who to contact manufactured home needs permanent foundation (recommendation, agent, fee)

[calicowgirl3319]

Hi i am buying my first house and im stuck on a manufactured home on 4 level acres in TN. I am told by my agent i will never get it financed unless i put it on permanent foundation, which the current owner isnt willing to do. I have been trying to research how much it will cost me, but i can't even find who to go to. can anyone give me any info on what a HUD acceptable permanent foundation is. Who do i go to to put one under a house already on the land? or any pricing? thanks a ton!

[Brandon Hoffman]

Brick foundation, tiedowns every 6 or 8' feet underneath along the marriage wall. You'll have to get your estimates from a local contractor and you'll probably need an FHA inspection on them if you're going that route. Get the work done first or you'll have to pay for the re-inspection also.

[Silverfall]

This might be regional. Out here they are required to have a slab with a block foundation. I imagine due to varying geologies and weather what qualifies for financing might be different.

A local lender will tell you what is required. If you call a real estate agent that specializes in manufactured homes they might be able to tell you who does good foundation work. Otherwise call one of the local large manufactured companies near you, and then can make some recommendations.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Good point by Silverfall. The lender should be able to tell you what is "permanent" for the loan.

[rdlr]

It's been my experience that lenders really don't know the answers to these types of questions, and I wouldn't rely on them.The county, in which the lot is located, is the final word on such issues, and what constitutes retiring the motor vehicle title. They will to do the final inspection and issue a certificate indicating the property may now be taxed as real estate. A visit to the county office should result in them providing you with written specifications regarding the required permanent foundation. At that point, shop for a licensed contractor, familiar with these foundations, and obtain a fee quote.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Contact a couple of manufactured home dealers in your area- they should have a list of contractors that do that kind of work.

[scorpy01]

Another option, contact a block supplier in your area. They know the best masons and point you in the right direction. (My husband is a brick/stone mason and gets many referrals from the brick and block suppliers in the area.)