Manufactured Housing

[kaneranch]

Who knows what the going rate for those manufactured houses are. Can you put them on hill sides or do they have to be on flat ground? thanks KaneRanch

 

[SF]

In north texas they sell for prices ranging from $30k to about $80k depending upon the size, configuration, etc... You should be able to put them on a hillside as long as you level the area first and pour some sort of footings. On a hillside you might need some piers to stabilze the footings. JMO

 

[bgm]

We put one in for my step daughter three years ago. It was a used 1500 sq foot nice one. It was $32,000 delivered and setup. We had to put in the pad, electric, plumbing etc. When I graded for the pad, I built up the low end about 4 ft to get it close to level. They said ideally the pad should be level within 18", but I've seen them on much worse places then that. There's one up the road from me sitting on the edge of a large hill. I'm gussing there's six or seven foot height difference from front to back. But then it's also on a full basement with proper footings. I'd really check into how to construct with piers if the hill is too large. Your dealer/manufacturer should be able to provide the recommendations you need.

Good luck

Bryan

 

[SF]

... I'd really check into how to construct with piers if the hill is too large. Your dealer/manufacturer should be able to provide the recommendations you need.

Good luck

Bryan

Don't trust the dealer or manufacturer. They don't know anything about foundations or concrete work. Get an expert in the foundation business or concrete work.

 

[kaneranch]

I would like to put one on our ranch someday, but first I need to figure out where you can put. Thanks for ya'lls imput, KaneRanch

 

[bgm]

Don't trust the dealer or manufacturer. They don't know anything about foundations or concrete work. Get an expert in the foundation business or concrete work.

I hate to disagree, but it's their business to know what kind of concrete work needs to be under them to properly support them. The steel frame work underneath is designed to correctly support the home with supports as outlined in their installation guide. They have researched it. They know the amount of concrete, the amount of rebar and can give recommendations based upon soil type and compaction rates. If your not comfortable with that fact, then find a different manufacturer.

I worked with the manufacturer when we put the one in here. The engineer was very helpful and knowledgable. Now having said that I wouldn't trust the word of old Joe two teeth down at the local mobile home sales just because he's been moving them "forever" either. Of course a REPUTABLE foundation specialist is a definate plus helping you and even a requirement if your going for a full basement. I chose a different route, a little ability coupled with solid advise from qualified a engineer saved us a chunk of money.

 

[SF]

Glad you had a good experience Bryan. I know of many who have not shared your good experience. Many of the mobile home dealerships here in Texas are unscrupulous operations that are looking to get the sale. Once it is delivered to your location, they are satisfied. Your problems after the fact, are just simply your problems. Good to hear a positive story about them though. It's been a long time since I've heard anyone talk about a positive experience with a dealer. Thanks.

 

[flaboy]

I would like to put one on our ranch someday, but first I need to figure out where you can put. Thanks for ya'lls imput, KaneRanch

Here's a thought. Build a barn in such a fashion as to be able to be converted into a home later.

 

[madbeancounter1]

Hate to put my two cents worth in again but as I said before I used to live up in the heart of RV country. While living there I was a buyer for one of the largest mfr's (at that time 94-99) in the nation.

IMO, knowing the materials that go into these puppies and that specs change depending on where they are built and the fact that they depreciate just like a car instead of appreciating like a stickbuilt house it would be hard to get me to even consider living in one.

I agree with SF. While there are some good dealers out there that understand foundations most are out to move as many floors as possible.

As a Purchasing Agent I can tell you that there were lots of times that we had to call out the frame mfr to make road trips to rescue homes because of broken welds on frames and twisted rails, etc... If they can break and twist being pulled down the road imagine what can happen when they are being set on an unstable footing or stacks of cement blocks as some guys around here have done. Get a weak block in the stack and kiss your home goodbye - especially if you are on a steep grade.

Now that said there are some good mfrs out there and some bad ones. I worked for a pretty good one and we built everything from singlewides to triplewides and every one was inspected by UL.

If you can find a modular home builder that would be a better way to go. The difference is that while you can set both basements or crawlspaces you can't take the mobile home off the frame or it will fall apart. The modular is made to be taken off the frame and is more like a stickbuilt house and actually appreciates in value.

I like flaboy's suggestion. That's what we are investigating at the moment.

 

[Susie David]

Hey Y'all...we live in a manfactured home. The only trouble that we had with it is the floor is only particle board, found out this when a son dropped a barbell and it went through. For the money it is liveable and the cost is the value...warm in the winter and the window unit keeps the place cool in the summer. Put on porches (covered) and a mudd room and you're all set....local code will dictate the footings that you need and whether or not you will need a skirt (reccomend one).
Dave Mc

 

[flaboy]

I had another idea. How about building a barn but you make the hay loft liveable? Then maybe later make the lower part liveable. You could always build another barn later and have twins. :lol: