Considerations for choosing a modular home foundation include the condition of the land, construction time and price. These options range from the most economical and quickest foundation types to those that offer extra living space or storage and are the most expensive. The climate of the area in which you live can also come into play when choosing a modular home foundation. Does this Spark an idea?
Pier and Ground Anchor Support
The most popular method of anchoring a modular home to the ground is the pier and ground anchor support system. This quick to install modular home foundation can be adapted for almost any region. Piers are installed under the main beams and the mating line of the modular home. Concrete and steel are the most popular piers used for this type of modular home foundation. The piers are secured into the ground to ensure the modular home is anchored properly.
Crawl Space
A crawl space modular home foundation is an alternative to owners who want the look of a block wall but cannot afford a full basement or where land conditions do not permit one. A block wall gives the appearance of a full basement. A footer is excavated, then a wall is built from concrete blocks, poured concrete or even treated lumber. The floor joists are attached to the crawl space wall to secure it. Piers are used to support other key points as directed by the modular home manufacturer.
Basement
The basement modular home foundation option is the most expensive; however, it adds additional living and storage space. Basement foundations cannot be used in flood areas or areas with a high water table. As with other modular home foundation options, interior supports are needed for the mating line of the home. Modular homes on basement foundations are set into place using cranes or roller systems.
Slab Foundation
A slab foundation provides structural support for the modular home. The home is elevated off the slab, much like the crawl space foundation; however, there is a solid concrete slab underneath. The slab becomes the base structure on which the piers are anchored. The slab modular home foundation option is often more cost-effective than digging holes for the piers. However, this foundation option may not be available in all areas because the slab can shift as the earth freezes and thaws.
Tags: modular home, modular home foundation, home foundation, crawl space, foundation option, modular home, block wall
