If you need an FHA, VA, or conventional loan for a mobile/manufactured home, the foundation system must meet the standards published in the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (HUD-4930.3G), dated September, 1996. And a "HUD Foundation Engineering Certification,” prepared by a licensed engineer or architect, is necessary to prove compliance with HUD installation standards.

    Older homes installed before the 1996 guidelines are not likely to meet these standards. Deficiencies that make a home fail the foundation certification inspection are:
• Improper foundation piers, or inadequate spacing or installation of them.
• No frost protection for piers in cold climates.
• Incorrect tie-downs, or inadequate spacing or installation of them.
• Lack permanent and complete skirting that protects the crawl space from animals entering or water intrusion.

    Here’s an example of one of our recent foundation certifications.

    Also, see our blog posts How can I tell if a mobile/manufactured home will pass a foundation certification inspection? and What is the definition of a "permanent foundation" for a mobile/manufactured home? and What are the HUD minimum requirements for foundation footings and piers under a mobile/manufactured home? and What are the tie-down requirements for a mobile home? and What are the most common defects in mobile/manufactured home foundation piers? and Why does Florida have mobile/manufactured home installation standards that exceed HUD requirements? 

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES:

• Where can I file a complaint if I have problems with my new or used manufactured/mobile home in Florida?

• What is a "second set" mobile/manufactured home? 

• What is a "HUD label verification letter" for a mobile/manufactured home?  

• When did a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) become required under a mobile/manufactured home?  

• Are older mobile homes unsafe? 

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosed mobile home? 

• Does it make sense to buy an older mobile home and remodel it? 

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 

Want to learn more about inspecting
manufactured/mobile homes? 
Get our  Handbook for 
Manufactured Home Inspectors 
at amazon.com for $19.95

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• Where do I find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on a mobile home? 

• How do I find out how old a mobile home is and who manufactured it?

• What is the right price for a used mobile home?

• How energy efficient is a mobile home?

• When were the first double-wide mobile homes manufactured?

• How do I upgrade my old (pre-1976) mobile home to meet HUD standards?

• What size air conditioner is right for my mobile home? 

• Can you move an older mobile home in Florida? 

• What does the HUD tag look like and where do I find it on a mobile home? 

• Can you put a zone 1 mobile home in Florida?

• How can I remove water under my mobile home?

• What's the differences between a trailer, a mobile home, a manufactured home, and a modular home? 

• What is a D-sticker mobile home? 

• What are the tie-down requirements for a mobile home?

• How fireproof is a mobile home?  

• Can I install a mobile home myself? 

• Does an addition to a mobile home have to comply with the HUD Code? 

• What walls can I remove in a mobile home?

• What can I do to prevent dampness and mold in my mobile home? 

• How can I tell if a mobile home is well constructed?

• How can I tell the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

       Visit our MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES  page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.