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Is your prefab home construction soon to be finalized? Are you ready to flourish your living in a home setting that enhances your comfort and matches your unique style? Then congratulations from our side, but before moving forward to the final phases of installation and foundation, you may want to give this read an overview as this piece outlines the best practices about how to set up your prefabricated dream home.
The culmination stages in the process of manufactured homes hold the most critical position when it comes to the safety and stability of these living spaces. Without proper foundation and installation, the sustainability, longevity, and overall quality of your home is in perilous condition.
Manufactured homes that are installed well and have solid foundations can withstand the test of time and many environmental challenges. Employing careful assembly, you can enhance energy efficiency in your home, creating an air-tight and insulated atmosphere. Besides, such quality practices also ensure compliance with building codes and regulations, increasing your safety and avoiding potential legal issues.
Given the imperativeness of manufactured homes installation and foundational steps, it is vital that you have all the necessary knowledge and insights regarding the process. This is what our read is for. So without further ado, let’s begin:
SETTING UP YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME – THE ESSENTIALS
1- SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION
The first and foremost step in the setup of the manufactured home is site selection. Choosing the right site for your manufactured home that comply regulations and ensures structural integrity is vital here.
For further clarification, consider the following factors when selecting the location:
2- UTILITIES
Before finalizing your decision about the permanent placement of your prefab home, confirm whether the site is accessible to basic amenities like water, sewer, and electricity.
3- ACCESSIBILITY
Manufactured homes are delivered by specialized trucks requiring considerable space and access to easily maneuver on the property. Therefore, for a smooth installation, ensure that the site is accessible for delivery trucks and equipment needed for the process.
4- ZONING AND REGULATIONS
The zoning laws and regulations divide the municipality into several zones, each encompassing specified uses and limitations. Not all zones are suitable or permitted to install manufactured homes on hence it is necessary that you contact your local zoning law officers or real estate attorneys to check whether your selected location complies with zoning laws and building regulations, ensuring hassle-free home installation and avoidance of possible legal issues.
5- SECURE PERMITS
Application for permits is another essential aspect of error-free installation where the individual applies for permits such as transportation, utility lines, soil bearing, etc. Ensure the execution of this phase to avoid delays in the overall process.
6- GROUND STABILITY
For proper installation, the selected site requires a lot of work. Clear the area of any plantation and acquire the help of professionals to grade the land. A comprehensive and careful ground grading is important to prevent foundational issues, given the water and surface runoff damages inefficient grading attracts.
7- VIEWS AND ORIENTATION
When directing installation, consider the orientation of your home to maximize natural light and take advantage of scenic views.
FOUNDATION OPTIONS
Only a quality foundation can offer your manufactured home the required stability. When it comes to the foundation of prefab dwelling settings, there are two types; permanent and temporary. A permanent foundation, although good for enhanced stability, land value, and longevity, is expensive hence people prefer going with temporary foundations. In the end, however, your budget, lender, and local codes determine which foundation would work best for your plans.
Besides permanency, there are several foundation material options available, each with its unique advantages:
1- CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION
A concrete slab can give you a solid and level surface for the home. It works best in regions with stable soil conditions.
2- PIER AND BEAM FOUNDATION
If you are setting your manufactured home on uneven terrain or unstable land, you should go with this type of foundation. It involves placing concrete piers or blocks to support the home.
3- CRAWL SPACE FOUNDATION
In stable land, you can go with a crawl space foundation. This kind combines elements of pier and beam with a solid perimeter foundation wall, creating space for maintenance and repairs.
4- BASEMENTS
Some manufactured homes can be set on basement foundations, providing additional living or storage space.
To equip your manufactured home with the finest possible foundation, consult with a professional contractor or manufactured home dealer and determine the best option for your specific needs.
PREPARING THE FOUNDATION
1- CLEARING AND LEVELING
Clear the site of any obstructions and Properly level the ground to prevent drainage issues and ensure the home’s stability.
2- FOUNDATION PADS
If concrete slab foundations are your choice, create stable foundation pads to support the home’s weight. Further, install anchor bolts or straps for the proper securing of the home to the foundation.
3- CRAWL SPACE AND BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION
If opting for a crawl space or basement foundation, ensure that the necessary walls and supports are constructed according to engineering guidelines.
4- UTILITY CONNECTIONS
Ensure the availability of utility connections (water, sewer, and electricity) and mark them properly for easy access during installation.
HOME DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
As the foundation gets finalized, it’s time to secure your home to its designated place.. The installation process typically involves the following steps:
1- CRANE SET
When the crane is lifting and positioning your home, ensure that the home is level and properly aligned.
2- ANCHORING AND FASTENING:
Get professional workers to securely anchor the home to the foundation using appropriate fasteners. This step is critical for structural stability, especially in regions prone to strong winds or seismic activity.
3- MARRIAGE WALLS
If your prefab home is multi-sectioned, use marriage walls to join the sections together. Here proper sealing and reinforcement are important to ensure a seamless and watertight connection.
4- STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS
Once the home is set, carry out thorough inspections to verify that the home is correctly installed and complies with building codes.
POST-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
After the home is installed, the process continues as there are essential post-installation considerations that are vital to observe for the surety of optimal functionality of your home.
1- SKIRTING
For extra protection, install skirting around the home’s base. It also enhances the look and provides insulation.
2- EXTERIOR FINISHING
Work on exterior finishing touches, such as landscaping, decks, and porches, and enhance the curb appeal and outdoor living spaces.
3- INTERIOR SETUP:
Now furnish and decorate your prefabricated home as lavishly as you desire, transforming it into a cozy and inviting sanctuary.
