addition over modular home

[Susan]

My husband and I are thinking about buying a lakefront home that was built in 1978. It is a modular home on a cement block foundation. The original (current) owners later added an addition with a walkout basement. We were wondering if we could build an addition over the added portion which would extend over the modular home portion also. Are modular homes capable of handling the weight of a second story addtion? We don't want to spend the money on a designer or builder at this point until we have a good idea if this could even be done. Anybody have any experience with this? Thank you for any and all input on this matter.

[Tom]

Hi, not without some extensive structure reinforcement to the sidewalls. MH are not constructed for much additional weight on the sidewalls. That would make this a very expensive modification if done properly. Tom

[Susan]

Tom, Thank you for your quick response. I just want to make sure that I have my terminology correct. A modular home is one that is built elsewhere and then brought in in two sections and put together? Much of what I have read on this type of home states that it is just a good (strong) as a stick built home. Would we need to tear out the existing outside walls and then rebuild them? Thanks for your help!

[Tom]

Well, there are some differences in modular vs manufactured, but Im not that familiar with modulars that go that far back to be honest. The differences can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Lets approach your modification from that angle. Here is what I would do. I would consult a construction engineer to physically look at the sidewalls and whatever else he deems important. To be truthful, thats the only way your going to be able to tell if this is a doable project. I know you mentioned you didnt want to do this if MH's were not able to support the weight, but as I mentioned construction may vary from manufacturer so to be on the safe side have it checked for peace of mind. It may be they just have to pull off a couple of pieces of siding. You might also contact the manufacturer of the home if they are still in business to see if you could get some info from them. Tom

[Susan]

Tom, Good idea. Thank you for your input.