Foundations

[Jerry]

Hi, we plan in the next year installing a new Silvercrest MO-7 on our lot in Sonora CA. Most of our land prep is done but I have questions about various types of foundations. We want a more site built look but and would like to know whats out there.
We were thinking of a recessed , concrete ( stem wall ?) type of foundation. But I noticed a system from Foundation Works. Pre-cast concrete with piers. Are all manufactured housing surpported with piers? Which do you think is better? What about cost differences? Could you explain the types of foundations with their pros and cons? Thank you.

[David Oxhandler]

Your decision on a foundation system is an important one and should be dictated by local soil conditions rather than loan requirements. If your looking for a top of the line system that will work well just about anyplace in the country take a look at the latest trends in California, where earthquakes are a factor and the foundation is more critical than anyplace in the country. The current trend is towards the products of FOUNDATION WORKS. Their advanced systems were designed and engineered for manufactured homes. These foundation systems add a high level of structural stability and have proven most cost-effective for the manufactured home, buyer. Initial costs are considerably less than other types of foundations. Average installation requires less than 1 day vs. up to 2 weeks for slab or runner foundations. Result: Dramatic out-of-pocket savings. Meets industry standards for permanent foundation. Qualifies for FHA or VA loan vs. conventional loan. Result: Lower monthly Payments. Foundation Works systems are waterproof...rustproof...vermin proof...termite proof. Result: Less maintenance means continuing savings. Foundation Works pads, stands, and precast concrete skirting can be easily moved and reinstalled at another location. Result: Lower relocation costs. Foundation Works meet or exceed industry standards, and have been proven safer under adverse conditions. Many cities in Oregon and Washington are being upgraded to Seismic Zone 3 & 4, and will be requiring earthquake resistant bracing in the near future. Thoroughly safety tested and certified by the State of California for use in Seismic Zone 4, 'the Foundation Works Systems exceed strength requirements by a factor of 2! Traditional foundations offer little protection from wind damage because the manufactured home literally sits on top of the foundation. Foundation Works Systems solidly anchor your home and footing...and have been safety certified in 80 mph winds. Foundation Works are engineered and designed exclusively for manufactured housing. Tests show the Foundation Works are 4 to 6 times stronger than the average foundation for manufactured housing, thus providing more safety and stability. Foundation Works offer you the best foundation technology available for your manufactured home...plus added safety and stability...at a lower cost. Get a free Quote by submitting the form you will find at the FOUNDATION WORKS web site

[Jerry]

Thanks for that info, I already looked at their web-site, it sounds good. But what about the general look of the house. Our soil is very stable, good drainage and no frost line. We were hoping for a residental look to the house since this will be the only MH in the area. Can a foundation like that be set below grade ( recessed) for a better ( site-built) look?

[David Oxhandler]

All Mfd Home foundations involve supporting the home off of the ground. In some parts of the country you can do what is called a "Pit Set". Where you dig a pit and set the home in the pit so that the bottom of the home appears to be at ground level. This gets to be very expensive and if you don't have the right soil conditions, with excellent drainage, you could be encouraging moisture to accumulate under the home, which can lead to all types of problems.

It is desirable to have access to the bottom of your home. Some day you might want access to the plumbing for repairs or upgrades. Additionally it is recommended to have a degree of air flow under the home to prevent moisture or mold from accumulating.

What you really want is a quality skirting job. Skirting is installed between the bottom of the home and the ground. to close in the bottom of the home. This keeps pets and other creatures from creating damage under your home and can give a very attractive appearance. (see photo below)

The most substantial skirting system around is System-1 skirting by Hoffman Concrete. System-1 is what skirting should be- 100% solid concrete. System-1 is not an imitation or a look alike – it is the original concrete skirting system that resists the elements from the summer heat of Texas to the harsh winters of Minnesota. System-1 is built to last and is designed to stay put for years of dependable service.

Get more info, check out the photos and submit the short form for a free price quote at www.concreteskirting.com

[Norm Gelbwaks]

Are the Foundation Works pads and stands put on dirt (tamped or untamped) or on concrete pillars?? I am considering a concrete slab for a triple-wide to be installed just above Picayune, Mississippi this spring. We would be in store for wind from hurricanes but probably will not be involved in earthquakes (we hope),

[patsears]

Hello,

It sounds as if you are an employee or owner of Foundation Works! Is it really any better than Sure-Safe, or other "engineered foundation systems"?

Also, none of the systems ever discuss how a footing, engineered or not, deals with frost heave, since they sit on top of the soil, and are not sunk into the ground below the frost line.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

patsears