pit installation

[S Norman]

I have heard of a "pit installation" where the manufactured home is placed in what I guess is an excavated area, so it ends up essentially at grade level. It appears to be an attractive way to install a home, but I wonder if this has any disadvantages. I wonder especially about the ability to work under the home to make repairs in the future if the need arises. Also, would this installation end up costing more than the usual installation? Of course I realize that there would be excavation expense, but would this maybe be offset by the fact that (I assume) you would not need skirting in a pit installation?

Another question on a different topic: I have heard that there are PVC "pads" that can be used in lieu of the (expensive) concrete slabs underneath the home (in a non-pit installation, of course). Do you know anything about these? Also, do you know of any manufacturers who make these?

Thanks for the help.

[rmurray]

1)....there are ABS foundation footers available in the market..they are better than no footers and are cheaper than concrete...but..properly installed concrete footers are by far the best...do not skimp on the foundation of the home..this can be the most important part of long term success..You would be better off eliminating the fireplace and having great footers as an example if you are limited in budget..

2)...Pit set homes are not exactly down into the ground...the homes are above grade by enough to get under them..then the ground is back filled like site built homes to give the impression it is at grade level...This type of installation is more expensive because of all the fill dirt..The type of foundation you should use depends on the location you are at...Soil content..frost heave..and seismic activity should all be considered..You might want to download this foundation guide to get you up to speed..

http://www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF ... _guide.pdf

Good Luck