Over the last few decades, manufactured or mobile homes have evolved a lot. The homes are designed to be full-time living quarters and come with plumbing, heating, electricity, and air conditioning systems. More and more people choose manufactured homes because of their modern interiors and attractive exteriors.
What are manufactured homes?
The manufactured home, formerly known as the mobile home, is a pre-built, transportable house that still adheres to the strict federal building codes imposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Manufactured Homes need a foundation to provide stability and support. There are many types of foundations for manufactured homes and housing.
Different types of manufactured home foundations
The following are the types of foundations for manufactured homes:
Pier and Beam Foundation
The most popular foundation system for manufactured homes. This foundation system uses solid steel beams that are placed to support the structure of the home.
The labor costs of a pier-and-beam foundation can range from 20 to 40% of the total price. Labor costs can be higher in urban areas where the cost of living is high. Highly skilled workers such as structural engineers and experienced foundation contractors command higher wages.
The cost of labor includes the cost of skilled labor such as carpenters, laborers, and any tools and equipment required. Certain pier and beam materials require specialized tools and skills. Steelwork, for example, requires a welder with specialized equipment and a high level of skill. This increases the labor cost.
Slab Foundation
Rather than acting as the flooring of the manufactured home, the slab underneath it functions as a support platform. A concrete slab foundation is made up of concrete blocks and poured concrete. It’s the least expensive foundation type to install. However, it’s also the most difficult foundation to repair. Plumbing is usually run through concrete slab foundations. The slab may have to be opened to fix plumbing when pipes fail. Slab leaks may also cause extensive damage and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.
The slabs may also feel cold and cause the floors to be chilly for much of the winter. This can be an advantage in the summer but can also be uncomfortable during winter.
Foundation for Basement
A basement is an excellent solution to add extra living space and/or storage in your manufactured housing complex or home. A basement foundation is built over a hole dug in the ground and lined with cinder blocks. It can be a great place for extra storage or a safe haven during a storm. Some homeowners finish their basements to make it a cozy place for family time, watching TV, or sleeping.
Basements should be waterproofed. Others install a French drainage system to drain water away from their home. A basement that is not properly waterproofed will cause a homeowner a lot of headaches.
Crawl Space Foundation
Crawl spaces are used when a conventional foundation on site is needed. Crawl space is built on cinderblocks with a gap in between the house and the ground. Crawl spaces allow homeowners to repair pipes under their homes. They do not offer storage like a basement, and they are not considered safe in a tornado.
In crawl spaces, moisture management is crucial as the subflooring may be susceptible to mold and moisture. A moisture barrier is a good way to prevent mold growth. The homeowner should hire a contractor with experience who is familiar with local codes and understands how to control moisture in crawl spaces.
The Importance Of Manufactured Home Foundations
When considering a manufactured house for purchase, it is important to understand the type of foundation that it has. A foundation certificate is often required on a manufactured house to verify that it is functional and permanent. Permanent foundations are usually required to qualify your home as a real property. They will also help you with financing.
A permanent foundation is constructed on-site using durable materials. The foundation must be site-built since manufactured homes do not fall under this category. HUD stipulates that the foundation of a manufactured house must have attachment points for anchoring and leveling it to transfer all loads into soil or rock. Permanent foundations need to be structurally checked by a professional engineer.
What are the guidelines for manufactured home foundation certification?
The structural design of manufactured home foundations may be adapted to meet any code. Suppose you are looking to get a manufactured home loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, the Veteran Affairs Department, or a traditional loan. In that case, your foundation system needs to meet these criteria.
- The HUD Permanent Foundations Guide For Manufactured Housing is the guideline for all foundation systems.
- A professional engineer must certify that the foundation system is compliant with HUD/FHA/VA.
- FHA and VA require that the manufactured home be built on a permanent basis in accordance with the regulations contained within the (PFGMH).
Engineer’s Foundation certifications are awarded if your manufactured home meets FHA/HUD and VA standards. This is to ensure that the loan guidelines have been met. The Engineer’s Foundation Certification will also be required for the sale, purchase, or refinancing of your home. Worthy Inspection Services offers a variety of inspection services, including manufactured home foundation inspections. These are offered in conjunction with Foundation Certifications.
