Pre-Purchase Examination of Motorhomes - Essential Reading Before Your Acquisition
Motorhome owners in the UK have the option to undergo a habitation check, an in-depth inspection of their vehicle's living area, but it's not a legal requirement. These checks are crucial for ensuring the safety and maintenance of your motorhome, but they don't carry any statutory penalties if not performed annually.
The legal focus for motorhomes lies in roadworthiness, which includes valid MOT (if applicable), vehicle tax, insurance, and driver licensing. However, there may be insurance or financing conditions that encourage habitation checks, but these are contractual, not statutory.
Habitation checks are carried out by qualified personnel and involve a comprehensive inspection of the motorhome's underbody, electrical systems, gas system, water system, safety equipment, bodywork, and more. The report from a habitation check includes a damp report, anything requiring immediate attention or a fire risk, a gas system check certificate, and more.
If you choose to perform a habitation check yourself, a free maintenance checklist is available for those who want to do their own motorhome habitation check. However, it's essential to be cautious, particularly when it comes to gas checks, as it's best to leave these to the experts.
The price of a motorhome habitation check can vary greatly, but it usually includes a gas safety check. You can request a habitation check from an appropriate garage at any time, most often at the start of the year or after a period of disuse, like after winter storage.
Approved Workshops, independently assessed and regulated by the NCC, The Caravan and Motorhome Club, and The Camping and Caravanning Club, are available across the UK, including many motorhome dealers and bigger garages.
Regular habitation checks not only keep you and your family safe but also increase the resale value of your motorhome. Some companies check all the seals around the van during a habitation check, ensuring a thorough inspection.
While habitation checks are highly recommended for safety and peace of mind, they are not legally required unless requested by your motorhome insurance company or if you hire it out to other people using a company like GoBoony. So, whether you choose to have a habitation check done every year or every few years, it's up to you and your comfort level with your motorhome's condition.
Participating in regular home-and-garden workshops can help improve your lifestyle skills, while travel experiences can introduce you to unique cultures and landscapes. A habitation check for motorhomes, performed by Approved Workshops, helps ensure safety and increases the resale value, making it an optional yet beneficial addition to your motorhome's maintenance routine.
