Mobile home levelling is a crucial maintenance task that keeps your home safe, stable, and comfortable. Over time, mobile homes tend to shift and settle unevenly due to soil conditions, weather, and wear on their support structures. Releveling involves adjusting the home’s foundation and supports to bring it back to a level, stable position.
Why is releveling important? A home that is out of level can cause structural damage, door and window misalignment, plumbing issues, and even compromise your home’s safety. Keeping your mobile home properly leveled ensures longevity and prevents costly repairs down the line.
What Causes a Mobile Home to Become Uneven?
Several factors contribute to your mobile home losing its level over time:
- Soil Settling: The ground beneath your home naturally shifts or compacts unevenly, especially after rain or drought.
- Weather Conditions: Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rains, and floods can disturb the soil and the home’s foundation.
- Support Failure: Piers, blocks, or jacks supporting your home may degrade or move.
- Improper Initial Installation: Sometimes, mobile homes aren’t perfectly levelled when first placed.
- Natural Wear and Tear: Regular use and aging cause gradual shifting.
Key Factors Influencing Releveling Cost
Understanding what influences the cost of releveling your mobile home will help you budget effectively and avoid surprises.
Size and Type of Mobile Home
The larger the mobile home, the more materials and labour are needed to relevel it. Single-wide homes typically cost less to relevel than double-wide or multi-section homes due to their smaller footprint and fewer support points.
Extent of Unevenness
Minor levelling adjustments require less work and fewer materials, keeping costs low. Major levelling jobs involving significant lifts or structural repairs increase labour and equipment needs, driving up expenses.
Location and Accessibility
If your home is located in a remote or difficult-to-access area, contractors may charge more for travel and transporting equipment. Tight spaces around the home may also slow work, adding to labour hours.
Permits and Inspection Fees
Some local governments require permits and inspections before and after releveling work. These fees vary by location and can add to the overall cost.
Breakdown of Mobile Home Releveling Costs
Let’s dive into the typical cost components you can expect.
Labor Costs
Professional mobile home levelling contractors usually charge between $50 and $100 per hour. The total labour time can vary from a few hours for minor adjustments to several days for extensive jobs.
Materials and Equipment
Releveling requires specific materials such as steel or concrete piers, shims, and hydraulic jacks. These materials can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 depending on the job size. Renting or using specialised equipment may also contribute to the price.
Additional Repairs
Sometimes releveling reveals or requires fixing damage like cracks, leaks, or framing issues. These repairs add to the total cost but are necessary for a safe, long-lasting job.
Professional vs DIY Releveling
DIY releveling can save money but demands skill, tools, and time. Mistakes risk safety and future expenses. Hiring professionals ensures proper levelling and peace of mind, albeit at a higher price.
Average Cost Range to Relevel a Mobile Home
Here are rough estimates depending on the mobile home size and condition:
Small to Medium Mobile Homes
For single-wide or smaller homes with minor levelling issues, costs typically range from $500 to $2,000.
Large or Multi-Section Mobile Homes
Double-wide or multi-section homes with significant unevenness might cost between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on complexity.
How to Save Money When Releveling Your Mobile Home
Here are some strategies to reduce your expenses:
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Scheduling routine checks can catch unevenness early, reducing major repairs.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Get multiple quotes and check reviews. Experienced professionals can do the job efficiently, preventing costly errors.
Timing Your Repairs
Avoid scheduling work during peak seasons or bad weather, which may increase labour costs.
Risks of Ignoring Mobile Home Releveling
Delaying releveling can lead to:
- Structural damage and sagging floors
- Door and window failure
- Plumbing leaks and sewer line breaks
- Unsafe living conditions
Addressing issues early saves money and ensures your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should a mobile home be levelled?
Most experts recommend checking your home’s level every 2-3 years or after major storms.
Can I relevel my mobile home myself?
DIY releveling is possible but risky without proper tools and experience.
How long does releveling take?
Minor jobs can be completed in a day; major levelling may take several days.
Will releveling increase my home’s value?
Yes, properly levelled homes retain value and appeal to buyers.
What signs indicate my mobile home needs releveling?
Look for cracks, sticking doors/windows, sloping floors, or gaps in the foundation.
Are permits always required for releveling?
Permit requirements vary by locality. Check with your local building department.
Conclusion
Knowing how much it costs to relevel a mobile home helps you plan maintenance and protect your investment. With costs ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars, depending on size and complexity, budgeting ahead is essential. Regular inspections, choosing qualified professionals, and timely repairs can save money and keep your mobile home safe and comfortable for years.
