different kind of permant foundation

[jerrydensmore]

Hi,
We are plan on putting our M-18 Silvercrest ( 40x60 ) on a structual stem wall,around the entire outside and center, using engineered steel beams to surport the frame. The advantages seem to be never a need to re-adjust piers ( no piers used), price is the same and the our steel beams extend out the back for use as deck base ( again engineered). The contractor has used this for years in the N. and Central CA area. This sysyem appears to be very troublefree, giving a very solid base. Any comments about this and have anyone ever seen this type of foundation used before?
Thanks, Jerry

[trmimo]

A perimeter stem wall with steel cross beams has been a common foundation for crawlspaces in much of the country for many years. My experience has been that as long as the beams are sized and spaced correctly this is an excellent foundation providing much stiffer floors than a pier foundation.

[David Oxhandler]

Check out Foundation Works advanced foundation systems, designed and engineered for manufactured homes. These foundation systems add a high level of structural stability and have proven most cost-effective for the manufactured home, buyer.

Their system:

Meets industry standards for permanent foundation.

Qualifies for FHA or VA loan vs. conventional loan.

Thoroughly safety tested and certified by the State of California for use in Seismic Zone 4 the Foundation Works Systems exceed strength requirements by a factor of 2!

[jerrydensmore]

I did look at their system and talked to them about it. I think it's fine but having a concrete foundation and with( 8' I-beams) suporting the frame seems to be about as stromg as it can get. The price is the same with no need to ever re-adjust piers. No wood involved, dry under the home, good acess under the house. The bank likes it also. Maybe putting the house on it is harder, but thats in the price. I wish I knew of this before. Tell we whats wrong with it. I know you push the Foundation Works system, but why is their's better? Thanks

[David Oxhandler]

I recommend Foundation Works because I'm personally familiar with their systems. The system was originally devised to resist California earthquakes, I became aware of them many years prior to the adoption of most other permanent foundations or the FHA requirements. I dont know if Foundation Works is a better system because I'm not familiar with the system your asking about. If it has been designed and the plans sealed by an engineer If Silvercrest has been utilizing the system in question you can rest assured that it will work well with their homes. They have a long term reputation for quality construction and customer satisfaction.

The greatest advantage to the systems that use a steal I beam system, that I am aware of, is the ability to set the home on top of a pre-built basement. Otherwise it would seem to be more advantageous to use a continuous concrete wall in place of the steel.

It pays to have an FHA certified foundation over the long run. Not just for your financing but because the day you decide to sell that home you will be able to attract a larger pool of prospects because of the wider opportunities for financing that will be available.

A concrete stem wall foundation or composite steel/concert system is not necessarily a guarantee that your home wont experience settlement or even uneven settlement. A foundation system that offers support based on soil characteristics and conditions is the key to limited settlement. The Empire State Building settles a measurable amount each year into the bedrock of Manhattan Island, but is not threatening to tumble over. All structures settle. Building a good foundation depends on engineering but starts with proper site preparation.

[trmimo]

Stick with the stem wall and cross beam foundation. You are buying a substantial, expensive house. Years from a now a proprietary foundation system will not help the value of your house. The wall will. Also, if you dealer sets the house so the floor rests on the wall you will reduce the load on the floor system by as much as 60% because the roof load is transmitted directly to the foundation.

[jerrydensmore]

I think this foundation much better than anything I looked at so far. I do think down the road it will make this home a much better buy. Sure all foundations can settle over time, but I'll bet this type holds up much better. Foundation Works system is earthquake approved, but I'd rather be in a house that sits on a concrete wall with steel beams anyday.

[David Oxhandler]

Sounds like a good decision. Mr. trmimo is a frequent poster here with much experience in parts of the country that I am not that familiar with. I have a lot of respect for his opinions. If he has seen this type system in action and thinks highly of it I would say your on the right track.

Come back as your home is delivered and installed and let us know how it goes.