Preparing Your Land for a Mobile Home? Before You Hire The Moving Trucks….

While installing a mobile home or manufactured home on your property may be quicker and easier than a traditional build, there are several things to consider at the start of the process to ensure a safe and solid foundation -- literally and legally -- for your future home. 

Taking the following steps for land site preparation will pave the way for a worry and hassle-free process, from preparing your mobile home for transport to set-up and installation. 

We have outlined the 5 MAJOR things you should do to prepare for success. We have also included some additional considerations, as each move has its own challenges depending on the land, laws and infrastructure you have available to you.

Countdown! 5 Essential Planning Points For Installing Your New Mobile Home Land Survey

Paperwork From A to Zoning

When you want to rearrange your furniture, it can take a few hours until you have it 'just right'.

Unfortunately, raw manpower is not enough to get your new home in place. Once you have your land survey it's time to get down to the details. This is a multi-layered step since you will need a series of permits, including but not limited to:

• Transport Permit
• Building Permit
• Occupancy Permit
• Utility Permit

Depending on needed land changes, such as paving for a driveway, you may need more than one of the same permit for different stages of the process.

There are also federal laws requiring your home to be built within certain parameters pertaining to size requirements, building materials and more per National Manufactured Housing's Construction and Safety Standards. 

Generally there are local government sites you can reference, and the organizations operating in the manufactured home industry can provide information on the permits you will need and guide you in the process.

Some states have special rules, such as the mobile home transport company you hire must obtain the transport permit, though the home owner or purchaser must pay for any permit fees. Due to the multi-layered nature of these permits, it is advised you start the process well in advance of your intended move date -- at least 6 weeks before if not more.

Proceed With a Level Head & Mark Your Boundaries

Physically preparing your land is the next step. With your land study and permits in hand, it's time to create a flat surface to install your home. You will need to consider landscaping or natural features you want to protect or plan to add in the future. Clear the area you want including all vegetation and debris and ensure that there is no water body under your land. 

If you find low or marshy spots on your chosen installation site, you can take steps to install cement pads before placing the foundation. This will give you secure footing for your manufactured home installation. 

Some of this process may be able to be tackled on its own, but there are also several companies that can assist you with the preparation, placement and landscaping of your property as well, and advise you on the nitty gritty including soil composition and retention.

It's handy to also mark out your land's boundaries in some way to avoid any issues or confusion with your neighbors. You can do so in several ways -- planting a tree line or other plants, fencing, even something as simple as railroad ties can be used, although less permanent methods can be shifted by weather and wildlife.

Foundation

There is no getting around the need for building a permanent foundation for your mobile home installation. This is also a service that may be included with the leveling process, depending on the services offered by companies in your area. 

Concrete requires time to fully dry and cure. Work closely with your builder and installation company as well as local building codes to meet your needs as well as the latest HUD regulations and local building codes. 

Utility Hook Up - City Over Septic

If your chosen site already contains utility hook-ups for city services such as water, sewage, electric and natural gas, then you are in for a much simpler process. However, the need to build out your property can add many different considerations or needs. This can include using certified and licensed contracts for individual portions of the project, such as trench digging, running water pipes, installing power lines and possibly installing a propane tank and/or septic tank. This may also increase the types of permits you'll need to acquire.

You will want to coordinate scheduling with your contractors based on your move-in date and personal schedule. Some companies may offer several of these services as a package or possibly be able to refer local companies to provide any specialty services.



Herrington's years of experience can guide you through the financing, selling, transportation, and installation processes involved in setting up your cozy mobile home.

Talk to our experts today to find your dream home at 843-358-6251 or contact us at Herringtonssince1986@yahoo.com!