Modular & Manufactured Home Foundation Requirements & Types

Your home’s foundation is a critical component that determines its stability, strength, and durability now and in the future. The foundation requirements and costs for manufactured and modular homes differ depending on the home type and the foundation style used.

Modular home foundation requirements are similar to site-built homes. Alternatively, manufactured homes are subject to more stringent FHA and HUD regulations. Their requirements have changed over the years, but we understand all agencies’ regulations.

Manufactured Home Foundation Types

Although they are strict, manufactured home foundation requirements offer multiple options for foundations. Manufactured homes can be placed on piers, concrete block skirting, or slab foundations in some cases. 

Pier Foundations

Pier foundations commonly serve as the foundation for a manufactured home. Requirements indicate that piers should be spaced at specific intervals and depths depending on the home’s size and load. They must be set beneath the frost line to prevent winter deterioration and require steel straps to anchor the home into place. Installers can place both single and double-wide manufactured homes on pier foundations. 

Furthermore, installers can place vinyl skirting around the piers of your home to protect them from weather damage and give them a sleeker appearance.

Pros of Pier Foundations

Pier foundations are popular because they are affordable, easy to install, and protect the home from minor flood or frost damage. If they meet the manufactured home foundation requirements, pier foundations are a solid choice.

Cons of Pier Foundations

Settling may occur with pier foundations, which can cause slight shifts. If a big enough shift happens—such as with erosion or seismic activity—your home could destabilize. Pier foundations typically allow for only soil beneath the house, so there’s no additional storage. It can also cause moisture buildup and add some unique challenges to home repairs.

Concrete Block Skirting

In addition to having a facade that mirrors more traditional stick-built homes, concrete block skirting creates the extra storage space that pier foundations lack.

Concrete blocks do not support the home with this type of foundation. Instead, steel I-beams carry the home’s weight load. The skirting conceals the blocking stations supporting I-beams. This keeps your foundation compliant with requirements.

Pros of Concrete Block Skirting

Concrete block skirting is an attractive option for manufactured homes because it resembles a traditional, stick-built home, which is more appealing to some homebuyers. The concrete skirting also does an excellent job of keeping out pests and wildlife that might otherwise be able to get past vinyl skirting. Another benefit is that the space under the home can be used for storage and utilities. 

Cons of Concrete Block Skirting

Though concrete block skirting is a great option for some, it takes longer to build. It’s also more expensive than pier foundations. While concrete skirting allows more space for storage and utilities, the space is also harder to access if you need to perform maintenance.

Modular Home Foundation Types

Though modular homes do not have to follow stringent manufactured home foundation requirements, they must be built in accordance with local building codes, just like traditional homes. However, modular homes offer more foundation options.

Both manufactured and modular homes are built offsite and offer an affordable option for those looking for a home. However, the most significant difference between modular homes and manufactured homes is that modular homes must be installed on a permanent foundation.

Slab Foundation

Slab foundations function as a level, strong foundation for the home and are most commonly used with modular homes. First, the ground is leveled with a base of four to six inches of gravel or sand. Then, another four to six inches of deep, flat concrete serves as the foundation for the home. All utilities must be contained within the walls and flooring of the building.

There are two types of slab foundations: floating slabs and traditional slabs. Floating slabs are installed without piers, while traditional slabs have them. An engineering soil study is required to determine if a manufactured home can be placed safely without piers, based on requirements. 

Pros of Concrete Slab Foundations

Slab foundations are affordable, easy to install, and provide excellent support for homes. The concrete also creates a dry area under the home and offers some resistance from weather and seismic activity.

Cons of Concrete Slab Foundation

Concrete slab foundations are not ideal for sloping lots and can be more susceptible to frost. They also present challenges for utility installations and maintenance, especially on an incline.

Crawlspace Foundation

For modular homes, crawlspace foundations are a great option. Crawlspace foundations feature poured concrete walls and footers anchored in the soil.  The walls provide support for your home while creating a 48-inch deep crawlspace within the foundation. The concrete or peastone floor helps keep out pests and moisture. 

Pros of Crawlspace Foundations

Crawlspace foundations are about average in terms of cost, which makes them a feasible option for many modular homebuyers. They also deter termites, humidity, wind, and frost.

Cons of Crawlspace Foundation

Unfortunately, concrete crawlspace foundations drain poorly, which creates potential issues with flooding. They also don’t provide additional living or storage space, which is a dealbreaker for some buyers. 

Basement Foundation

Basement foundations are the most reliable foundation for a modular home, and they are most commonly seen in traditional stick-built homes. These foundations are poured concrete and must meet the exact measurements of your home. They are subject to inspection and approval by the local municipal authority’s building department before sale in practically any municipality.

Basements are a permanent option that gives homeowners additional living space and the look of a traditional home, which makes them highly attractive.

Pros of Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are beneficial because they improve home value and are more versatile. They also offer greater protection from extreme weather, such as tornadoes.

Cons of Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are expensive compared to the other types of foundations. They also take longer to build and are subject to more code requirements and inspections.

Choosing the Right Manufactured Home Foundation for You

When considering what home is best for you, consider your home’s location and the terrain of your lot. Ground conditions can vary, as can the labor required to fix and level poor ground. No matter which type of home you choose, all foundation factors can affect cost.

A variety of modular homes are available from Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids. Many of them also look like traditional site-built homes. Otherwise, the affordability and functionality of manufactured homes may be your best option.

Permanent vs. Non-Permanent Foundations

How long you intend to stay in your new home may affect the type of foundation you choose. Manufactured homes can be built on non-permanent foundations, but their foundation requirements are such that you should feel safe in your home, but you can move it to another lot if you so choose.

Modular homes, however, require permanent foundations, and you can expect that to stay that way for the life of the property. These homes are also subject to traditional home-building guidelines and mortgage requirements, but that also means more financing options are available.

HUD & FHA Manufactured Home Foundation Requirements

All manufactured homes are subject to inspection and certification from the Federal Housing Administration. Federal FHA or VA loans and HUD requirements can be challenging to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with them. However, the team at Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids is well-versed in all aspects of securing an FHA loan for your manufactured home. We will work with you to make sure your project is completed on time and within the budget you set. 

FHA requirements dictate that the tongue, axles, and wheels must be removed from your modular or manufactured home upon installation. Furthermore, you must have permanently installed utilities, and there must be a covering between your home and the foundation. You can find the complete manufactured home foundation requirements online through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Manufactured vs. Modular Home Foundation Costs

Modular homes are more expensive than manufactured homes and require more expensive, permanent foundations. Homebuyers can expect to pay $50,000 to $200,000 for a permanent foundation, depending on the features included. This range includes driveway installation, grading, and septic field installation. However, the land’s soil type and grade may incur additional costs. 

Despite having more expensive foundations than manufactured houses, modular homes carry more value and are still more cost-effective than traditionally built homes. Expect to pay more for a modular home than a manufactured home, but less than a conventional home. 

Manufactured home foundation requirements are less cost-prohibitive. However, it’s important for those interested to know that non-permanent foundations can limit financing options. Ultimately, manufactured homes offer an excellent lower-cost alternative that still gives homebuyers a stable, customizable, independent home.

Connect with Our Modular Home Foundation Experts

If you’re overwhelmed with manufactured home foundation requirements and need some help with the process, the team at Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids can guide you through all the steps. Contact us today to get assistance with finding and installing your manufactured home.