Foundation Certificate Repair Professionals

Aug 5, 2023

About Foundation Certification

Manufactured or mobile homes need to have their foundations certified. A foundation certificate must certify that foundations are compliant to HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending guidelines. This requires Professionally Licensed Engineers to ensure that the homes’ foundations are in compliance with HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending requirements and other national standards.

Engineers Report or Foundation Certificate

After performing an 0n-site inspection an engineer will provide you with a Foundation Certification for the Mobile Home or manufactured home. This certificate insures that the home is compliant to federal government regulations for mortgage lenders, loan officers, real estate agents, insurance agents, and homeowners. If the manufactured (mobile) home foundation is in conformance with governing HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending standards, an Engineer’s Foundation Certification is provided to ensure loan guidelines are met.

What Will The Engineers Report Have?

The engineers report will simply state if the home complies to current regulations. If the home complies the engineer will issue a certificate. If not, the engineers report will issue structural engineering suggestions for compliance. This is when you will need to hire Foundation Certificate Repair Professionals.

How The Process Works

After calling an engineering firm, they make it simple getting the engineering documents for your manufactured home loan process quickly. Using a streamlined process involving four easy steps, allowing you to confidently move forward with your home purchase. Placing your order to receiving your compliant report, you will be kept informed every step of the way. Finally, the engineering processes will make sense as you read below and how you will secure the necessary engineering documents for your manufactured home loan.

It’s as easy as ABCD!

Step A

Place your order online or call an engineer. Now begin their processes.

Step B

Someone will reach out to your home contact to verify information and answer questions you may have. Having the correct and accurate information will speed up the processes. Most engineers provide excellent customer service and ensuring that you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence.

Step C

A field technician will schedule a site survey to collect data and ensure compliance with engineering standards. Today’s technicians and engineers utilize the latest technology and methods to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.

Step D

Our engineering team reviews the data and issues a report to your lender, providing the necessary engineering documents for your loan process. You can trust the delivery of high-quality, compliant reports in a timely manner.

Step E

If found non-compliant, you will need to hire Foundation Certificate Repair Professionals. We recommend hiring Foundation Certificate Repair Service Pro.

Foundation Certificate Repair Service Pro

This service repairs manufactured (Mobile) home foundations bringing them into compliance with engineering reports so the home qualifies for a Foundation Certificate.

See https://fcrsp.com/

Manufactured Home Foundation Inspection

Oct 12, 2022

What Is Manufactured Home Foundation Inspection?

If you are applying for a Manufactured home loan, some lenders require foundation inspections. FHA and VA lenders have set rules for foundation requirements due to manufactured homes’ mobility. Consequently, their condition is a structural engineer performs the foundation inspection.

What Are Foundation Inspectors Looking For?

A Manufactured Home on a gravel foundation with an Earthquake Restraining Bracing System meeting HUD-7584.

Basically, verifying the home’s foundation is structurally sound and is properly attaching the home with the ground permanently. Moreover, that the foundation meets the HUD-7584 federal guidebook 4930.3G for Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes. Simply put, Permanent foundation systems must be constructed to withstand both supporting loads and wind overturning loads for whichever region they are placed.

The Foundation Inspection Report

Generally, the inspection report is a one-page document summarizing the results. Although, in cases of deficiencies, it may be longer. The information contained within the report will specify detailing exactly the findings under the manufactured home. The report will also give the exact address, owner’s name, engineer’s name, and stamp.

Summarizing Details of Inspection Report:

Structural engineer contact information
Engineer stamp, license number, & signature
Borrower contact information
Property address
Date of inspection
Invoice for a foundation inspection

Other Requirements

Wheels, tongue, and axles removed
Approved Footings, Engineered Earthquake Bracing Foundation Systems
Mobile Home Skirting Kits like DURASKIRT™ meeting HUD-7584
6 mil vapor barrier on the ground covering soils within the crawl space

These requirements make good sense for homeowners desiring a good stable home. Indeed, the wisdom in making your manufactured home feel like a house with attractive and effective house skirting ideas is worth the effort. Next, let us explore the financing options.

Reasons to Use a VA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home

Up to 100% financing
The seller can pay closing costs
Up to 4% of the price in seller paid concessions
Up to 55%+ debt to income ratio
No monthly mortgage insurance
Waived VA funding fee for disabled Veterans
Great rates and payments
Include taxes and insurance in the payment
Down to 640 credit score
Cash-out refinance up to 100% of the value
Learn More About VA Loans for Manufactured Homes

FHA Loans for Manufactured Homes

For buyers who are not eligible for a VA loan, there is a low-down-payment home loan option available that is, FHA loans. Loans like these are awesome at providing financing to refinancing or purchasing manufactured homes. Just like VA loans, buyers that are in the market for affordable housing can easily qualify.

This makes for a fantastic combination with manufactured home prices, low FHA down payment, and FHA flexibility, owning a home is feasible. Furthermore, there are so many reasons to use FHA loans to purchase a manufactured home with land.

Reasons to Use an FHA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home on Land

Low down payment
The seller can pay closing costs up to 6% of the sales price
Up to 55%+ debt to income ratio
Flexible underwriting guidelines
Co signors allowed
640 credit score
Cash-out refinance up to 85% of the appraised value
Great rates and payments
Includes property taxes and insurance in the mortgage payment
Down payment may be verified gift funds

FHA Mortgage Calculator

You may want to know what a rough mortgage payment or a refinance payment on a new or used home. California Credit Union provides an easy to use mortgage calculator…. FHA Mortgage Calculator

Purpose of Foundation Inspection

Lastly, the purpose of the foundation inspection is to issue a foundation certification. Furthermore, the certification is what FHA, VA, and USDA loans require for manufactured homes. In fact, they will not loan unless the home is fastened to a piece of land permanently.

Foundation Inspection Services

If you live in Washington State and are needing foundation inspection services, please read the article FHA, HUD Foundation Certifications. Finally, you will find the process of foundation certifications is fairly simple but necessary. And, the more you understand it will help you make good decisions.

Related Article:

Are Piers Considered a Permanent Foundation?

Foundation Certification

Dec 20, 2020

What is FHA HUD Engineered Foundation Certification for Manufactured Homes?

An engineer’s FHA HUD foundation certification is required by lenders for manufactured homes. The main lenders for manufactured homes are VA, FHA, or USDA. Moreover, these services include an on-site inspection of the home. They will assess compliance with the requirements of HUD-7584 (Guidebook 4930.3G) Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, dated 1996.

After an inspection, providing the home complies, the engineer issues a certified letter of compliance with a Professional Engineer seal. On the other hand, if found out of compliance you will receive a letter stating the findings. This letter will let you know exactly what is needed for your home to be brought into compliance.

What Is The Purpose of Getting This Done?

Engineering firms like Hayman can inspect your home for compliance with HUD-7584. If found in compliance they will issue you a foundation certification. If not, they will recommend upgrades to bring your home into compliance. In Washington State, we recommend MH SERVICE & SUPPLY for all your manufactured home repairs.

In 1992 Hurricane Andrew than the Northridge earthquake in 1994 thousands of federally funded manufactured homes were destroyed. As a result, the foundations were found to be inadequate for high winds and seismic events. Thus, in 1996 the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued HUD-7584 to create a higher standard for manufactured home foundations.

In most cases, HUD-7584 exceeds the requirements of most local and state jurisdictions setting a “high benchmark” to qualify for federal funding. Although this requirement does not apply to conventional bank mortgages or cash purchases, it does make good sense for your manufactured home.

Who Pays for Inspections and or Repairs?

Foundation Certification Washington State

Needing Foundation Certification in Washington State? Call 360-419-9909

Usually, the lender will require that the buyer pays for the inspection. However, in cases of non-compliance, it is typically the Seller’s responsibility to pay for any corrections needed.

Generally, the remedies vary in cost. However, in our experience homes are insufficiently braced for wind and seismic. Repairs must be made to their foundations for earthquake-resistant bracing or more tie-downs.

The Advantages for Sellers to Get Foundation Certifications Ahead of Selling

The benefit for the seller is this, listing your home as eligible for VA, FHA, or USDA financing. When buyers are made aware that your home meets all requirements for financing, they are more inclined to begin negotiations. Obviously, this is also a great incentive to both the buyer and the real estate agent.

Best Way to Pit Set A Manufactured Home

Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

May 30, 2020

What is considered a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

Constructing manufactured homes on permanent foundations differ from stick-framed homes. Although they use similar building methods, these homes also incorporate techniques gleaned from commercially built structures. So, “what is a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

Since 1976 with the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act (42 U.S.C.), manufactured home innovations keep expanding. One such innovation came in September 1996 when the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) passed congress. Additionally, this law requiring foundation certification set precedence for manufactured homes to be considered real property. So, what does that mean for you?

What Are Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes?

Understandably, with the passing of the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) these homes became a popular alternative to site building. Moreover, their foundations began transforming. You see, the Guide made provisions for innovators and engineers to establish better methods of making manufactured homes look like a home.

So, What Types of Advances Are We Talking About?

Beyond the prescriptive methods for establishing a foundation for a manufactured home there are now many innovations. But before we discuss them let us review the prescriptive methods established by federal and state guidelines.

Prescriptive Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

There are three main ways code allows you to build a prescriptive permanent foundation for manufactured homes. Here they are:

Concrete slabs of either 4” or 6” thickness. Additionally, securing the home using metal tie-down straps to the steel beams and slab at intervals established by the manufacturer’s manual. Block skirting must be mortared, reinforced and cavities filled.
Concrete runners. These are footing strips poured longitudinally the entire length of the home. In particular, these footing strips are made to fit the homes’ beams, marriage line and perimeter. Again, block skirting must be mortared, reinforced and cavities filled.
Perimeter wall foundation with ribbons. This method replaces the block skirting with a poured wall. Moreover, positioning horizontal footings for all blocking supports and anchoring tie-down strapping for securing the steel girders.

Alternative Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

Excitingly the code allows for innovation and since 1996 many manufactures are making more efficient foundation systems for manufactured and mobile homes. Since this is ever expanding, I will only make mention of a few manufactured home foundation systems.

Before I begin let me say the reason behind many of these methods is:

A) cost savings
B) site-work construction speed
C) better quality and reliability
D) re-usability

Note) Let me emphasize that the code specifically says that all engineered systems must use concrete in contact with ground. (Not all systems meet this code although they may currently get approvals.)

Our Recommendation

We recommend choosing a system that meets code now, particularly the requirement for concrete to be in contact with soils. Our reasoning is because nobody knows what the future holds for systems not meeting these requirements.

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting All Code Requirements

PSC-ERBS - Earthquake Resistant Bracing System

The photo shows a PSC or Earthquake Resistant Bracing System. By Foundation Works.

Concrete in Contact with Ground.

Central Piers

Foundation Works

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting Some Code Requirements

May Not Meet Concrete in Contact with Ground.

LLBS Foundation Bracing System

Xi2 System

Note: Our DURASKIRT™ brand mobile home skirting fits well with all systems we have discussed. Best of all, you can Get a DURASKIRT™ Sample before you purchase.

In conclusion, we recommend choosing a permanent foundation system meeting all intents and purposes of the code. This way you will be on a firm foundation for years to come and not just figuratively.

Other Articles:

Manufactured Home Tie-Downs

Mobile Home Setup Footsteps Guide

Are Piers Considered a Permanent Foundation?