How to Select a Home Site for a Manufactured Home

You don't want to place your manufactured home just anywhere on your land. Here are some things to think about when selecting a home site.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Manufactured Homes
• Binoculars

1. Review a flood map at the local building department for your town or city. If any part of your property is in a flood zone, you'll want to place your home as far away from that area as possible.
2. Note and be concerned about hillsides close to your home. Heavy rains can lead to mudslides or cause portions of land to shift. If you choose to build near a hillside, consider building a retaining wall to prevent damage.
3. Consider water runoff, either from your property or surrounding properties. You don't want your home to be in the way of naturally draining water.
4. Stay away from high-tension wires. Lenders don't like to have electrical lines running near a home.
5. Think about whether you will be growing trees, and take a look at the trees that are already on your property. While it's preferable not to have to remove any trees in order to place your home, also consider that as trees grow, their branches and roots may encroach upon your home and its foundation. Also remember that branches near or above homes can fall or be broken off during high winds and may cause damage.
6. Consider what and who is around your property. Is there a business or noisy portion of your parcel, or an area that is closer to a street or highway?
7. Consider the view. Is there an especially beautiful view that you want to see when you first wake up, or view from your kitchen table?
8. Remember your neighbors. Are you close enough to another residence that your neighbors will be able to see into certain rooms of your home?

Tips & Warnings

• Select a spot that is not in the lowest portion of the parcel. A home on a low spot of land is subject to flooding from excessive rains, hurricanes, and dam and levy breaks.
• Don't forget the animals. Your neighbors' pets or livestock can make annoying noises and unpleasant smells. Stay away.
• There is really no way to protect your manufactured home during a tornado other than to keep large objects (such as trees) away from your home, lessening the chance that they will cause damage in a storm.