Daly Caravans

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Author: Daly Caravans

Maintaining Your Static Caravan: 5 Simple Tips

Posted on by Daly Caravans

Your static caravan provides you with a comfortable and easy way to live – but it’s not immune to issues. There are things you need to be aware of to ensure your static stays tip-top. Regular checks and running repairs are important. Maintaining your static caravan means just that – making efforts to keep it in good condition. To do this you have to go through the process of checking to see if any problems have occurred already, or whether there are indications that problems are likely to develop in the future. You will be able to take the right steps to fix problems or prevent them.

1. Cleaning

This is a fairly regular domestic task whatever your environment (a bricks and mortar house, a mobile home or a static caravan) and so it is something you will undoubtedly be familiar with.

On a day-to-day basis, keeping control of your things means you will have a manageable environment (things like the washing up, your clothes that need washing etc). Your static is a relatively limited space and so any gathering of ‘stuff’ is going to contribute to a feeling of being cluttered and untidy. If you’re in control of all of this, it’s more likely that you will feel better about the interior of your static, and be more inclined to look after it in a broader sense.

On the interior, running the hoover round and doing a bit of surface wiping is one thing, but doing a more thorough regular deep clean is highly beneficial too. Move the furniture (sofa, chair, shelving, table, TV unit etc) from its regular position and clean those areas, as well as the usually visible areas. Clean down all walls and surfaces, and windows. Empty out cupboards and other storage areas and clean the interior of those. If you are leaving the static for a significant length of time then leave the door of your fridge freezer ajar to prevent a growth of mould.

2. Exterior Maintenance

On the exterior of your static caravan, you can run a damp, warm cloth around to take off surface dirt and grime, but it is worth doing a full wash (like with a car, involving soapy water and rinsing etc). Your caravan will have suffered all sorts of debris build-up, from general dirt and dust to things which can become quite destructive if left (e.g. bird poo).

Areas such as the roof, drains and guttering also require your attention. You should ensure that fallen leaves are not left covering the roof or blocking drain holes or clogging up the static’s guttering. Fallen leaves decompose and can turn into an awful mess which, if left unchecked and unsorted, can eventually block drains and guttering.

Static caravan chassis maintenance is also important. The chassis is likely to be galvanised or painted – or somewhere in between. Check and maintain it regularly to avoid rust and other damage.

3. Boiler and Utilities

Just like back at your bricks and mortar home, you need to keep on top of the correct functioning of your hot water and heating system boiler. A qualified service engineer should be contracted to come out and check this over for you, certifying it as fit for purpose etc. This needs to be done once every three years.

In the time that your static caravan is not in use (over winter, say), then you should make sure that the gas bottle and the electricity are switched off. You can discuss full gas and electric safety checks with your park operator (you may have to pay an annual fee for these services). 

4. Damp

Really, what we are talking about here is airflow and moisture. It’s important to ensure that the flow of air in your static caravan remains decent. Like in any other enclosed space you should be ready to open your window regularly so that air can circulate. It’s good to allow air to flow through the static caravan, as this will help with the prevention of condensation – and therefore damp and any of the problems arising from it. 

Condensation is most noticeable when it appears on surfaces such as glass or tiles. It’s common for condensation to occur in bathrooms and kitchens as these are mini-environments with high moisture content. However, condensation can also occur in corners, on ceilings and window frames, and on the inside of cupboards. As a result of this, black mould may develop in those places.

When you leave your static caravan over the winter, it’s a good idea to keep any bedding and upholstery away from walls and windows. A really smart move might be to store sheets etc in vacuum packs – and it’d also be beneficial to invest in a small dehumidifier or absorber to prevent damp from building up and prevent mould. Once you return after time away, open the windows and vents to allow fresh air into the static and any moisture to escape.

5. Doors / Windows

An important part of maintaining your static caravan is checking the efficiency of the seals on windows and doors. These strips of rubber form an airtight and watertight barrier. However, if they are compromised in any way you will find that this can lead to problems. Due to the nature of the material they are made from, seals can weaken and become brittle over time, leading to loss of function. When this is compromised seals may start to leak, and water problems may start to occur within the static. When you are leaving your static caravan for a few weeks or a few months, you should ensure that windows and doors are properly closed and locked.

If you are concerned about maintaining your static caravan, don’t be. As long as you keep control by doing these things as and when they are required, rather than letting things slide, then it should work out as not very expensive at all. If you follow the suggestions we have made in this edition of our blog, your static caravan should remain in great condition – not only during the spring and summer but also when it is unoccupied throughout the winter. Saving yourself from the inconvenience and expense of major maintenance work is not that difficult and doesn’t have to cost too much at all.

If you’re looking to sell your static caravan, but don’t know where to start, or are worried about its condition or value, why not give us a call at Daly Caravans. Our expert team have years of experience in both the buying and selling of static homes offering fair prices and competitive quotations whatever the condition of your home. Get a free quote today by filling in a few easy details on our online form!

How To Drain Down A Static Caravan

Posted on by Daly Caravans

Although this blog is being written and published during the summer it talks about something particularly important during the process of winterisation, as well as useful to know the rest of the year round. Getting your static caravan prepared for the winter is very important, and draining it down is a crucial part of the process. Static caravans can flood and be subject to frost damage – so draining down can protect you from incurring repair costs. In this edition of our blog we’ll run through the process.

What does ‘draining down’ actually mean?

Draining down means emptying out all of the water in your static caravan’s pipes, boiler and water systems. During winter the water in pipes or essential parts of your boiler and water system could freeze, and the physical expansion caused by this could cause cracking or splits. Pipework could burst and the water would then melt and cause damage to your static, possibly flooding it. Not only will you have to spend money replacing damaged pipework, you may also have to pay out for replacement of things like carpets, furniture and so on. 

How Do I Drain Down? 

The great news is that when the time comes you can drain down your static caravan yourself. You don’t need to employ the services of a specialist or an engineer, and can complete the draining simply by undertaking the following steps.

  1. Switch off: Turn off your water supply and switch off your heating.
  2. Taps: Open the drain-down taps on your static caravan. These are usually positioned beneath your caravan. Turn on all water taps until pipework is fully drained. 
  3. Flush: Make sure to flush the toilet, and also turn on the shower to let the water drain out of that system. To assist in getting the water to flow through and away, you could remove the shower head and even the connecting pipe.
  4. Blow: If you have access to compressed air, blow it through the pipework to blow out any remaining water and remove it.
  5. Anti-Freeze: Pour a non-toxic variety of anti-freeze into the toilet and down any plug holes (into the system) to remove water residue.
  6. Shut: Make sure you close and lock all windows, skylights and doors. This will prevent cold air from entering the static caravan.
  7. Additionally: Check your boiler itself, plus any external pipes on the static caravan. These will be the most likely to suffer cold damage as they are closer to the effects of the elements.

When Do I Drain Down My Static Caravan?

Winterisation is the process of preparing your caravan for winter. Though the term is mostly used in the context of the type of caravan you tow about on holidays, it applies equally to static caravan holiday homes. You are likely to leave the caravan over winter and return to your bricks and mortar home, so you want to make sure it is prepared for being empty and disused during the cold season. 

As a general rule, drain down should be completed by early to mid-November – though some static caravan parks will have their own particular guidelines on drain downs written into contracts as stipulations or advisories. Your insurance policy may also have a clause regarding drain downs – that, for instance, the caravan must be drained down during periods of emptiness, or between particular months etc.

Drain Down Ready To Sell

Another great reason to drain down is when you are preparing to sell your static caravan. It may lay empty for a period of time after you have vacated, and it is advisable to make sure you mitigate against risk, and that it remains in the best condition possible so that prospective static caravan buyers see it at its best – undamaged.

Here at Daly Caravans we have static caravans for sale across our parks, so there are plenty of holiday home options for you as well as the option of selling your static caravan for the best possible price. Find out more now on our quick valuation page. 

How To Maximise Your Static Caravan’s Value

Posted on by Daly Caravans

When you hand over your money and take ownership of a static caravan you are making quite a sizeable purchase. Just like with anything else big that you buy, when the time comes that you decide to sell it pays off if you’ve looked after it. Caravans depreciate in value over time, but you’ll ensure you get the best possible price for your static if you keep on top of all of the necessary maintenance, repairs and domestic tasks. Why wouldn’t you do that anyway? Your static is your pride and joy!

In this edition of our blog we’ll look at the things you can do to ‘work towards’ a good selling price when you’ve reached the “I think I want to sell my static caravan” moment.

Our Tips For Getting The Best Price For Your Static

  1. Condition: This might seem obvious, and we just mentioned it in our introduction, but keeping your static caravan in good condition is a must. That means: a clean and tidy interior and with all fixtures, fittings and systems in good working order. Monitor the condition of the furniture and soft furnishings for serious wear and tear, check that things like hinges on cupboards are all tight and working correctly, and keep an eye on paintwork for chips and scratches. Obviously when you are living in a place and using all of these things regularly there will be some deterioration in quality, but you should do what you can to make sure things don’t get damaged or shabby. 

Wash the soft furnishings, if they have removable covers, or sponge clean or wash them. You should also ensure that the exterior is up to spec. Check regularly for paintwork damage (scratches etc). Check the condition of (if you have it) your exterior decking etc. Basically, do everything you can to keep things ‘nice’ – and this will ensure as high a price as possible is available to you when the time comes to sell.

Similarly, all systems should be working correctly. You might need to occasionally get ‘the experts’ in to sort things out for you if there are performance issues – water systems, gas systems etc. Ultimately, your aim should be to keep your static in a condition as close to the original as possible.

  • Restoration: It’s your place, so you will have personalised it – and that is acceptable, but there’s no getting round the fact that it can have a detrimental effect on its value. Your taste, your style, is different to everyone elses, so (just like you’d ‘neutralise’ the colour of your walls if you were selling your bricks and mortar home) you should ensure that any ‘wild’ colours or curtains, furnishings, carpets and so on are restored to the original basics.

Similarly, any additions you have put in there which might not suit other buyers should be removed or restored, if possible. For example, you might have replaced or reupholstered the furniture or installed a new kitchen. Surprisingly, this can have a negative consequence in terms of the sale value of your caravan, despite your perception that what you’ve done ‘makes the place nicer’. Most people, when buying, like to buy something that bland and inoffensive. Your intention, when selling, should be to have a caravan which you’ve restored to more or less an absolutely ‘blank canvas’ so that someone else can work their own personality, tastes and ideas into it.

A static caravan is at its highest value when it’s ‘box fresh’ – kitted and fitted with all of the original factory features. As we have mentioned, this may be surprising but it is broadly true. When you feel it is time for you to sell your static, you should do your best to make sure you can get it back to this original state, or as close to it as is possible. Obviously in many circumstances this is not possible (if you have installed a new kitchen, for example).

When the time does come to sell your static caravan or, at least, if you feel that you would like an idea of what your caravan is worth so are looking for a valuation, then don’t forget that here at Daly we buy static caravans using a hassle-free and simple three step process. Just fill in our quick valuation form and that gets the ball rolling on establishing what your static caravan is worth. We have a great deal of experience in this area, and our prices are always fair. If you have any further queries simply get in touch – we’d be more than happy to help!

What is the best way to sell my static caravan?

Posted on by Daly Caravans

When the time finally comes that you’ve taken the plunge and decided to sell your static caravan, there are various methods open to you. They are actually discussed in greater depth in a previous edition of our blog, and they include privately. 

Private sale is a method which, in common with any other methods, will give you great satisfaction when the final transaction goes through. In advance of that, though, it’s probably the least convenient method of sale. Here at Daly Parks we believe that the very best way is to sell to us. We buy any static caravan and we offer a quick, friendly and high value service which removes all of the inconvenience without removing the satisfaction of a sale.

How does it work when you sell to us?

Selling your static caravan to us is very simple. It literally could not be more straightforward. It’s a three step process which begins as soon as you complete our quick and easy valuation form. There are some simple questions to answer, so that we can get details of your static caravan. The first batch of details we require are the make (ie. the brand) of your static caravan, plus which model or edition it is, along with its year of manufacture and its length and width. Other information is to do with things like central heating and double glazing, plus a general description of its internal and external conditions.

We will then move the process onto step two. We will arrange an appointment to visit your static and assess that it is as described in the enquiry form. Once we have done this we will work from the information you have given to us, the information we have gathered during our visit and the current market rates for your type of static. Then we will come back to you with a valuation, which is ‘locked in’ for a period of seven days. This guarantees that you will receive the price we have quoted to you when the sale completes – dependent, of course, on the static caravan actually being in the condition you first described.

The third step in the process of selling your static caravan to us is acceptance of offer – and payment. Once you have decided to accept our offer, and informed us that you intend to continue with the sale, we will discuss payment options – and you will receive an instant payment into your bank account once the sale has ‘gone through’. We will help to organise all of the necessaries – disconnections (from utilities) and the collection of your static caravan. The whole process, as described in the these three steps, is really simple and, for you, completely hassle free.

Here at Daly Caravans we buy static caravans regularly and have streamlined the process. We’ve have been through the process more than 20,500 times in our five decades in business, so no longer will you have any worries when you are thinking “I want to sell my static caravan”. We are totally professional – but also very friendly – and will guide you through the three steps mentioned in this edition of our blog, and at the other end you will find yourself painless and pleased to see a wedge of cash in your bank account! If you’re looking to sell your static caravan and have a few queries first then get in touch and we’ll be pleased to help, or you can start the process by completing the valuation form! We look forward to hearing from you!

How To Sell Your Static Caravan With Us: A Guide

Posted on by Daly Caravans

You’ve made the decision to sell your static caravan. When the moment comes to go through with it, you are not going to relish the prospect of it being difficult or ruled by ‘the irritating admin of life’. You certainly won’t want loads of forms to wade through and fill in, or calls to have to make. You’re going to want a very quick and easy way to navigate the whole thing. There are other methods of selling, but our buy scheme is simple and productive and highly efficient – and that’s why selling to Daly Caravans is your number one choice. 

We buy any static caravan and we’ve been through the process more than 20,000 times in nearly five decades in business, so if you’re looking to sell your static, get in touch! In this brief but brilliant edition of our blog, we’ll offer a reminder of the how and why of it!

Why would I want to sell my static?

Although it’s unlikely, it does happen – there may come a time when the appeal of spending time in your static just isn’t there anymore. You’ve fallen out of love with that lifestyle a little bit, and are ready to move on to something else. That’s fine, and we can help – sell to us! Similarly, you may find that the cost of living the rest of your life has increased and the static is something of an asset that can be liquidised to give you more cash. Or, you may decide that your current caravan has outlived its usefulness to you – in terms of luxury or size – and you want to go for an upgrade to something bigger and better. In any and all of these circumstances you can get in touch with us to give you a quote.

How to prepare for sale

You will almost certainly have looked after your static very well. You’ll have kept right on top of its cleanliness and any necessary maintenance it has required. The condition of it is definitely going to affect the price you will be offered, so you should look at things like wiping down surfaces to get rid of any condensation, and installing damp absorbers. Also make sure the roof is watertight and that door and window seals have integrity. Check that the heating system (if there is one) is working, and that any extra fixtures and fittings are in good working order too.

The three step process to selling your static

To start with, there is a little bit of form filling. Just a smidgeon, really, as our quick and easy valuation form contains no more than a few questions about your caravan. It should take you no more than a few minutes and it’ll ensure we know enough to make you an offer. The valuation we make will be guaranteed for seven days (meaning you have a little bit of time to think about our offer). The second step is that we will call you to arrange an appointment, and the third step (provided you’ve accepted our offer) is a discussion about payment options with you, plus, the organisation of the safe disconnection and collection of your static caravan. The whole thing is completely hassle free.

As we mentioned at the start of this blog, we buy any static and we have a vast number of years of experience in the buying and selling of static caravans. In the field of static caravan traders, we have become experts at all aspects, and can offer you lots of advice – as well as the best possible deal. So when you are thinking “will you buy my static caravan?” the answer is likely to be “yes, Daly will”! If you’re actually buying, not selling, then you can browse our website to see what we currently have on offer.

Difference between a Residential Park and a Holiday Park

Posted on by Daly Caravans

The title of this blog sounds like a set-up for a joke, doesn’t it? However, it’s not – and if you are wondering what the differences between these types of caravan parks are, and how that might affect you, then you should read on to find out the key points…

Licensing of Caravan Parks

Believe it or not, the ‘rules’ around living in a permanent home on a caravan park are different to those around holiday homes (though as a starting point, both must be licensed). There are two types of licence: Residential means people can live permanently on the park and Holiday (or Leisure) means they can stay for breaks and/or extended visits. If the park doesn’t have rights of permanent residence, then you cannot live there full-time, even if the park is open all year round. The license for leisure homes is usually for a specific period of time (e.g. 10, 25 or 50 years) whereas residential park licences can be used ‘in perpetuity’ (as long as fees are paid) as they are subject to a virtual freehold (a lengthy type of lease).

The licence is issued by the local council, and it details how many caravans can be sited on the park, what health and safety considerations must be addressed, and what services and amenities must be present. Some parks can be mixed-use which means they will have both holiday homes and residential homes or plots on site. If you are intending to buy a caravan on a park, then the owner / operator of the park will be able to provide all of this information for you, which may have a bearing on your purchase.

A residential park home and a holiday home must also comply with different legal standards when it is built. Almost all holiday homes are built to the EN1647 standard, with all residential homes having to comply with British Standard BS3632 (which ensures that the caravan is suitable for permanent occupation). The major difference between these standards is to do with the level of insulation in the caravans. Holiday homes don’t require the same level of insulation as residential, so they are not required to attain the BS3632 as they are designed for short term occupation. In fact, it is not legal to live full-time in a static caravan that doesn’t conform to the BS3632 standard.

As an interesting side note, these days many holiday caravans are built to BS3632 which isn’t actually a legal requirement. The reason for this is that many holiday parks have a year-round site license so caravans built to a residential standard means the owners can enjoy using their holiday home throughout the year.

Other Requirements

If your caravan is your permanent residence then you are legally obliged to pay the appropriate Council Tax for the area – and park homes are classed as band A, which is the lowest band (i.e. the most inexpensive). Your wheelie bins will be collected just as they would for a bricks-and-mortar home, and other services provided by Council Tax will be covered in your payment. However, if your caravan is your holiday home, then you won’t pay Council Tax – but you will be required to pay towards business rates (at a price agreed and stated in your contract with whoever runs the park).

Is There a Physical Difference?

Not always. However, residential parks do often have a different sort of layout to holiday parks, seeming to be more like the estates or streets that bricks-and-mortar houses are sited on (but with caravans in place instead of houses). Each caravan could have its own drive (for car parking) and dedicated garden area next to or around it. These individual plots might be fenced off, too, to mark the clear boundaries between one person’s property and another’s. In holiday parks it is possible that the caravans will be situated a little closer together than in residential parks and this is likely to be in a more uniform fashion.

Is There a Difference in ‘Way of Living’?

We’re talking about atmosphere, essentially. Is the atmosphere of a residential caravan park different to the atmosphere of a holiday park. The answer is yes, in some ways it is. These days people tend towards keeping themselves to themselves in terms of the minutiae of their daily lives, but there is still a strong sense of community in most places you go. So it is with residential caravan parks.

People will undoubtedly begin to get to know one another when they reside relatively closely on a residential caravan park. People will become neighbours and, as the saying goes, everybody needs good ones. There are often criteria which residents must meet in order to live there – and this could include consideration of things like age, pets, etc – so it’s possible that people of the same demographic will populate a residential park. With holiday parks, people won’t see each other on a daily basis as they may perhaps only come into contact for a few weeks each year.

If it is possible to site your permanent home on a mixed-use park which is essentially a holiday park, you may find that there is a level of social activity which might not occur on dedicated residential parks, as there are likely to be entertainment and leisure facilities accessible.

Hopefully this blog has given you a good grounding on the differences between residential parks and holiday parks. When you are considering moving on and are thinking “I want to sell my static caravan”, don’t forget that at Daly Parks we buy any static caravan – so contact us and let’s get the ball rolling…

Security Tips for Static Caravan Buyers

Posted on by Daly Caravans

With winter in full swing, you may be thinking about moving out of your static caravan until the weather improves – if you haven’t already. Though you’re permitted to live in a static caravan all year round if it’s situated on private land, many residential sites require you to move out over the winter months, with many parks deciding to close until the new season begins. If you’re using your static caravan for holiday purposes, you’re also unlikely to be spending much, if any, of the winter at your site – which leaves many caravans empty, and at risk.

Why Is It Important?

As a result of park closures, static caravans can be left empty for long periods, sometimes up to around three months. Like all empty properties, this puts your caravan at a greater risk of burglary if left exposed without adequate security measures (sometimes, the winter months mark a spike in theft-related claims). As a we buy any static caravan trader, we’re here with our top tips to help you through.

Static Caravan Buyers: What You Can Do?

Take Valuables with You

Possessions left in plain sight make dwellings a key target for theft. Most of the time, valuables and sentimental possessions can be taken with you – for example wallets, keys, jewellery, bikes and electronic devices. If taking them with you isn’t logistically possible, you can either remove all valuable belongings from the view of windows, or invest in a safe to store them in. Ensuring the safe is also placed out of sight of any windows helps to further reduce your risk of theft.

Lock Doors and Windows

Ever accidentally ran an errand and, upon your return, realised the door was unlocked? It may sound obvious, but something as simple as ensuring all doors, windows and skylights are locked is something people often forget to do. With all entrances to your caravan secure, trying to break in by force becomes a much more time consuming prospect which in turn works to deter thieves.

Install an Alarm

Before you leave the park for winter, having an alarm fitted on your caravan is a great idea. These days, many alarms are designed to allow you to monitor your static caravan remotely – a particularly great investment if your park doesn’t have a warden, or if your static caravan is located far from your alternative address. There’s a whole host of alarms on the market to choose from – some alert you on your mobile phone when the alarm is activated, others are fitted with camera systems which detect movement inside your caravan unit, sending you a mobile notification via an internet connection. Before you decide which one is best for you, it’s crucial to establish whether you have an adequate internet connection at the caravan park if the alarm requires one.

Hopefully you now understand more about why caravan security is so vital. Not only is winter a great time to secure your caravan, but perhaps this coming season has prompted you to sell for good? With our we buy any caravan service we’ve built up a great reputation among static caravan buyers and sellers here at Daly caravans. Simply enquire using our quick and easy valuation form, and we’ll call you back to arrange an appointment. Get started today!

Selling a Static Caravan or Holiday Home: Advice from the Experts

Posted on by Daly Caravans

You’ve enjoyed living or holidaying in your static caravan. You’ve had some wonderful times there, and you’re sorry to see it go – but circumstances have changed, and you’ve made the decision to put it up for sale. “I want to sell my static,” you’re thinking. “But how do I get about it?”

There are a few ways you can sell, including to the park on which it sits, or to a third party or in a private sale. But which of these options is the best? There are a few things which will have a bearing on who you sell to, and how much you charge for your static caravan in a sale, so we’ll begin by going through them here.

What Affects the Value of Your Static Caravan?

1.   Condition

If your static is in superb condition – as close to new as possible – then you will undoubtedly receive a much higher price than if it has been allowed to get into a state of disrepair, or has become very tired and a bit shabby. Although wear and tear is always to be expected, most buyers will be looking for a static caravan that has had TLC lavished upon it during its life thus far. Cleaning it regularly, and keeping on top of small maintenance jobs and repairs, is very important.

2.   Extras

If you have added brand new double glazing and a central heating system at some point after the caravan’s manufacture then this is likely to be a factor during any negotiation process over price. Similarly, if you have installed decking outside the static it can add more value. Decking areas tend to improve the exterior appearance of static caravans and, of course, provide another social space, itself a further selling point. New stairs and skirting is also a way to improve your chances of a higher price when you come to sell.

3.   Pitch

Location means a lot, and if you have a truly premium pitch position on the caravan park then you should be able to negotiate a better price. People are usually willing to pay a little more for a static caravan if the view is spectacular (or even just great) and the general position of the caravan feels above average.

Who Should I Sell My Static Caravan To?

1.   Park owner

Often the quickest way to sell your static is to your park owner. Many caravan parks will buy a holiday home for a fair price, and a big benefit of selling to a park is there won’t be sales commission or disconnection costs. As you’re not selling the pitch or licence agreement, the price will depend on the age, condition, and current trade value of your static caravan. If you sell your caravan privately or use a dealer, you might have some additional costs to cover.

2.   Dealer

A static caravan dealer is likely to offer you just about the same amount as a caravan park for your static, though you may strike it lucky and find a dealer who offers you a little bit more. Holiday home dealers tend to base their offer on calculations involving the same factors – current trade value and condition, etc. You should always get two or three quotes from different dealers so you can ensure the best return on your investment.

3.   Private sale

You may prefer to sell privately, in which case you should contact the park owner / operator and let them know that you intend to do so. You will then need to agree on a resale value for your caravan, pitch and licence agreement.

Moving on!

1.   Notice

To terminate your agreement with the park, you need to provide written notice at the appropriate moment. This can be anywhere between two weeks and three or four months – so you should check your documentation to make sure you comply with this legal requirement.

2.   Finance

You probably didn’t pay your static with a lump sum, so it’s likely that there is some finance still outstanding. It is actually not legal to  sell a holiday home with outstanding finance attached to it, so you must contact your finance company and come up with a plan for the remaining finance to be paid off, to make the sale possible. You should also pay up any outstanding bills before you leave – water, gas, electric and internet plus, of course, pitch and park fees.

Reasons to Get Your Static in Situ before Winter

Posted on by Daly Caravans

You’ve finally fulfilled that promise to yourself to buy, but winter is coming! It’s advisable to get your static caravan transported and sited for static caravan buyers before the cold and dark season ‘sets in’ – and in this new blog we’ll explain why.

Siting conditions

It’s not just the weather which dictates the need to transport and site your caravan before winter. It’s also the effects of that weather on site conditions. Soft ground is a major issue. Moving your static caravan is almost certainly going to involve some sort of ‘off roading’ – that is to say, your caravan is probably going to be sited on some land away from a road and transporting it to this resting place will mean travel across troublesome fields or uneven terrain.

In these instances, the combined weight of the caravan and the transporter it is moving on will make getting your static to its final location much more difficult once the weather has turned for winter. The ground will have become sodden and soft, and this will come after travelling to the site along various roads and lanes which will themselves present transportation challenges for large vehicles.

The average static caravan is between five and seven tonnes, so with an articulated truck and trailer as the delivery vehicle, you’re talking about a possible total combined weight of around 17 to 19 tonnes. Putting this enormous sum onto soft ground, potentially even waterlogged, will cause problems as the terrain is not going to be hard and solid enough to cope with the combined weight. The lanes the vehicles have to travel may also have been churned up due to the weather conditions and become impassable to a transporter.

Some people may be moving their static to a relatively small space such as a private garden, in which case a lighter vehicle (perhaps a 4×4) could be used to manoeuvre the caravan and push it across soft ground into position (dependent on the size of the caravan, too, of course).

In either case – larger site or private garden – it’s probable that some form of preparation (perhaps a hard standing area) will need to be sorted out in advance. The weather conditions can have a bearing on any groundworks which may need to go ahead in advance of delivery / resiting of the static caravan.

Road closures and diversions

There are various factors around the use of roads which are going to determine the success of siting your static caravan. If a road is closed, then this could mean significant delays. In addition, the road you had intended as the best route to site may be closed with a diversion in place – and this diversion may not be suitable, again meaning delivery and siting is not possible at the planned time.

Cold weather can affect facilities and service

We’ve talked about the weather conditions making certain roads and lanes impassable and affecting the pitch itself – but there is another issue which can arise in the winter and cause problems when you want to site your caravan. The cold.

Just like in a domestic home, the cold can cause problems with on-site services such as gas and plumbing – particularly if they have been out of use for a while – so any effect on these things will mean a delay to your static caravan being liveable in its new location, if you have been able to deliver it in the first place. Bear in mind, also, that if there have been problems with pipework and delivery hardware below the surface of the ground, the ground itself could be a cause of delays as it is likely to be too hard to excavate and work through. Again, more delays.

How to avoid winter problems when resiting your caravan

It is, of course, possible to negotiate or navigate all of these things during the winter, but you are making things much more difficult for yourself!

There are definitely ways to reduce problems when getting your static into place, and the main one is to do it before the winter arrives, when the weather is warmer, and the general conditions are more temperate. It’s always advisable to do a site survey prior to delivery, so that you know in advance what you are going to be dealing with at each stage (and this is whether it is winter or not).

Remember, at Daly we are static caravan buyers as well as sellers – so we have a lot of experience and we’re experts in all issues relating to relocation, transportation, and siting. We buy static caravans regularly and so can answer any of your questions regarding your sale. If you’re thinking “Will Daly buy my static caravan?” then let’s talk!

We Buy Static Caravans: It’s Time to Upgrade Your Static

Posted on by Daly Caravans

At some point your static caravan will reach the end of its reasonable life – but when will it need to be upgraded or replaced? Making an exact prediction of when the moment will arrive is not a science, so is never going to be ‘spot on’ – though it’s possible to come up with a rough estimate based on the fact that a static caravan’s average lifespan is around 25 years. Simple logic dictates that the answer depends on when you bought yours, and on the understanding that it will be ‘give or take’ a year or two. Maybe your static caravan was already fifteen years old when you bought it – in which case you should likely get another decade, perhaps a little more, out of it.

There are, obviously, factors which will influence the lifespan of each individual caravan, no matter the current age. Things like how well you choose to maintain it, and how kind or unkind the elements are over the course of its useful lifespan, as well as plain old luck will have a significant bearing – and it’s feasible that if everything goes your way your static could even last for 30 years.

However, no matter the age it could be you, not the caravan! The need to upgrade or replace your static doesn’t always come about just because it might have reached the end of its useful life. Perhaps you’ve decided that, whether yours is for everyday living or a holiday home, you need more space or fancy a change of layout or some new scenery…

So, what are the clearest signs that indicate it might be time to upgrade your static?

Structure

Over time the caravan’s joints weaken and the insulation thins. Unless regular checking and maintenance is performed it will eventually lose the feeling of comfort you’ve become accustomed to and relied upon, and there will be a sense that, for you, its best days are in the past. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is beyond redemption, but it could be time to upgrade.

Out of date

Put simply, perhaps your static is just no longer ‘on point’. Maybe the exterior has seen better days. Perhaps the interior furnishings have become quite dated so have lost their wow factor, or the fixtures and fittings seem to belong to a different era and have lost their appeal? Perhaps the layout of the leisure area is a little below par and no longer comfortable. Upgrading your static caravan might be the answer.

There is also, of course, the possibility that the technology in your static has become outmoded. The cooker might be past its best and not up to the job – and, similarly, the fridge may no longer be functioning efficiently or even have enough room in it to cope with the amount of food you want to put into it. Crucially, in the modern era, perhaps there are no charging points, alongside standard sockets, for all of your digital devices (mobile phones, tablets etc).

Change in circumstance

Life never stays the same. That is a certainty. Years may go by with things ‘ticking over’ and seeming to have stayed the same, but then all of a sudden, a couple of things change in quick succession. Then, a year later the same happens again. Before you know it, you are nowhere near the lifestyle you had only five years ago – and your surrounding have some catching up to do!

Perhaps you’ve been living in a relatively modest-sized static caravan as a single person, and you suddenly find yourself co-habiting. Or perhaps you’re already in a couple but you have a child on the way. Maybe you decide to get a dog. The truth is that there a whole host of changes in circumstance which can necessitate shaking up your space – i.e., upgrading your caravan.

It’s time to upgrade your static caravan

When the time comes that you feel the need to upgrade your static caravan, across all of our Daly Park sites there are many for sale. Whether you choose Causey Hill in Northumberland, Scout Cragg in Silverdale, Village Green in County Durham or Willow Tree in the Lakes, you’re guaranteed to find one that is ‘up to spec’ and will last you and your family.

We buy static caravans in addition to selling. So, when the time comes to move on, there’s a chance that we’ll take your static caravan off your hands. In fact, we buy any static caravan. All you need to do is fill in our quick and easy valuation form to begin the process…