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In our FAQ section we try to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding retrofits, relelving and other issues related to modular homes.
What Constitutes a Foundation?
Should I get my home retrofitted first and then contact a lender?
I am always getting telephone calls about having free inspections
Do I have to remove my furniture and be out of the house when releveling or a retrofit
Do I need a permit to make repairs or alterations to my mobile/manufactured home?
Q: What Constitutes a Foundation?
A: FHA/HUD regulations require that the home be compliant with current guideline for hold-downs, tie-downs, and attachment. In many cases these requirements are more stringent than the local codes. It is common for a home to pass a local city, county or state code but not make the grade for FHA regulations.
Q: Should I get my home retrofitted first and then contact a lender?
A: It should be the reverse. Often times the retrofit can be paid out of the proceeds of the loan. Yet most importantly many contractors may say they are retrofitting your home but their work product is worthless if it can’t meet an engineer’s certification or garner the state certification for recorded documents. Don’t pay for something in advance that may not meet a lender’s requirements.
Q: I am always getting telephone calls about having free inspections
A: Be very cautious about anyone that solicits your business and offers “free” inspections or suggests that they have a “warranty” service with you. Many unsuspecting people have been bilked out of thousands and thousands of dollars for unnecessary or poorly executed workmanship. Buyer beware of telephone solicitors.
Q: Do I have to remove my furniture and be out of the house when releveling or a retrofit
A:Unless you or your pet is bothered by a little noise, there is no reason to evacuate the premises. Releveling and retrofitting should not be an aggressive process that could cause damage your interior contents—it is supposed to be done systematically and carefully so there will be little or no issue for your existing drywall, paneling, tiles and flooring systems. If someone suggests otherwise, get another opinion.
Q: Do I need a permit to make repairs or alterations to my mobile/manufactured home?
A:Generally speaking most repairs or alterations of a mobilehome or manufactured home require a permit. For instance, in California the licensing authority is the HCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) but each state has their own licensing authority and often the state authority delegates the responsibility to a local jurisdiction like a city or county. Even then, it is not always clear-cut. Sometimes you may have to pull a permit both with the local jurisdiction and the state agency! So check and double check.