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Modular Homes and Manufactured Home Foundation Inspections

December 13, 2010 | Comments Off

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Modular Homes and Manufactured Home Foundation Inspections

Often times these two words are used together and even meaning the same thing. However in actuality these two words are very different. Let us explain:

A Modular Home is made on sight, but contains pre-fab components, such as walls, etc. A manufactured home is completely made off-site and is inspected by a series of inspections identified by HUD. Once the building meets inspection qualifications, then the home is brought in and is put upon a foundation. The example above is a manufactured home in a sales lot and is ready to be delivered to the new location.

A Mobile Home Inspection – 5 Ways How It Differs From A Regular Home Inspection

When it comes to mobile homes, the inspection process is a bit different. They are built much differently than you typical home and specific details must be inspected and addressed that aren’t reviewed in a normal home. Here is a quick list of how mobile homes differ from standard homes, and why they require a different home inspection.

Mobile Home vs. Normal Home

Mobile Homes (Manufactured homes as they are now called) are not built the same as a site built home. They have a number of items that make them significantly different.

1) METAL LEGS: Mobile homes rest on metal legs that over time can rust, shift or become loose from the homes main support beams resulting in many problems. Your traditional home is on a solid foundation that doesn’t rust. However, based on seismic activity, the foundation of a normal home can shift.

2) ALUMINUM WIRING: Many mobile homes have aluminum wiring. If it does then it needs to be inspected and maintained. Your traditional house has wiring that’s typically copper based. However this can vary and in some cases does require an inspection.

3) WATER LINES: The water lines and connections many times are not welded and can become loose and start small leaks that result in expensive repairs. Cracks in pipes in your traditional house can also cause such damage, however because pipes are fitted together differently with other homes, such issues tend not to occur as frequently as in a manufactured home.

4) WALLS AND CEILINGS: As might be expected, walls and ceilings may not be insulated properly resulting in excessive use of your heater and or air conditioning system and this means spending extra money. The walls of mobile homes tend to be thinner than your traditional home. With a non-mobile home, insulation in walls must meet a different level of inspection.

5) WINDS: A big issue with mobile homes that a more traditional house does face is wind. Wind can cause damage to a mobile home easier than a non-mobile home. That’s because the foundation isn’t as secure (if it was, it wouldn’t be considered “mobile”). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has set in place special windzones in various parts of the county. These zones establish the severity of high winds in the area that could affect the stability and integrity of a manufacture, mobile home. For example, Florida has various windzones with levels such as windzone 2 and windzone 3 (South Florida is windzone 3, the strongest windzone).

These are 5 specific issues that a mobile has that traditional homes don’t. But regardless of whether you own a mobile or traditional home, an inspection is necessary if you want to ensure the integrity of your house or a home you’re about to purchase. Over time we accumulate items and may improperly store them in places that can create unseen issues with your home. Everyday new items come onto the market to help make our homes safer to live in. However if you don’t know that your home has issues and problems, then you don’t know your home needs these items until it’s too late. For these reasons you can see why it is important to have your home inspected on a regular basis.

Waterman Inspection Services is a mobile home inspector in Orange County who specializes in mobile home inspections and traditional home inspections. Get more information at http://www.watermaninspectionservices.com
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How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ – Utah

December 6, 2010 | Comments Off

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How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ

Facts About Modular, Manufactured & Site Built Homes

When you are buying a home, you might hear the terms modular homes, manufactured homes and site built homes. It’s important to understand how they all differ, no matter whether you are purchasing an existing house or plan to build on land that is subject to restrictions. The differences can affect a home’s price and its resale value, and even dictate whether or not it can be built on your land.

What Are Site Built Homes?

They are constructed entirely at the building site.
They conform to all state, local or regional codes where the house is located.
Often called ‘stick-built’ houses.
A well-built, cared for site-built home generally increases in value over time, although its location plays a key role in value.

What Are Modular Homes?

Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.
Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home’s structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built houses.
A well-built modular home should have the same longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.Read More Facts About Modular homes

What Are Manufactured Homes?

Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past.
Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
They conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.
Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis.
Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels.
Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance.
Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure.
Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes.
Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time.Read More Facts About Manufactured homes

What Do the Differences Mean to You?

Restrictive Covenants and Deed Restrictions

Communities generally have no restrictions against traditional, site built homes. Many housing developments do set minimum size requirements and stipulate you must build a house that conforms to published [link url=http://homebuying.about.com/cs/deedrestrictions/a/restrictions.htm]restrictive covenants[/lik] or be approved by an architectural review committee.
Most developments allow modular homes. Some do not, but in those cases the restrictions seem to have been imposed because of an ongoing confusion about the differences between modular homes and manufactured homes.
Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions often exclude manufactured homes.

Investigate the deed restrictions thoroughly before purchasing land for any type of ne

FHA Modular Home Inspections Utah County

November 22, 2010 | Comments Off

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FHA Modular Home Inspections Utah County

Here at Ludlow Engineering we are professional engineers who desire to take care of you as our clients. Being that we inspect FHA modular home foundations, we thought it may be fun to share a few articles that we have read. Enjoy!

Call For Your Home Inspection>>

This is the second in a two-part series that answers many of the questions a typical prospective client asks when first beginning to understand the many benefits offered by modern, modular home building technology. Whereas the first article focused more on aesthetics, this article gets more into the technical issues of the home building process.

Q: Do I need to engage an architect to take advantage of this technology?

A: Not unless you wish to engage an architect for a specific purpose. Some discerning clients may engage an architect to assist with floor plan, exterior appearance or site elements that are neither designed nor built in the factory. However, most manufacturers employ a qualified engineer to seal the final building plans, eliminating the need for architectural construction drawings.

Q: I have been told a modular home frame contain nearly 30% more lumber than a conventional, site-built house. Please explain?

A: The components built within the factory must be built sufficiently strong to withstand the rigors of over-the-road transport to your home site, where they are lifted with a crane onto your foundation. This increased strength translates into a better constructed home for you.

Q: Are there other elements of the manufacturing process that creates a better constructed house than traditional site-built homes?

A: Yes. The engineering design and controls are key elements to the manufacturing process that are not available on a traditionally built home job site. The finished house from a quality manufacturer should have straighter walls and ceilings with less potential for visible signs of settling. Straighter walls with less likelihood to be affected by settling should also mean better functioning doors as your foundation settles. Certain manufacturers use a hi-tech method of securing the drywall to the studs to improve performance which minimizes settling nail pops. A quality manufacturer will employ a third party engineering firm to provide quality control checks throughout the manufacturing process.

Q: What are the energy efficiencies of modular housing compared to traditional, “site-built” construction?

A: Contemporary homes built with factory manufactured components generally enjoy a high efficiency rating from utility companies; air infiltration is minimized due to the engineering process. Some manufacturers build “green” with its design and construction process that saves energy and natural resources by minimizing waste and recycling materials. At least one known manufacturing plant is Energy Star certified to build its components and certify them in the factory as Energy Star qualified, only then requiring a HERS rater on-site to finalize the certification. The factory process has less of a negative environmental impact on the home site. A “green” modular home uses less energy, water and natural resources.

Q: Will my modular home be built and ready for occupancy any quicker than if I were to build with traditionally methods?

A: Yes, generally in half the time. The components for most homes are typically completed in the factory within seven days, ready for delivery to your site. Once the components are delivered and set at your site, a seasoned builder should be able to perform utility connections, exterior and interior finishes and related improvements to deliver your home “turn-key”, typically within 60 to 90 days. You should allow for additional time up-front to finalize your design and selections.

Q: Are modular homes subjected to municipal inspections?

A: Depending on your state and local requirements, your zoning, civil engineering and your building plans must generally be approved by the local municipality to secure a building permit, no different than traditional construction. Once your foundation is built, it must be approved by the local code official. During construction in the factory, the manufacturer employs a certified third-party inspector who will certify, upon completion, that your building components have been manufactured in accordance with the approved plans and conforms to all municipal and state code requirements. Once set on your foundation and finished to turn-key by your builder, a final inspection of your home will generally be required by the local code official.

Q: Can modular home components be utilized in an expansion project?

A: Possibly. An experienced builder can initially project floor plans and architectural styles for your expansion. However, your existing structure and its foundation must be certified by a structural engineer that it can support the manufactured components. Provided your engineer concludes affirmatively, you can be assured that your project, utilizing this technology, will be completed in less time and at a lower cost than conventional site-built construction, all other things being equal.

Q: If we have a small house and are considering building bigger, should we consider tearing it down and rebuilding with a new modular home?

A: In our experience, in many instances, a client would be better to consider demolishing and rebuilding for a number of reasons. Unless your existing home has some characteristics that you want to preserve, in most instances your existing house does not have the features many people desire with modern architecture. Notably, high ceilings, two-story ceiling heights, contemporary floor plans, functional basements that can accommodate 8 foot minimum finished ceiling height, and other modern features.

Q: Is a modular home difficult to finance?

A: No! Financing a well built modular home is no different than financing traditional construction. Residential lenders are all very well informed and, quite frankly find it appealing to finance a modular home. The construction lender knows that when it advances it first draw, the home is nearly complete, thereby minimizing any chance of the house not reaching completion. The same educated lenders also understand the superiority of construction utilizing this technology for home building.

http://www.southviewhomes.com – A leading modular home builder in central and southern New Jersey, Southview Homes represents Westchester Modular Homes.

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