Home repair in Mobile, AL

Mobile homes at a glance

Median year built

1975

Built before 1960

26%

Built since 2000

14%

Owner-occupied

54%

Median home value

$193,300

Main heat

Electric, 57%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Mobile’s housing means for repairs

Mobile's housing runs from 19th century cottages and Victorian homes in Oakleigh and De Tonti Square to postwar ranches in Midtown and newer subdivisions in West Mobile. The median home was built in 1975, about 26% predate 1960 and about 14% were built since 2000. About 67% are single-family detached, and about 2% are mobile homes.

Electricity heats about 57% of homes and gas about 41%, and almost every home depends on central AC. Older houses sit on crawlspaces or raised piers, where humidity rots sills and joists, while 1960s and 1970s ranches often sit on slabs with aging plumbing beneath. The median home value is about $193,300, so owners balance storm repairs against routine upkeep.

Weather that wears on Mobile homes

Mobile is on the Gulf Coast, and it gets heavy rain year-round and a long hurricane season from June through November. Hurricanes and tropical storms damage roofs, tear off siding and bring flooding. The air stays humid for much of the year, which feeds mold and wood rot in crawlspaces, attics and window frames. Formosan termites are established in the area and can do serious damage to framing. Afternoon thunderstorms in summer dump a lot of rain quickly, testing gutters and drainage. Winters are mild, with rare freezes that can still catch exposed pipes off guard.

Common repairs in Mobile

• Hurricane and wind roof repair

  Tropical storms lift shingles and tear flashing on Mobile roofs, and leaks follow the next rain.

• Termite and wood rot repair

  Formosan termites and constant humidity damage sills, joists and trim in older Mobile homes.

• AC repair and service

  Mobile's long humid summers keep AC running for months, and failures make homes hard to live in.

• Soft or sagging floor repair

  Crawlspace moisture rots subfloors, especially around tubs and toilets.

• Window and door frame rot repair

  Wind-driven rain rots wood frames around windows and doors.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Mobile homeowners

• Porch support column is crumbling at the base

  Porch columns on older Mobile homes rot or crumble at the base where rain and humidity collect.

• Bathroom floor is soft and spongy underfoot

  Humid crawlspaces under Mobile homes rot bathroom subfloors, leaving them soft underfoot.

• Roof leaks in one spot and stains the ceiling below

  After a Gulf storm, Mobile homes often get a single roof leak that stains a ceiling.

• Window glass is broken but the frame is fine

  Wind-blown debris in Mobile storms can break glass while the frame stays sound.

• Mice keep getting in through holes and gaps in the walls

  Gaps around pipes and crawlspace vents in Mobile homes let mice in, especially after storms damage siding.

Seasonal checklist

Hurricane season

Before June, trim trees near the roof, clear gutters and check that shutters or panels fit your windows.

Spring

Watch for termite swarms and have the house inspected if you see winged insects near lights.

Summer

Clean the AC condensate drain and replace filters monthly during peak cooling.

Fall

After storm season, check the roof, siding and crawlspace for damage or standing water.

Common questions

How do I prepare my Mobile home for hurricane season?

Trim trees, clean gutters, and make sure your shutters or storm panels fit. Know where your water shutoff and breaker panel are. After a storm, photograph damage before cleanup and look for roof and siding damage.

Are Formosan termites a problem in Mobile?

Yes. Formosan termites are established along the Gulf Coast and can build large colonies inside walls. Watch for swarms in late spring evenings and mud tubes on foundations. A pest company can inspect and treat, and a contractor can repair damaged framing.

What drives the cost of storm damage repair in Mobile?

The size of the damaged area, the roofing material, and whether water got into insulation or drywall all change the price. A few missing shingles cost much less than a section of decking. Runhome can give you an estimate from photos before a contractor visits.

Neighborhoods served

• Oakleigh Garden District
• De Tonti Square
• Midtown
• Spring Hill
• West Mobile
• Church Street East

Other Alabama cities

• Home repair in Birmingham
• Home repair in Huntsville
• Home repair in Montgomery