Not "basement-ready"

[Rita]

Please share with me your experiences in putting a non-basement-ready manufactured multi-section home on a basement--the good, the bad, and the ugly!

[trmimo]

If your house has a recessed frame, it isn't bad. You will need a deeper basement to accomodate the steel cross beams. In most cases the stairwell would need to be in a site built addition like a breezeway to avoid cutting the steel frame (which you should not do). If you do not have a recessed frame it can be difficult to do in a way that is both structurally sound and cosmetically acceptable.

[Rita]

I have an idea what you mean by recessed frame, but please clarify. Is a recessed frame observable by looking up under the home, around the perimeter?
Thanks.

[trmimo]

Yes, with a recessed frame the outriggers (steel triangles) stop about 10" from the edge of the floor. And at the ends you will notice that the steel frame is about 10" shorter than the house. (the steel would be about a foot away from your skirting.)
If you don't have a recessed frame, the frame will be the same length as the house.

[Rita]

Thanks so much. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row....