If you are purchasing a modular home, you may be curious as to how the home is going to be attached to the foundation.
This process is simple for the people who will be installing your modular home.
How Are Modular Homes Attached to Foundation?
Once you have chosen your modular home plan, the construction will begin inside a building facility.
The steel frame will be made first with solid steel I-beams. This will make sure that your home is structurally sound.
The next step will be to install cross-members on the I-beams that will help to add to the stability of the foundation.
The last step will be that outriggers will be welded to the I-beams.
This will help to ensure that the home has support when it is being transported and after it is set in place.
Once your modular home is delivered, it will be set in place on the foundation. There are several different foundation materials that may be used.
Once the modular home is set in place, and all the connections are checked out, a final inspection will happen before you are allowed to go into your new home.
This helps to ensure that the house was sat on the foundation properly, and you do not have to worry about any safety issues.
Foundation Materials
Modular homes are built to last, and that goes for the foundation materials as well.
Foundation materials will vary depending on the type of foundation you will have.
Stone foundation will not be used with modular homes because it has a lot of irregularities that can cause issues for the home’s foundation.
The most commonly used foundation type is cement.
Cement can be poured directly into the foundation area, but it will need to have a vapor barrier and insulation to help prevent any issues with moisture.
Foundation Options
There are some requirements for modular home foundations, and it will all depend on the exact location of where you plan on putting your home.
The modular floor plan will have to be verified by your state agency to ensure that the home is structurally safe.
This will help to ensure that the foundation is constructed properly to ensure that it fits on the approved foundation at the home site.
Your new modular home will need space underneath it to house your heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems.
There must be a space between the ground and the subfloor.
A modular home cannot be built on a slab foundation. There are two common types of foundations for a modular home, and these are:
Basement
A modular home can easily be placed on a basement foundation.
A basement option is popular because it can be used for extra storage, entertainment space, and even providing shelter during severe weather.
Crawl space
The other foundation option is a crawl space.
A crawl space will be an unfinished area that provides access for the wiring and plumbing to the home.
You cannot stand up in this area, and it cannot be used for much, but it gives your home strong support.
When choosing your modular home, you should talk about what foundation you want with your home builder.
They can let you know the pros and cons of each, as well as the pricing for each option.
You will want to take into consideration your budget, timeframe for each foundation option, and what you wish to have in your new home.
If you need extra storage or entertainment space, you can opt for the basement.
If you do not need that, you can go for the crawl space option, which will be cheaper and quicker than the basement.
Foundation Requirements for Modular Homes
When your modular home is built, the builders will have to comply with all state and local building codes.
These codes will be different from area to area.
Many states take the codes from the International Coded Council or the International Residential Code.
When the home and foundation are built, the local building code regulatory body in your area will have to verify the floor plan.
In addition, if you already have an existing floor plan, it will have to be reapproved if there have been any modifications to the home itself or the foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to modular home foundations.
If I choose a crawl space foundation, should I have it encapsulated?
Yes, having your crawl space encapsulated will not only save you money on your energy bill, but it will also help to keep rodents and other pests away from your home.
It will help to curb any moisture issues as well.
If you live in a place where you have frequent rain or constant humidity, you will want to be sure to get your crawl space encapsulated.
If I choose a basement foundation, can I customize it?
This will depend on the plans for your modular home, the budget, and what you want to do with your basement.
If you want to refinish the basement to have an area for storage, entertainment, or something else, you will want to talk to your home builder to see what they offer.
Will my home be safe on the foundation?
Yes, your home and the foundation it is on will go through multiple inspections, and your builder will help to ensure that you never have to worry about anything going wrong with your foundation or new modular home.
How long will it take to put in the foundation for my modular home?
Now that you have learned how are modular homes attached to the foundation, you will want to know the timeframe for completion.
This will all depend on the size of the modular home, the requirements for the foundation, what you want in the foundation, and more.
If you choose a basement foundation, you can expect construction to take a bit longer, especially if the basement will be a large one.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a modular home is an exciting time and can help you to have the home of your dreams.
The foundation that you choose for your home will help to ensure that your home is protected from the ground and that you have access to it under your home.
Be sure to talk to your home builder today about your foundation options.