What should you consider in a modular home foundation? There are different aspects to consider when laying a modular home foundation. Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory....
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory. They are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to their new location on wheels. When financing a modular home there are specific requirements that one must consider before buying. Some lenders will not finance a manufactured home if it is not on a permanent foundation. A permanent foundation means it must be constructed of durable materials. "It shall have attached points to anchor and stabilize the manufactured home to transfer all loads, herein defined, to the underlying soil or rock," says pathnet.org, a website that provides information for foundation and support systems for manufactured homes.
If the manufactured home will be transferred to land already owned, make sure the home will sit on a permanent foundation. If not, the home will not sell as quickly in the future because it will turn off some buyers and limit the number of lenders they can choose from, says Fred Marshall, owner of Advanced Foundation Repair. He has been repairing foundations for 13 years. The majority of lenders require a modular home to be placed on some kind foundation. Some might want to have a concrete sheet put on the ground underneath the modular home. Some may want to put concrete pillars in place. Some will accept concrete blocks to stand on top of each other. "In most cases, because of the potential for wind damage, modular homes have to be attached to the ground with steel straps," says Marshall.
Within the past five years, the manufactured housing industry has experienced a major change, and the changes keep occurring to stay competitive in the housing market.
Do research when it comes to the foundation for manufactured homes. "Find out what you should know about where you are," says Marshall. In Texas, there are various wind ratings for different areas. Homes that are on the southeast coast of the United States are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Foundation design and selection in these areas is often subject to local code wind speed minimums. Parts of the West Coast are subjected to earthquakes that can move a home off its foundation, so there are requirements for that area when building a foundation.
According to pathnet.org, there is not one foundation that is the best. Since it is the soil that supports the home, it depends on how the soil is to determine which foundation will be appropriate for the home. Certain soils have relatively little ability to support weight. Some may become more or less supportive when wet or dry. It doesn't matter if the home is made out of wood or is manufactured the foundation of the home is the single most important element when looking to buy, build or transport a home. If the foundation is not good, then the homeowner will never get their full investment out of the home when looking to sell. Because foundations are expensive, the cost is the single most important aspect. Price is in many cases the determining factor in choosing a foundation system, so look to see which is most economical for the homebuyer before signing any contracts.
