Foundation Information for Moving a Mobile Home

Mobile homes need a strong foundation to be safe.

When referring to mobile homes, the foundation can be many things. What foundation you are allowed to place under your mobile home will depend on where you live. Your foundation will be started before the mobile home is moved and completed after it's moved into place.

Types

Foundations can be complete underpinning, where a concrete foundation is placed under the mobile home. This foundation can be enough to convert a mobile home from personal property to real property. You can also build a foundation that is a series of piers to hold the mobile home in place and level.

Building Codes

You will need to check with the building inspector in your area to determine what foundation you are required to have. In some areas, an underpinning foundation will be mandatory, in others it is strictly forbidden.

Materials

Underpinning foundations are generally built out of concrete block, brick or field stone and mortar. Pier foundations are typically a combination of concrete and wood.

Before Moving

Before you move the mobile home to the property, pour all footings. These need to extend below the frost line to ensure ice will not collect under the footing and cause shifting. Make sure all footings are level and the same height.

After moving

Once the mobile home is placed on the site, shore hydraulic jacks to stabilize mobile home. Place foundation piers in footings. You can make sure these are level and the same height before placing them under the mobile home to save time and effort. If building an underpinning wall, do this after lowering the mobile home onto piers.

References

• Public-Private Partnership for Advancing Home Technology: Foundations and Support Systems
• Public-Private Partnership for Advancing Home Technology: Manufactured Home Installation Manual