Manufactured Housing News

When preparing for the installation of your mobile home, understanding the foundation requirements is important so that your new home is stable, durable, and follows local codes. A well-chosen foundation secures the structure of your home, and also improves its overall lifespan and safety. The team at Triad is here to explain the different foundation options available for mobile homes, and what factors go into choosing one.

Types of Foundations for Mobile Homes

There are several types of foundations that work for mobile homes, and each come with its own set of advantages and requirements. The most common types include:

1. Slab Foundations: A slab foundation is a single, solid piece of poured concrete that supports the floor of the home. This type of foundation is popular for its simplicity and affordability. It’s usually ideal for flat terrains, and provides you with a sturdy base that prevents your home from shifting.
2. Crawl Space Foundations: This type of foundation elevates the home off the ground, creating a small space between the bottom of the house and the ground. Crawl space foundations are usually used in areas with a high water table, or where the soil is especially moist and might create issues. They’re constructed using concrete blocks or poured concrete walls.
3. Basement Foundations: A basement foundation involves digging out a space beneath the home, creating a basement. This type of foundation is usually more expensive and complex to build, but can also provide you with extra living or storage space. It’s especially helpful in colder weather climates, where the frost line might be a concern. Here, a basement can provide extra insulation and protection from frozen ground.

A foundation system for mobile homes normally includes several components that keep the home stable and compliant. These may include a steel frame, which supports the home's structure, and different types of concrete supports, like concrete blocks or poured concrete.

1. Steel Frame: The steel frame acts as the skeleton of the foundation, providing support and making sure the home remains level and stable. It’s crucial for all types of manufactured homes.
2. Concrete Block: Concrete blocks are usually used in crawl space foundations. They help with durability and resistance to moisture, making them a great choice for areas that experience a lot of rain or humidity. These blocks are stacked to form walls that support the home's weight.
3. Poured Concrete: Poured concrete is used in both slab and basement foundations. It provides a seamless base that distributes the home's weight evenly, reducing the risk of settling or shifting over time.

When preparing a site for a mobile home, several factors will need to be considered to be sure the foundation meets all necessary requirements.

These may include:

1. Building Codes: Local building codes decide the minimum standards for your foundation construction. These codes vary by region and are designed with safety and structural integrity in mind. Compliance with building codes is mandatory, and usually requires inspections and permits.
2. Frost Line: The frost line refers to the depth at which the ground freezes during the winter. In colder climates, foundations have to be built below this line to prevent frost heave, which can cause the foundation to shift and potentially damage your home. This is especially important for slab and basement foundations.
3. Sloping Lots: Building on a sloping lot can cause unique challenges. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from gathering around the foundation, which might lead to erosion over time. In this case, crawl space or basement foundations are better options, since they’re adaptable to uneven landscapes.

The Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (PFGMH) has detailed guidelines for building durable foundations for mobile homes. This guide is important for anyone involved in the installation of manufactured homes, and it outlines the specific requirements and best practices.

Manufactured home foundation certification is also a big step in the installation process. This certification verifies that your foundation meets all building codes and standards. It’s often required for real estate transactions, and ensures that the home is permanently affixed to its foundation. This also makes it eligible for conventional mortgage financing— a process that Triad can help you navigate.

Choosing the right foundation for a mobile home is a big decision that impacts your home's safety, durability, and compliance with local regulations. Whether you go for a slab, crawl space, or basement foundation, understanding the specific requirements and components involved is key. By following building codes, considering factors like the frost line and site conditions, and getting the necessary certifications, homeowners can make sure they have a solid and lasting foundation for their mobile homes.