foundation for MH

[Amanda]

we have purchased a Palm Harbor home to be set on property in Wimauma, Florida (SE). We asked for poured concrete footers, but the engineer at Palm Harbor said it would be a waste of money as the way they set the home is sufficient to ensure a level and stable home with a minimum of settling. They said they would do the concrete footers but they feel it would be a waste of money. They estimated the cost at around $4K. I surely don't want to spend $4K if I don't have to. Help!

[rmurray]

Most of Florida has a loose sandy based soil...I would recommend poured footers for long term stability...

Now poured concrete footers should only cost about $1000 to $1500...labor and materials includes...Maybe you can find your own concrete contractor to do the job...All you need is a footer diagram from the plant..any good contractor should have no problems..

[Don]

I have been in my Palm Harbor now for six months, in my opinion poured footers are a must.....mine go below frost level as I live in NC. If it were me I would insist on footers.....mine cost me $2500.00.

[John]

In Oklahoma PH had a set fee of $4,500 for poured footers and perimiter pour. $4000 for just the footers seems very high and you are always best to have poured footerd for long term stability.

[Amanda]

Thanks for the input. Just one more question. It was the factory engineer at the Plant City Florida location that advised us that we did not need concrete footers. Should this make a difference? We are at this point getting bids on our own and also having PH get some bids after informing them that we thought $4k was a bit pricey.

[rmurray]

He will be the first one that will tell you later that the re level is on you..because the plant is not responsible for ground settling...Maybe he should read his own set up manual and warranty manual..