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Manufactured Home Foundation Certifications

All manufactured home permanent foundation systems, new and existing, must meet the guidelines published in the Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing (HUD-7584), dated September 1996.  A certification attesting to compliance must be obtained from a licensed professional engineer.

Spotlight Property Inspections works closely with MFD Home Certifications to provide Foundation Compliance Certifications meeting HUD FHA and VA requirements.

Order your Engineering Certification Inspection!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Manufactured Home?

  • A manufactured home is built to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) and displays a red certification label on the exterior of each transportable section. Manufactured homes are built in the controlled environment of a manufacturing plant and are transported in one or more sections on a permanent chassis.

What is the difference between manufactured and modular homes?

  • Manufactured homes are constructed according to a code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code). The HUD Code, unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a permanent chassis.
  • Modular homes are constructed to the same state, local or regional building codes as site-built homes. Other types of systems-built homes include panelized wall systems, log homes, structural insulated panels, and insulating concrete forms.

What are the different types of certification inspections?

  1. Permanent Foundation Certification – Verify the home is properly supported and secured to the foundation.
  2. First Permanent Certification –  Verify the home has not been moved to another location. Homes moved from a site other than the original manufacturer do not meet HUD FHA or VA loan requirements.
  3. Addition Certification – Verify any additions or modifications meet HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS) and local and state code.

How much does a typical Manufactured Home Foundation Certification cost?

  • Fees vary slightly based on geographical location however, the standard fee is $425 for the on-site inspection and the professional engineer’s certification (compliance letter).
  • Please contact us for a price quote for your area.

How long does it take to get Foundation Certification?

  • Most Home Foundation Certifications can be completed within 3-5 days of the order.

What is involved in Foundation Certification?

  1. On-site Home Inspection – An on-site inspection of the foundation of the home’s foundation and tie-down systems and any additions.
  2. Professional Engineer Review – The specific home site, additions, foundation, and tie-down systems are reviewed to ensure compliance with HUD standards.
  3. Certification Compliance Letter – Once the engineer determines HUD compliance, the certification compliance letter is promptly provided. If the foundation is NOT in compliance with HUD standards,  a non-compliant letter is issued with further recommendations.

Where can I get more information on HUD Standards for Manufactured Homes?

Click here to order your Engineering Certification Inspection!