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 certain foundation requirements due to a 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
• Skirting/underpinning 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 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. These loans are great 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

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 please contact MH SERVICE & SUPPLY for 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?