Frequently Asked Questions
License 512243
Bakersfield
661-398-7222
Toll Free
877-427-1283
This page last updated
April 27, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a foundation?
While a support system (see Support System below) holds up the weight of the building (the vertical load), a foundation adds resistance to sideways forces (lateral loads). Any building might have lateral forces pushing on it from 1) moving air (wind), 2) moving water (flood) or 3) moving earth (earthquake) and a proper foundation will resist the worst-expected lateral forces. In most of California, mobilehomes are not required to have foundations but the home is significantly more stable if it has a foundation.Why else might I need a foundation?
Financing. In California, on private property, a mobilehome that is not on a foundation is personal property. Mortgage Loans are not available for personal property.Wait a minute! My friend got a loan without having to put in a foundation! What's up with that?
It's not likely your friend got a mortgage loan. Loans are available for mobilehomes not on foundations but they are almost always for a higher down payment, a shorter term, and at a higher interest rate. Having a foundation opens the door to all the different home loan programs including FHA and VA. Anyone considering getting a loan on a mobilehome should check with several different lenders about all their financing options. The cost of installing a foundation might be covered by the loan and the house payment will probably still be far less than a loan on a mobilehome without a foundation. If you have any trouble finding a lender that can help you, contact us.What's the difference between different types of mobilehome foundations?
There are a number of different foundations available for mobilehomes. All of them fall into the categories of either a "perimeter type" or a "pier and pad type". The perimeter type is typically concrete or concrete block on a continuous footing and reinforced with steel rebar. The mobilehome is securely attached to the perimeter wall. This type of foundation is generally used only when installing a new home. Once the home is already installed it becomes very difficult and expensive to install a perimeter type foundation.Pier and pad type foundations are installed under the chassis of the mobilehome and are much less difficult and less expensive than the perimeter type. They work in conjunction with, but should not be confused with, the "Support System" that all mobilehomes must have. A Support System is made up of steel piers on treated wood pads spaced between 5 and 8 feet apart under each chassis beam (in some parts of the country, concrete block is used instead of steel piers).
What's the difference between a "Foundation" and a "Permanent Foundation"?
Nothing.Just two different ways of saying the same thing. All foundations, on any kind of building, are permanent until they're removed.
How much does it cost?
For a typical doublewide, usually $2600-$3000. Estimates are no charge in our service area. Remember, your savings from a lower interest rate will probably pay for that foundation several times - and your house is more stable.Serving Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties.
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