Land Prep

[Michael]

I am fixing to retire here for the third and final time in about two months. I have purchased 15 acres of land in Missouri. I plan to set a 32 by 80 manufactured home on the land.
I know I need to grade the land for proper runoff so water does not get under the house, and that I also need to compact the area under the new home.
I plan on using VA financing, my main question is what are the support requirements under the house that the blocks will sit on. One dealer told me that if I put a solid slab under the house that it had to be 10 inches thick, this seems wrong to me. another told me concrete pads every eight foot for the rails were all that is required. If pads are acceptable I plan on doing the eight foot spacing under the frame rails, plus down the center line and around the perimeter. This will be a total of 70 pads. The dealers I have spoken to will not give me anything in writing until I put a down payment on a new home.
Any information will be appreciated.

Mike

[rmurray]

Exact information will be in the set up manual of the home you buy...If the dealers are not cooperative...find others who will help you your way...

[David Oxhandler]

More home buyers should take responsibility for their homes installation. They would have a lot fewer probelms over the life of the home. Site prep and installation must be handled properly. Even if you're not planning on doing the work yourself, it is critical that home buyers understand the entire process.

The most effective way I have found to learn about the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured home is a great five-part video series with George Porter, the industry's most respected installation specialist. Mr. Porter leads you through a two hour viewing experience that will prepare you for the numerous operations and complexities involved in the installation of the modern manufactured home.

If your reading this and you are about to purchase a manufactured home Don't assume that the retailer or the installer are watching out for your best interests. take this crash study course now Click Here for More Details This will give you an edge when choosing sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation and installation is done right and to your expectation.

[Michael]

David, I have seen these tapes advertised here, and while they may be a good idea I am wondering if they cover all states, and VA loan requirements.
I only plan on setting this thing once, I have been through the re-level thing once a year several years ago, and am not going to go that route anymore.

[Shawn Sisco]

Mike, you really must be settled on which particular house you are buying before you can get your supports spaced correctly. frame widths differ from builder to builder, and spacing and size of marriage wall piers is totally predicated on floorplan of your house. Supports at the perimeter vary greatly, and all of these requirements may change whenever the manufacturer changes their componet specs or methods of construction. My suggestion is to request a copy of pier plan of your specific model from the manufacturer, your salesperson will only need ask his manufacturers representitive. But don't start digging until you have a serial # on your house, and make sure that the info on your print is still current.

[rmurray]

Great advice...

[Michael]

Thanks folks, I appreciate all the info.

Mike