Can you put existing home on permanent foundation?

[J. Jay]

We are in the process of purchasing a 1999 Oakwood doublewide and property. We would like to put in a permanent foundation. Is this possible? Should we? If not, why not?

What should we consider if it can be done?

What sort of price range(s) should we expect to spend?

Thanks.. I asked this on the newbie forum too with some other questions.
JJ and Kim

[Mark Bower]

Depends what you mean by a permanent foundation. Do you simply mean a frostline footing under each block set, or something that resembles a basement?

Mark

[J. Jay]

No basement...

After reading lots of existing posts last night... I think that the home is probably on footers now (have to look to see) and we would be blocking/bricking in around the outside... not sure what else actually CAN be done since it is on the spot where it would be staying.

Another question... is it a good idea or should we forget it.. we would like to add a SUNROOM (attached enclosed room with lots of windows) and a front porch (I thought it should be attached into the roof). Would we be asking for trouble if we did that?

Bank says if we want a garage it must be a detached garage.. have no idea why.. that is if we get a bridge/construction loan.. they said there are all sorts of other strange requirements as well.

Thanks for your response.
JJ and Kim

[Mark Bower]

You are basically then just talking about beefing up the skirting. The home is supported by the beams that run underneath it. The home is not supported where the skirting is. If you wish to make it 'look' like a foundation and add blocks, you'll first need to pour a footing to give you a level surface to lay blocks on. Then if your property slopes from one end of the home to the other, that will definitely complicate block skirting. Block skirting works best if the entire home is sitting on a slab and you can put the blocks right on the slab.

I wouldn't attach anything to your home. If you want to see how a screen room or porch should be butted up to a home, check out the forum at mobilehomerepair.com and search the words 'porch building' By reading the posts in chronoligical order, you'll see pictures and details of how that one was done.

Mark

[J.Jay]

THANK YOU !!! I will go to the wesite you recommend.
I am ordering that book as well..
JJ

[Mark Bower]

You're welcome. Just order the book by clicking on the 'manual for mh repair and upgrade' on the upper right of this page.

Mark

[J. Jay]

Mark the photos and description of your porch installation are great! Thanks for sharing those.

I did order that book yesterday.. Had it overnighted since time is of the essence and we are in the process of securing the loan.

Want to make sure we really know what exactly we are purchasing.

Thanks again to all!

May start a thread about our purchasing process.. for someone else's benefit later.

Again, thanks
JJ and Kim

[J. Jay]

Book arrived today... looks like this will be VERY useful!
JJ