HOW TO BUILD AND OPERATE A MOBILE-HOME PARK
Posted:23 September, 2008 by admin
The mobile-homes industry is comparatively young. It is
essentially an outgrowth of the camping-trailer industry which
prevailed during the early thirties.
As a mobile-home industry it has faced growing pains and the
need for adequate standards and planning. Much of this need has
been in the field of the trailer park, known today as the mobile-
home park.
Professor Michelon, who had spent several periods in Florida
studying mobile-home park development and its relation to re-
tirement programs, came to the conclusion that there was a
definite need for a text on the construction of such a park.
The Mobile Homes Manufacturers Association, which with
its Park Division had spearheaded the planning of such parks,
readily joined with his cause.
Mr. Michelon then proceeded to construct his own park and
from such construction weave the pattern to help other prospective park operators.
The Mobile Homes Manufacturers Association acknowledges
the work of Professor Michelon and appreciates the part played
by the staff of the University of Chicago Industrial Relations
Center, which participated in the retirement research program
at AlA Mobile Home Park, Melbourne Beach, Florida.
The Manufacturers Association takes pride in the publication
of this text, the first complete volume covering the construction
of a mobile-home park.
Contents
PART I. PLANNING A MOBILE-HOME PARK
CHAPTER 1. EXPLORING THE MOBILE-HOME PARK BUSINESS
Be Your Own Boss The Need for Mobile-Home Parks Have
You Got What It Takes? -How Much Money Will It Take?-
Have You the Right Kind of Business Organization? Get
the Facts Opportunity Unlimited Check List of Personal Quali-
fications and Other Factors
CHAPTER 2. FINDING THE RIGHT LOCATION
Factors Affecting Location Topography and High Level of
Land Site Provisions Yardsticks of Cost Conclusion
CHAPTER 3. DESIGNING A MOBILE-HOME PARK
Large and Attractive Spaces Angular Parking of Mobile Homes
Suitable Auto-parking Areas Concrete Patios and Sidewalks
Hard-surfaced or Durable Roads Buildings, Landscaping, and an
Appealing Entrance MHMA-approved Layouts of Mobile-Home
Parks Tips in Designing a Mobile-Home Park
CHAPTER 4. GETTING READY To BUILD
Retaining a Competent Attorney Inventory of the Laws Affect-
ing Utilities and Buildings Bill of Materials Selecting the Right
Items for Subcontracting How To Get Definitive Bids Setting
Cost Goals and Staying within Them Avoiding Liability from
Injuries during Construction Getting Waivers of Lien on Work
Fully Paid For Conclusion Sample Specifications for Service
Building
PART II. BUILDING A MOBILE-HOME PARK
CHAPTER 5. CLEARING AND GRADING YOUR MOBILE-HOME SITE
Making a Ground-Elevation Map Clearing and Grading Equip-
mentSome Key Factors To Keep in Mind Estimating the Cost
of Clearing and Grading
CHAPTER 6. SEWER SYSTEM
Planning a Sewer System How To Construct a Sewer System
The Septic Tank, Distribution Box, and Drain Field Recom-
mended Mobile-Home Sewer Connection
CHAPTER 7. WATER SYSTEM
Factors To Consider When Installing a Water System Location
Development of Wells Pumping Equipment Storage Dis-
tribution System Disinfection of the Water System Inspection
and Maintenance Suggestions for Installing Metal Water Pipe
CHAPTER 8. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Wiring Diagram Sample Specifications for a Park Electrical
System Conclusion
CHAPTER 9. BUILDING THE ROADS
Grading and Laying Out the Roads Suggestions on Contracting
Road Work Conclusion
CHAPTER 10. PATIOS, SIDEWALKS, AND SHUFFLEBOARD COURTS
Patios and Sidewalks Shuffleboard Courts Conclusion
CHAPTER 11. BUILDINGS IN A MOBILE-HOME PARK
Recreation Building Service-Laundry Building Hobby Shop
and Lathhouse Conclusion
PART III. OPERATING A MOBILE-HOME PARK
CHAPTER 12. BEFORE You OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Licenses, Inspections, and Insurance Promoting and Advertising
Your Park Registering of Guests Refuse Disposal Fire Pro-
tectionPreparing Effective Rules and Regulations Tips on
Handling the Clientele Learning How To Park and Connect
Up a Mobile Home
CHAPTER 13. How To KEEP USEFUL BUSINESS RECORDS
Some Simple Records To Keep Preparing a Balance Sheet and
Profit-and-Loss Statement Conclusion
CHAPTER 14. INCREASING NET INCOME
Income from the Use of Telephones Income from a Park Laun-
dryIncome from a Park Store Income from Bottled-Gas Fran-
chiseMobile-Home Sales and Service Park Electricity Keep-
ing Overhead Down
CHAPTER 15. How To ORGANIZE A RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
Typical Recreational Activities Making Recreation Pay
