Preparing a Site for a Manufactured Home

Preparing a site for a manufactured home is an important step that ensures the home is delivered and installed correctly. From clearing the land to planning for utilities and additional features, there are many factors to consider before your new home arrives.

Understanding the Process

Once you’ve chosen your manufactured home floor plan and finalized your purchase with your local home center, your home order will be sent to the manufacturing facility. While waiting for your home to be built, you must prepare the land where it will be placed. The steps for site preparation can vary significantly based on your location’s unique characteristics, so it’s important to work closely with your home consultant to determine the specific actions you need to take.

Site Preparation Essentials

A well-prepared home site is essential for your manufactured home’s long-term stability and comfort. Here are the typical steps involved in site preparation:

1. Soil Assessment: A professional should evaluate the soil conditions to ensure they are suitable for supporting your home. This is particularly important in colder climates, where soil-bearing capacity and frost line depth must be determined.
2. Site Layout: Decide on your site’s layout, including your home’s exact location. This will help optimize space and enhance the aesthetic appeal.
3. Clearing and Grading: Remove any foliage and grade the land to facilitate proper drainage. Grading helps ensure that water will flow away from your home, preventing flooding.
4. Anchor Systems: Assess the holding capacity of ground anchors to secure your home in place, particularly in areas susceptible to high winds or seismic activity.

Terrain Considerations

The type of terrain can significantly impact the preparation process. For instance:

• Soil Density: The density of the soil will influence the depth and design of the footers required to anchor your home securely.
• Seismic Zones: Homes in seismic zones may require specific footer design considerations to ensure stability.
• Flood Zones: If your land is in a flood zone, regulations may dictate how high your home must be elevated off the ground and what type of foundation is necessary.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure the site is adequately crowned. This involves building up and compacting the soil to promote effective drainage away from the home.

Planning for Land Improvements

While preparing the home site, consider any additional land improvements you might want. Common options include:

• Connecting to electrical and water services or installing a septic system if necessary.
• Building driveways, garages, decks, or patios.
• Adding skirting around the home to protect against pests and improve energy efficiency.
• Landscaping the area to enhance curb appeal.

Sewer and Septic System Preparations

If your site has access to a public sewer system, it may be preferable to connect to it rather than install a septic system. Your home consultant can guide you in determining the best option based on local regulations.

Preparing for Home Delivery

When your home is ready for delivery, work with your home center to ensure everything is in place. This includes:

• Securing a clear route for transporting the home to the site may involve coordinating with local authorities.
• Arranging transportation for your home.
• Checking for obstacles on the delivery route as the date approaches.

Once delivered, final setup and inspections will occur, paving the way for your move-in day.