Annual Habitation Check: What's Involved & DIY Pre-Check
Understand exactly what a professional habitation check covers, and how to carry out a thorough DIY pre-check to catch issues before your annual service.
What This Is
A habitation check is the motorhome equivalent of an MOT for the living area. This guide explains what professionals check and how to do a thorough owner inspection.
Tools & Parts Required
- Protimeter damp meter
- Torch
- Screwdriver set
- CO alarm tester
- Smoke alarm tester
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Step ladder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Using a Protimeter damp meter, systematically check all interior walls, particularly around windows, roof lights, door frames, and roof penetrations. Readings above 20% WME indicate a problem. Pay particular attention to front and rear corners.
- 2
Check the floor around the habitation door, under the kitchen and bathroom, and around floor-mounted furniture fixings. Lift any loose floor coverings. Soft or spongy flooring indicates water damage to the substrate.
- 3
Inspect all exterior sealant joints — around windows, roof lights, door frames, corner mouldings, and roof-mounted equipment. Cracked, shrunk, or missing sealant is the primary cause of damp ingress. Repair with Sikaflex 512.
- 4
Test the CO alarm using a CO test aerosol — it must sound within 30 seconds. Test the smoke alarm. Check the LPG/gas alarm if fitted. Replace any alarms that fail to respond. CO alarms should be replaced every 7 years.
- 5
Inspect all visible LPG hoses for cracking, perishing, or kinking. Check hose clips for tightness. The flexible hose connecting the regulator should be replaced every 5 years — check the date stamp.
- 6
Test all 230V sockets with a socket tester. Check the RCD trips correctly. Test all 12V lights and equipment. Inspect the mains hook-up lead for damage. Check the leisure battery voltage (should be 12.6–12.8V fully charged).
- 7
Run all taps and check for leaks under sinks and in the bathroom. Check the water pump runs quietly and maintains pressure. Inspect all visible water hose connections.
- 8
Check tyre condition and pressures. Inspect wheel arches for corrosion. Check all exterior lights function. Test the habitation door lock, windows, and roof lights for smooth operation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only checking for damp when you can see or smell it — damp is often well-established before it becomes visible
- Ignoring hairline cracks in exterior sealant
- Not testing CO alarms — CO poisoning causes dozens of deaths in motorhomes and caravans each year
Safety Warnings
- Gas and electrical safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- This guide covers the owner inspection elements only.
When to Call a Professional
Gas safety checks, electrical certification, and any structural damp repair should be carried out by qualified professionals. The NCC Approved Workshop Scheme lists approved habitation check centres.
Community Tips
Real-world tips from motorhome and caravan owners
No tips yet — be the first to share a tip!
Have a tip to share?
Sign in to contribute your own real-world experience