Converting Manufactured to basement

[Dave]

Does anyone know if you can put a manufactured home that is currently set on a stansdard steel frame base to a basement. I currently live in a mobile home park and want to purchase land and put my house on a basement. Is this possible? And would it be cost effective? Or would I be better off buying modular at this point?

[Jon DeTora]

Dave:
It is possible to place a doublewide or singlewide manufactured home atop a foundation. Technically you'd be creating a "curtain" wall basement the walls of which seem to support the perimeter of the home. Though there are various to this approach I prefer a system that relies on steel beams that run perpendicular to and underneath ("cross-beams") the manufactured home's frame. Contact the engineering department of your home's manufacturer for data about beam size, placement of beams and additional pier support that might be needed. They also may be able to supply you with a foundation plan. Be prepared to pay a fee for this information, but it is usually well worth the cost.
One drawback with the "cross-beam" approach is the height of the beams would require you to allow extra internal "floor-to-ceiling" space. But that seems a small price in exchange for the added support. Also, don't expect to completely eliminate the traditional support piers under the home. While fewer piers may be necessary, most engineering departments will call for their use. For a doublewide home the piers frequently exist under the "marriage" wall.
Although this is a "doable" project, I suggest you do not undertake it unless you have a fair amount of home construction experience or if you can hire experienced professionals to do the job. A few points of advice are: (1) insure the manufactured home you intend to use meets applicable building codes; (2) make sure the land you intend to purchase has zoning that will allow placement of a manufactured home; (3) use an attorney to purchase the land "subject" to getting all the municipal approvals you will need; (4) find and work with competent contractors who are willing to guide you and give sound advice.
Whether such a project makes economic sense for you is a question only you can answer, since you know your financial situation.
A new modular home may be a wise choice, but if you are happy with your present home, if it meets codes and if this project is to be accomplished on a tight budget, you may be able to save the expense of a new home by utilizing your present manufactured home.
Good luck.

[Ray]

I am in the process of buying a large double wide ( either a Franklin, Southern Energy, Norris, or Savannah), and I have several questions. All things held equal and we can get any of these put on a basement, which is the best way to go ??? I want as much square footage as I can get out of the MH, then use 1/2 of the basement for a garage and the other for a den. What type of additional costs will I be looking at considering I will have to find others to do all of this for me ??? Is there a leakage possiblity and how do I combat that ??? I know a dealer who I trust and I'm sure they have a contractor that they use. I work for a MH company and can get this home at low price, so it is a lucrative option for me to do this correct and professional... Please give me any advice you can ...

worried