Can A Manufactured Home Have A Basement?

With the rising prices of real estate, you might want to pick a manufactured home that is cheaper. If you are planning to have a basement, there are several things to consider. Find out from our research if it is possible to have a basement for a manufactured home.

Manufactured homes seldom have basements. Yet, constructing a basement underneath a manufactured home is still possible. But there are also requirements to meet before any construction.

Creating the basement involves complex processes. You will need a contractor to lift the house and do the excavation. Even so, the costs of building the basement are lower compared to traditional homes. Read further to learn about constructing a basement for your manufactured home.

Rows of manufactured houses with small wooden sidings and a small yard, Can A Manufactured Home Have A Basement?

Can You Add A Basement Under A Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes are on a permanent, fixed metal chassis. This type of home has detachable wheels so that you can move from one place to another. It is a cheaper alternative compared to traditional homes. With a manufactured home, you can also add features like decks or porches.

You can construct the manufactured home to meet your needs. It is becoming popular for homeowners to add basements so that they can get extra space. Here are possible reasons why you want to have a basement:

  • Instead of renting a storage unit, you can add space to your mobile home.
  • If your family is growing, a basement can be an extra living space.
  • You want to have a recreational or hobby room.
  • You can also use the basement as a garage.
  • For areas that are prone to storms or hurricanes, it can serve as a storm shelter.

You can ask your contractor to construct the basement because it will involve lifting the house and major excavations.

Do Manufactured Homes Sit On A Foundation?

Manufactured house constructed with wooden sidings, black window shutters and small landscaping

Most manufactured homes do not sit on foundations. However, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has set some guidelines for supporting structures and suitable foundations. There are various types of foundations available to support manufactured homes.

Before you choose the right foundations, you have to consider the following:

  • Site conditions - This describes the overall condition of a building site. You must assess the soil types, frost depth, wind or snow loads, and flood hazards. State building codes will also have varying considerations to follow.
  • Design factors - Included here are the initial costs, installation time, and matching the home's chassis system.
  • Best practices for design - You should consider adding basement features. There must be proper ventilation, drainage systems, and insulation to make a livable space.

Two major classifications for manufactured home foundations include:

Permanent

Permanent foundations make your home look site-built. The construction materials include durable materials like concrete, masonry stones, or treated wood. This category consists of the following types:

  • Basement- Aside from the added space, this foundation also gives great support for mobile homes. You can use this foundation for seismic, frosty, and windy areas. This type won't be suitable for flood-prone areas.
  • Pit - This is similar to a basement, but you will have to dig up soil to create a crawlspace. It is less costly, but you can only use the space for storage.

Non-Permanent

You can remove your home from non-permanent foundations. In that case, you can easily transfer your home to your desired location. In terms of cost, you cannot apply for loans or financing for this type of foundation. This category includes the following types:

  • Slab - An easy and cheap choice for most houses. The poured concrete is the base of the foundation. It acts as a platform on top of the ground to support your home. This type is not good for sloped properties.
  • Runner - The materials for this foundation include steel frames, concrete blocks, or both. The downside for this type is its susceptibility to structural damage.
  • Pier (Footer) - This type is one of the popular foundation choices that can resist most floods, frost, earthquakes, and wind.

Can A Manufactured Home Be Put On A Slab Foundation?

A slab foundation is a common base for manufactured homes. This structure has a flat, concrete surface that is around 4-6 inches deep. This foundation has piers and tie-downs to support the stability of a house when there is frost, strong winds, or earthquakes.

The slab is above the ground, with some anchors embedded in the concrete. Even with supports, you have to prepare the site where you want the foundation. This foundation will require well-packed soil, and necessary connections, and insulation systems.

If you intend to settle permanently on a lot and fund it with an FHA loan, using an insulated slab foundation is best. It will cost you more than an ordinary slab, but it can help you prevent water damage. As a result, it gives more stability to the structure.

Check out this previous post to find out if you can build a basement on slab foundations: Can You Add A Basement To A House On A Slab?

Is A Basement Better Than A Crawl Space?

A small narrow manufactured house with wooden sidings and small glass windows

Basements and crawl space differ in their purpose. A basement allows ample space for activities. On the contrary, a crawl space only provides light storage space and access to electrical and plumbing systems. A basement should be at least 7 feet, while a crawlspace measures around 18 x 24 inches.

Thus, crawl spaces will not qualify as a basement.

Given these points, a basement is better than a crawl space. A basement adds function and value to your home, especially when you finish it. With strong foundations, you can be safe from natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

The only time a basement is not a good idea is when your house is near the water table. Your basement is at risk of flood damage unless proper drainage systems are in place.

For crawl spaces, it will be cheaper to construct one. Yet, there are more drawbacks than advantages. Your crawl space will not be safe during storms and earthquakes. Also, moisture levels are high, causing molds and mildew that are difficult to remove. In this sense, the crawl space is a non-livable area in your home.

If you want to learn more about basements and your crawl space, read through this previous article: Can You Convert A Crawl Space Into A Basement?

How Much Does It Cost To Put A Basement Under A Manufactured Home?

Before you decide to add a basement, you also must know the costs. A full basement cost for manufactured homes averages around $12,000-$25,000. The prices are lower than stick-built houses because the basement is slightly small for manufactured homes.

The costs of creating a basement will include the following:

  • Concrete runners - $2,000-$5,000
  • Foundation replacement - $20,000-$100,000 for a full replacement
  • Foundation repairs - $500-$13,000
  • Home structural report - $500 for engineering services
  • Costs to raise the house - $3,000-$9,200
  • Excavation for new foundation - $1,500-$6,000
  • Rebuilding - $20,000-$100,000

You cannot DIY, adding the basement. There is specific heavy equipment needed to execute the construction. If you want to ensure that your basement will be sustained, you need to hire professionals for this project.

In Closing

A small manufactured house with wooden sidings, windows, and small gorgeous landscaping

Even if a manufactured home does not sit on a foundation, it is still possible to add a basement. There are guidelines to follow to select the right foundations for the basement. If you want to have extra livable space for your home, choosing a basement over a crawlspace is better.

If you add a basement, it can be costly. The costs include lifting the house, excavating soil, and adding a new foundation. For this project, it is best to ask a qualified and competent contractor. With a basement, you can create a comfortable living space for your family.

One comment

  1. Hello,
    I like to get a basement built under my existing mobile home. I have funding, … problem is ..I can not find anyone that is willing to do this.
    I live in Virginia, Hanover county and I have contacted mh builders, builders, contractors and many more with no results.
    I don’t know where else to look and hoping you could point me in the right direction

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