What’s a Manufactured Home Foundation Certification?

What is a foundation certification? 

A foundation certification for a manufactured home is a document prepared by a licensed professional engineer or architect stating that the foundation complies with the HUD Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing. This certification confirms that the foundation is designed and constructed to provide the necessary support and stability for the manufactured home.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides specific guidelines for the foundation certification of manufactured homes. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that the home is permanently affixed to a foundation that meets HUD standards, ensuring structural stability and compliance with safety regulations.

Do you need one?

There can be any number of circumstances that could lead to the need for a foundation certification. Most of these will revolve around real estate transactions or permitting.

Here are 4 reasons that may require a foundation certification. 

1. Securing Financing: When applying for a mortgage or loan to purchase or refinance a manufactured home, lenders typically require a foundation certification.
2. Insurance Coverage: To obtain homeowner’s insurance, a foundation certification may be needed to ensure the home meets safety standards.
3. Building Permits: Local building departments may require a foundation certification as part of the permit process for placing or remodeling a manufactured home.
4. Selling the Home: Providing a foundation certification can make the home more attractive to potential buyers and streamline the selling process.

How Do You Get One?

Find an inspector: 

Although the actual certification letter will come from a qualified engineer, the engineer is often not the person conducting the inspection. Many home inspectors such as Mountains To Sound Home Inspection and Key Inspection Services, offer manufactured home certification inspections. 

The inspector will conduct an examination of the property and document specific details needed by the engineer. 

Some of the items the inspector will examine include:

• Images of grading around the property
• Documenting building materials
• Foundation support and strapping materials
• Measurements of the dimensions of the manufactured home
• Documenting HUD compliance tags and data plates

After the inspection, the inspector will provide the engineer with all of the needed materials and the engineer will either approve or deny the certification and issue a certificate letter.

What happens if the home fails the foundation certification?

Addressing foundation issues promptly and thoroughly is important to maintain the structural integrity of the home and protect its value. In the event that the inspected manufactured home fails its certification, there are several options to move forward.

1. Identify Issues: A detailed report will usually be provided that outlines the specific problems with the foundation, such as cracks, settlement, or structural weaknesses.
2. Repair Plan: You’ll need to get a professional assessment to determine what repairs are necessary. You will need to discuss the needed improvements with a structural engineer, foundation repair specialists, or a qualified architect. With the experts you will then develop a plan with a qualified contractor and acquire any needed permits.
3. Repairs: Address the issues as outlined in the repair plan. This might involve underpinning, installing piers, or other foundation stabilization methods.
4. Re-certification: After repairs are completed, the foundation will need to be re-evaluated to ensure that the issues have been resolved and that it now meets the required standards.
5. Documentation: Keep all documentation of the repairs and re-certification for future reference, especially if you plan to sell the home.

When thinking about purchasing, selling or remodeling a manufactured home, talking to a knowledgeable professional real estate agent, lender, or home inspector is the best place to start and they can help you navigate the process to make sure you don’t have any unexpected road blocks.

With the right guidance, the foundation certification process can be smooth and not only allow for needed financing or insurance, but also provide peace of mind that the home will be safe and secure in the future. 

Have more questions about FOUNDATION CERTIFICATIONS? 

Contact us today to discuss your options and requirements! 

officeteam@keyinspectionservice.com
206-290-9498