According to the FHA Website here are the manufactured home guidelines required for getting a FHA loan:
A Title I loan for a manufactured home requires one of the following:
- A certificate label attached to the home, or
- A label verification letter. Obtain a label verification letter by visiting the website of the HUD approved contractor, the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS)
A Title II loan requires all of the following:
- A certificate label or label verification letter.
- The placement of the home on a permanent foundation that complies with the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (PFGMH).
- A certification from a licensed professional engineer verifying compliance with the PFGMH.
The most common permanent foundation errors delaying the approval of an FHA-insured loan for a manufactured home are:
- The foundation footings that are not set below the frost line
- Dry-stacked piers are used instead of required piers with mortared head and bed joints
- The use of ground anchors - because FHA doesn't accept these as a permanent attachment
- Any permanent foundation lacking an engineer's certification, even if it complies with all other elements
- Vinyl skirting used as an enclosure that doesn't meet ALL of the following FHA requirements:
- Properly enclosed crawl space with a continuous permanent foundation-type construction (similar to a conventionally built foundation, i.e., concrete, masonry or treated wood)
- Designed to resist all forces without transmitting the building superstructure to movements or effects caused by frost heave, soil settlement, or the shrinking or swelling of expansive soils.
- Adequately secured to the perimeter of the unit to exclude entry of vermin and water
- Allowance for proper ventilation of the crawl space
The most common errors that may cause a delay are:
- The foundation footings are not set below the frost line
- The use of dry-stacked piers are used instead of the required piers with mortared head and bed joints
- Ground anchors are used, because FHA does not accept these as a permanent attachment
- Any permanent foundation lacking an engineer's certification, even if it complies with all other elements
- Vinyl skirting used as an enclosure, that doesn't meet ALL of the following FHA requirements:
- Properly enclosed crawl space with a continuous permanent foundation-type construction (similar to a conventionally built foundation, i.e., concrete, masonry or treated wood)
- Designed to resist all forces without transmitting the building superstructure to movements or effects caused by frost heave, soil settlement, or the shrinking or swelling of expansive soils
- Adequately secured to the perimeter of the unit to exclude entry of vermin and water
- Allowance for proper ventilation of the crawl space
Disclaimer: Bennett Appraisals does not promote any program or products we just appraise SFR properties in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties WA. All information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.