☀️. Big hug to you🌈 and thank you again💛

[@DrValerie800]

While I have no desire to remodel a mobile home (or even have one), this is all very interesting to me, so I appreciate your efforts. It is also wonderful to see how you guys do everything and how beautiful you are making your home. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us "armchair homesteaders."

[@Hollybank5]

Doug ! You are just a WEALTH of knowledge !!! I realize you are a private person, but please share with us -- do you have a background in the construction trades ! Or did you learn off of KZbin alone ? The house renovation is coming together beautifully !! ❤️

[@diyfferent]

Thank you. I don't actually look things up on youtube too often but I like to read online website and forums. I also learn a lot from making mistakes and from reading our comments :) I've always had an interest in building and making.

[@fancybrooks3156]

@@diyfferent Doug, you're a natural! Not too many just "take to it" as you have. Not only do you know what you are doing, but you are able to explain the whys and wherefores. That's what makes you an excellent teacher.

[@victoriasalvant5629]

Am buying a mobile home; almost done with all the paperwork. It’s not new; but am really trusting in the Lord I won’t have any major problems. I totally appreciate this video. 👍 Thanks!

[@kathyhegert4152]

I don't even own a mobile home and I love all the things you've taught. You and Ashley both make everything interesting. Palm peeped in, too. Bye, Ashley!

[@clydedecker765]

Well done Doug. I'm glad you did this video. I've lived in several mobile homes and your coverage explains why I cringed each time I see others remodel or renovate their mobile homes. Most of them have "assumed" that whatever they did would be fine. You hit on almost all of the weak points of mobile home structure. (There are those built with 2x6 lumber and I've never seen their underpinnings.)

[@jerylynbean7634]

I'm glad Ashley didn't fall back to get out of the frame! You both do such a great job. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@addieanderson2043]

Good job. As a retired Realtor I can tell you banks are not willing to finance Mobil home of a certain age. Before 1989 pressed board was the norm. After that time in Fl plywood was required. I have lived in three different Mobil homes and know that they do not hold up very well. A lot of cheep trim is used. I do feel that they do have a need. Many entry home owners as well as retirees need to go that route. We all have to work with the tools we have to make our lives work. Great job.

[@w8what575]

They actually finance mobile homes in other places? Where I’m at, they’ll give loans against the land if it’s valuable enough but otherwise I have to go through the manufacturing companies financing dept to finance even a double wide modular being placed on a foundation by professional installers...they actually ban mobile homes older then the 80s and a certain size not set in foundations in the town I live in...

[@joann5157]

Great cautionary tale! You really did your homework before you did your reno. You are both AWESOME!!!

[@2012nowornever]

It is good that you have a good outside wall foundation. It looks well built. However I would add some pads with 6" cylinder blocks in the center... Just for good measure. The cylinder blocks are less than $3 each. So the expense is not all that much.. for the added support that you would get.

[@WandaKay4u2c]

Thank you for taking the time to share this valuable information. Knowing the thought process that goes into these decisions helps others know safest guidelines. Appreciate you taking the time.

[@auntmaryspals7978]

Excellent instructable. Doug, you have a way of describing things that makes it easy to understand and retain. You should really be a teacher.

[@christopherhylton8462]

Very informative video. I have a feeling someone that saw this will be saved a lot of grief from watching it.

[@dominicnolan1573]

Thanks clarity in explaining is one of your great gifts Dom

[@Vantuary]

Great advice on the foundation/structure. Very interesting. Ashley was fun at the end! It would be cute if you'd start doing that with Ashley and also have each of the kids do their "bye" ... like "good night John Boy" on The Walton's.

[@debrabutler9954]

I love that you always explain what you are doing and why. The info is sound and very profitable for the usual home DIY-Er. Thanks Doug!

[@jfseal38]

Excellent video Doug! Some newbies and Diyer's wouldn't have even thought of structural concerns when adding weight. Right on the money Doug! Also, the "outriggers" as you called them are also known as "gussets". Just a fyi. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to the tiling videos. Tony.

[@diyfferent]

Thanks for the info about the gussets.

[@lindadove2467]

You are a gifted teacher Doug!

[@interestedobserver9352]

This was a really good video and it is so responsible of you to put this out there. I do not have a mobile home but appreciate the information. Again, I say that HGTV should be knocking down your door to get you on their channel!

[@JOHN315420]

Think about it your children can look back and see how great,careful and loving their parents were keep up the good work.

[@greg3752]

Thank you so much 21 years old no family so idk what I'm doing but this helps me understand better how to build up my new home can't wait to build it living in a garage currently😂

[@Dontwantahandle0]

You could explain dirt in an interesting way and keep our attention. That's a compliment on how well you explain something that we all can understand.

[@lindalong2297]

You are such a thorough, thoughtful instructor. Ansley’s Bye @ the end...hysterical.💖💖

[@michaelmartin200]

Greg& family, you guys should be the proudest people in the usa, your determination and strength to provide the very best for your family is truly inspirational, I admire you so mutch, I long to see the day when you can sit back breath a very big sigh of relief and finally say you have finished your renovations, time when you can take a break and hopefully a good holiday ,reward your selves for your hard work, then be able to continue your life's journey, god bless you all, thank you for sharing your story so far and for the future, kind regards. Michael

[@cherylmiller2272]

Very well said!!

[@kimcannon9061]

Who's Greg?? Doug??

[@diyfferent]

Thank you :)

[@skyz3160]

You have the mind and thoroughness of Einstein! I'm impressed!

[@Bunefoo401]

Not your usual content, but very informative ... especially with all the people out there doing mobile home renovations. Lots of information I never would have thought of. I always enjoy learning from you, thanks Doug

[@whynotbekind1957]

You could also add some block pillar supports under the floor joists...sat on poured concrete footer for more support

[@RR-up4my]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’ve been working on my single wide. The levelers are coming next Wednesday. I’ve had to replace my back door three times! This time I replaced the floor and a portion of the 2x6 under the door due to rot. Discovered one of the cross beans is much higher than the rest. Hoping once the place is leveled properly I will not have to keep replacing back doors. It get rather expensive

[@diyfferent]

That's frustrating. I hope you get it all sorted out.

[@garyschraa9508]

Thank you . I have to go under my mobile home with a decent game plan because I'm 58 now and years of construction have taken their toll . This brought back all those memories so with the short bursts of enthusiasm I still have in me I can tackle this in stages . (wish I still had my youth haha)

[@pyles74]

This was soooo helpful to me. U need an hgtv show. More than 50% of home owners, own or live in a mobile home in the USA

[@im12runb4trouble]

Don't forget if you think your mobile home is starting to sag you can tell by your windows and doors not opening right. Or open your front door or any door and see if it swings on its own and either direction. Should not do that. Thought I'd mention that. Thanks for all your videos

[@jacquicoder7160]

Great info and advice for those who may be thinking of doing what you have done with your home. I know they would greatly appreciate you sharing what you have learned from experience and done to avoid problems in the future. I had not given a thought to the weight you have added to your home nor the possible lack of support to hold that weight.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

That was a really great video . So well presented and informative . I was completely engrossed I and have nothing at all to do with trailers ! I don’t in fact think I’ve ever seen one . To see what issues you have had to take into account while renovating , and to see your decision making has frequently been necessity driven as well as aesthetically and financially driven . This renovation is an even bigger achievement than I realized . Great respect for you . A silly appendix .... the orange colour of the floor looked great with your white walls and spiky leaved plant . Dynamic , fresh , and uplifting . Usually I don’t like orange .

[@diyfferent]

Thanks! I like the orange too, haha.

[@sandybehanna7704]

By the way I want to say hello to Ashley I am so glad that she is in more of the videos she seems to be happy and I pray she stays that way. She has to remember she has so many van fans that really care

[@sandybehanna7704]

Sorry I didn’t get to finish she has so many fans that really care about her and I enjoy seeing your whole family getting involved in your projects.

[@bethrizi6509]

Thank you for actually getting underneath and explaining the structure of a mobile home! I’ve lived in many, but never really understood what was really supporting the structure. Very informative, even to woman!

[@angelahanna927]

Always happy to see your video. Makes my day...You have the best channel on you tube...

[@susanhaney8981]

Awesome!Thanks for sharing your story.

[@irenebaker8263]

Awesome....really important information. Thanks for taking us under your home! Great job!

[@allisonsfollys7713]

You are so full of knowlage. I know you have done lots of buildings and renovations but I would love to know more of your history how you know what you know . I love what you do here good job teaching and explaining your process.

[@kscheuerman5378]

Doug, I think it is wonderful to give out this very important information. I think you may have helped a lot of people from making some big mistakes!! This is a great thing to do! Take care and God Bless.

[@kj7vj]

Ashley, pretty cute. Thought you were out of the video and surprise attack from Doug. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and keep on smiling🤓

[@defleppard-lover6298]

Thanks for the info Doug...and bye Ashley 🤗

[@joellenbroetzmann9053]

Very interesting! I think you should teach classes on renovation at your local vocational school!

[@PatricesProjects]

That was extremely considerate of you to do this video. I'm sure many people have gotten ideas about what they would like to change in their mobile homes from watching your channel. I love how Ashley came in to say bye! Hope all is as well as can be. I suffer from major depression and I know that winter is the toughest time of year for many people. It's almost over. Spring is around a few more corners.

[@diyfferent]

Yea, we have been looking forward to spring for a long time, hopefully it's not like last year when we had to wait until June for "springlike" weather and still had our heat on, sigh. If it's like that this year we still have 4 months to go :(

[@PatricesProjects]

@@diyfferent well, at least the days will be longer and brighter. But I totally get you.

[@diyfferent]

@@PatricesProjects True, the longer days do help a lot :)

[@MrReinhardt86]

The wife and I just got a 1969 single wide. We're planning on gutting the whole thing and starting from scratch. Thanks for the video!

[@christinelewis3476]

Just when I thought I wouldn't see Ashley, there she is saying "Bye" lol Grammy sends BIG Hugs! XOXO

[@mattysancho8988]

Literally laughing out loud at Ashley’s send off 😂 You guys rock

[@robj2704]

Glad you covered this so others will be aware of what to expect and will take the necessary steps to keep their home on a stable foundation.

[@dayleeclaton9219]

Thank you! I wonder how many people has never even thought of this, I know I didn't! Very good video and very informative!

[@texasfloodthe9370]

13:18 you could tell Ashley was confused LOL. but really DIYfferent can't end a video with out Doug's "take care" followed by Ashley's "bye". It's their trademark

[@janeysiegrist5061]

Don't forget Ashley's little giggle that usually escapes when she walks off camera 😆 I just love these kids!!

[@joshuabrown9955]

Piers could be added under the i-beams & at the marriage line using concrete blocks , pressure treated wood & wedges. I set up mobile homes.

[@DREAMlWITHOUTlFEAR]

Could you guys make a video on your mold removal process on the wood under your home? I’m interested to see that!

[@diyfferent]

We will try.

[@lenora2545]

Very informative video and I’m sure you touched on a subject that is the most important to any home. Thanks for including Tom and Jerry, and of course, Ashley! Peace, love and joy💕

[@janeysiegrist5061]

Ah...coffee with Doug and Ashley 💞 best valentine's ever 💞

[@johanlaurasia]

I've made my feelings about mobile homes known before, but I didn't (at the time) realize that you had a full foundation, which is key... also you obviously have a good grasp on the importance of the distribution of weight and that's also very important. Spring is 34 days away!!! Also.. Belle tends the chickens... so that makes Belle a chicken tender ;)

[@diyfferent]

lol Our spring may be further than that, but we are looking forward to it!

[@johanlaurasia]

@@diyfferent According to the Farmer's Almanac (which I live by...) it should start warming up about March 10th, about 10 days prior to spring...

[@donnab8010]

John - Belle 'a chicken tender'.....absolutely adorable.

[@Anni_Mau]

I don't know why I find this so interesting :D We don't even have this style of house in Germany (at least I don't think so) and I have no intention of ever remodeling a mobile home myself and yet - here I am :) I have been with you for so long now though that you could teach me about anything and I would love it probably

[@diyfferent]

We appreciate you being with us :)

[@nancyfahey7518]

Well you could be a supervisor now. 🙂

[@johnkulpowich5260]

Mobile homes in this country are made for temporary housing. Not made to last

[@freeplace5243]

Very good information on mobile home floor and foundation structure and it is probably an area that you don't realize the importance of when you are making plans to renovate. I have run into situations where you gotta know your limitations and either work with them or modify the whole thing. Your structure seems to be very solid and sound .

[@dianedodd8944]

Just another example of how Doug is great at teaching. Could you do classes at Home Depot or Menards? I work in a library and we are always looking for knowledgeable people to do programs for us. Possible other stream of income.

[@MsJWheels]

Very important information shared here. Thanks for crawling up under the house to show us.

[@scotts1356]

THANK YOU! I'm going to be moving into my parents mobile home in a year or so. I was going to completely rehab it myself and then I ran across your video. The support of the structure and extra weight, never crossed my mind. Man oh man, am I glad I watched this! Thanks again.

[@trevorsbass]

Thanks for the video. Very useful information. A couple of quick things: 1. I've lived in a couple of doublewide homes, and they have both had chasis support running under the center of the home, with the two sides being bolted together. Over time they shift and loosen, but they are connected metal-to-metal. 2. Adding the lag bolts between the two halves of your home is a very good idea, however, I would have added some sizable washers to help prevent the head or nut from eventually tearing through the wood. You could always go back and add some later if you are leaving the underside open.

[@theropesofrenovation]

Cleanest crawlspace I've ever seen. lol

[@mjc42701]

You did a great job of rewiring, it looks so neat and clean, so many new homes now are not built that well unless they are custom, this video is good information for anyone remodeling.

[@TheThriftyGma]

We have a lovely /78 double wide Hubby thinks our unit has cement blocks down the centre.... but he'll take a peek to make sure. Thanks for the heads up. Happy Valentine's Day to you and Ashley. 💗

[@N2itively1]

You might want to reinforce the floor under your refrig too... I think most folks do not even think about the weight load of a reno even in a sticks and bricks house.

[@michaelcook768]

If they put it on the outside wall, it will not matter, but, you bring up a good point.

[@gelwood99]

That is a valid point and one we had to address the year we put in the waterbed. We went under the floor and added blocking and pylons to the area under the bed before it was setup.

[@michaelcook768]

@@gelwood99 Absolutely. A waterbed is extremely heavy. I think water is over 7 lbs a gallon...and those beds hold about 150 or so.

[@leabarto8156]

Perfect presentation! Great information from your personal knowledge and experience! As always great job ya'll!

[@jameshenry2457]

Interested in your treatment of that mold under the floors. Don't forget a little video of that too. I'm starting on a limited RENO of my '72 SW. I'll be putting drywall on the inside of all enveloping walls. None on interior (load bearing) walls and partitions. I'm glad I was correct about shaving weight, 'cause I just have jack stands.

[@therealcraigsutton2740]

Great info Mr Doug! Mobile homes are definitely harder to convert into a house! Time & patience!!

[@fava7753]

Excellent tutorial doug . Showing that structural support must be taken into consideration when doing total renovation , strength to weight ratio must be stronger to avoid major problems such as possible risk of collapse , ie so that weaknesses do not occur , structure strength and safety is paramount in any build or renovation . Keep up the excellent work and tutorials , really important points brought to prospective in this tutorial . Always think safety . Well done .

[@Shmeeeps]

Can you please do a video for the mold treatment/removal when you get to it?

[@diyfferent]

Yes, we'll try :)

[@johnviewer2305]

Good info Doug....we live in an older double wide...you've helped us alot...oh Ashley..... Bye...

[@Aspire2Cycle]

Thank you for showing this! I wish under my mobile home was that clean, I could live under there! That make a "Mobile home jack" that's adjustable to brace up any place where you might have a heavy floor load. I'm going to use one under my new water heater.

[@diyfferent]

Thanks for sharing.

[@violethoffermobilehomemove9189]

My poor husband split a doublewide apart & moved it. With are old tractor. That was quite the job & accomplishment. The mobilehome movers said it couldn't be done. But he worked slowly, patently & carefully. Jacking small amounts & keeping it balanced as he went. In order to not let it fall, before he was ready. And everything was on the tractor hitch. It was remarkable to watch & took serval days..

[@woodygrain5363]

Finally. The video that may save my home. Leveling is useless if weight distribution is not proper. Ty ty ty. Gbu.

[@hoosierladyus48]

First, I want to wish all of you a Happy Valentines Day. Second, do you have to put insulation under the home? Third, GET ME OUT FROM UNDER THAT CRAWL SPACE! LOL I am so claustrophobic I was ready to scream. Doug, you are such an intelligent man. You could really make a lot of money if you started your own company. Please say hello to Ashley, Belle and Maverick. Thanks for sharing!

[@diyfferent]

Really, we should have insulation under there. We haven't had any issues without it besides condensation. We do plan on adding insulation in the future.

[@StephaniehasStories]

YESSSSS!!!! Ashley, love the ending!!! It's not the same when you don't say "bye" :)

[@jbos5107]

I have land with a well and septic tank but no money to put anything on it. I'm totally against going into debt to put a house on it because we're just too old for that. I'm trying to get my son to remodel a mobile home so that he won't ever have to pay rent or mortgage. I'm hoping that your channel may help my argument. He's not without skills so I have hope. Wish me luck!

[@marshallstephens7356]

Good luck!!! 😀

[@denisewilson8367]

Very informative, and glad you made this to warn people who do not have a true foundation under thier mobile home.

[@karlab9557]

Great info! And a good idea to do this video. I just kept thinking about this obvious thing....the other reason a mobile home is "built light" is so it can be moved. Nice to see Ashley at the end. ;)

[@ChrisBranstetter]

This video is one of the most informative and straight forward I've ever seen. For weeks ive been stressing in what to do to my home because its not looking good at all and this just solved and answered all of my worries! Thank you for this 😇🔥

[@ritarevell7195]

I am so glad you took the time to explain all of this. Great advice.

[@1611bloodbought]

Good tips, and advise. Knowing what you are working with is essential. And as always praying for your family for safety, strength and progress. Take care.

[@debnjosie]

You are a great instructor!

[@lisawyer7524]

Great information! Thanks for getting under your house in all the dust and sharing this info.

[@413MassDigger]

A lot of people stack up cynder blocks to make up for that weight on the outside wall, great video Doug, real nice info!!

[@michaelcook768]

The full foundation on the outside perimeter makes a big, big difference. Of course, on a single wide, it isn't necessarily...but, numerous pylons are.

[@413MassDigger]

Michael Cook oh for sure man ,👍👍

[@susangerryknight2571]

Great information for anyone building or remodeling a Mobil home. Thank you.

[@beckybailey5241]

Thank you for sharing Doug. Looking forward to how you do the moisture barrier and insulation as well as the mold removal. I'm looking into best way to do the underneath of my mobile home.

[@michellejaggard9657]

Great information Doug. You did a wonderful job. I'm sure it will help many of your viewers. Your concern for others is a blessing. Prayers for you and your wonderful family.

[@tonyaction5284]

Brother you me helped a bunch!!!!! Thank you so much for your info and very well detailed video!!! My buddy’s home subfloor collapsed on his mobil home because of heavy tiles and 1/2 inch drywall. I fix mobil homes but wasn’t aware of this!! 🙏🏼👍🏼 Thank you

[@troyvogt546]

Good looking crawlspace, nice and dry. Get the floor insulated, put some vapor barrier down and make sure it has proper ventilation. Good video.