Motorhome Habitation Check: What’s Included & How Much Does It Cost in the UK?

Motorhome Habitation Check: What’s Included & How Much Does It Cost in the UK? (2025 Guide)

Owning a motorhome means freedom — but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important (and often misunderstood) is the annual motorhome habitation check. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned tourer, understanding what the check includes, why it matters, and how much it costs can save you from expensive repairs later down the line.

As an AWS-approved workshop, KamperBitz carries out hundreds of habitation checks every year across motorhomes, campervans and caravans — and in this guide we explain everything you need to know.

⭐ What Is a Motorhome Habitation Check?

A habitation check is a comprehensive safety and condition inspection of the living area of your motorhome. It ensures that gas systems, electrical systems, ventilation, water, appliances and structural components are safe and operating correctly.

Think of it like an MOT — but for the “home” part of your motorhome.

It doesn’t test the engine or chassis; it looks at everything that keeps you safe, warm, comfortable and legal.

🔧 Why Is a Habitation Check Important?

Here’s why every manufacturer, dealer and insurer recommends an annual check:

✔ Safety First

Gas leaks, faulty heaters, cracked flues, unsafe wiring or damp in structural areas are serious hazards. A hab check ensures everything is safe for you and your family.

✔ Protects Your Warranty

Many manufacturers require annual servicing/hab checks to maintain warranty validity.

✔ Prevents Expensive Repairs

Small issues (water ingress, loose wiring, early damp) caught early prevent £1,000s in damage later.

✔ Improves Resale Value

A stamped habitation record shows future buyers the van has been properly maintained.

✔ Peace of Mind

Before a trip, there’s nothing better than knowing everything is working and safe.

🛠️ What’s Included in a Habitation Check? (Full Breakdown)

Here’s exactly what an AWS-approved habitation check includes — and what we carry out at KamperBitz.

🔥 1. Gas System Inspection

We check all gas appliances and supply systems for:

• Leaks (full gas drop test)

• Regulator condition & dates

• Pigtail condition & manufacture date

• Appliance burner pressure

• Appliance flame picture (blue & stable)

• Flue integrity

• Ventilation and air supply

• Operation of hob, oven, grill, fridge, heater, water heater

Gas safety is one of the biggest reasons not to skip your annual check.

⚡ 2. 230V Electrical System Check

We inspect:

• Consumer unit (RCD/MCB configuration)

• RCD test — must trip within regulation times

• Polarity checks

• Earth bonding

• 230V sockets, charger, power inlets

• Condition and routing of wiring

• Operation of mains appliances

We regularly find previous owners or converters have incorrectly wired sockets or RCDs — so this is absolutely essential.

🔋 3. 12V Electrical System Check

This includes:

• Battery condition

• Charge rates from mains, alternator or solar

• Control panel operation

• Lighting circuits

• Water pumps & fans

• Fuse box condition

• Wiring inspection

Modern vans increasingly rely on 12V systems for everything, so faults here can cause widespread issues.

💧 4. Water System Checks

We check:

• Water pump performance

• Fresh & waste water tanks

• Pipework and connections

• Toilet function

• Taps and mixer operation

• Water heater operation (gas & electric)

• Frost protection valve function

Leaks or poor flow often indicate early issues that can be fixed cheaply if caught early.

🌡️ 5. Heating & Hot Water System Testing

We test:

• Truma/Alde heating operation

• Burners

• Circulation pumps

• Heat output

• Electric elements

• Error codes

• Safety devices (overheat stats, ventilation)

Heating issues are one of the most common reasons customers call us — and annual servicing prevents most failures.

🪟 6. Ventilation & Airflow

We check:

• Rooflights

• Permanent ventilation

• Flyscreens

• CO & smoke alarm operation

• Correct airflow to gas appliances

Good ventilation is a legal requirement for gas-operated vehicles.

🚪 7. Bodywork & Structural Checks

We inspect:

• Doors, locks, hinges

• Windows & seals

• Rooflights & vents

• Step operation

• Awning rail condition

We also check for signs of impact damage or previous water ingress.

🌧️ 8. Damp Test & Moisture Readings

We take readings across the entire vehicle including:

• Corners

• Floor edges

• Roof joints

• Windows

• Locker areas

• Behind washrooms

• Around external sockets

Damp, if left untreated, is the most expensive problem in motorhomes — and it's often invisible until damage is severe.

💷 How Much Does a Motorhome Habitation Check Cost in the UK?

Prices vary depending on layout, manufacturer and location, but typically:

• £180–£320 for a full habitation check

• Additional for:

  • Damp report

  • Appliance servicing

  • Certificates

  • Fault repairs

At KamperBitz, we offer:

👉 Full Motorhome Habitation Check

From £210+vat Includes AWS-approved inspection, full report, online service record upload (if applicable), and moisture readings.

👉 Optional Add-Ons

• Truma boiler service

• Alde fluid change

• Gas certification

• Solar/battery inspection

• Pre-purchase inspection

🧪 What Happens After the Check?

We provide:

• A detailed condition report

• Photos of any issues

• Moisture reading sheet

• Explanation of any recommended repairs

• Upload to manufacturer systems (Truma, Swift, Bailey etc. where relevant)

We never carry out additional chargeable repairs without discussing it first.

⚠️ Common Issues We Find During Hab Checks

From real KamperBitz jobs:

• Incorrect wiring from previous converters

• Leaking water heaters

• Loose gas fittings

• Cracked flue pipes

• Damp at rear corners or near skylights

• Failing chargers

• Worn pigtails or out-of-date regulators

• Poor DIY modifications

• Blocked air inlets on Truma systems

• Low battery performance

These problems almost always get worse (and more expensive) if left un-checked.

🗓️ How Often Should You Get a Habitation Check?

Manufacturers recommend annually, and insurers often expect the same.

If you store your motorhome outdoors, you may want an additional pre-season check before long trips.

🔍 Signs You Need a Habitation Check Sooner

• Musty smell (damp)

• Water marks or soft walls

• Electrical issues

• Battery not charging

• Slow water flow

• Heating cutting out

• Gas smell

• Stiff or misaligned doors

• Awning rail movement

If you're experiencing any of these, book a check ASAP.

📅 Book Your Habitation Check With KamperBitz

As an AWS-approved workshop with years of experience across caravans, motorhomes and van conversions, you’re guaranteed a thorough, professional, safety-focused inspection.

📞 Call: 07918 613639

🌐 Visit: www.kamperbitz.co.uk📍 Workshop appointments + mobile servicing available

Your adventures run smoother when your motorhome does too — let us help keep it that way.