HUD Manufactured Home Certifications
Manufactured Home Certifications are issued by a professional engineer
Permanent Foundation • Additions • 1st Permanent Location
What is a Manufactured Home?
As you explore your options for homebuying, it’s important to understand the differences between a modular home, a mobile home, and a manufactured home. Knowing these distinctions will empower you to make informed decisions in partnership with your realtor
Modular Homes
Manufactured homes are often confused with modular homes, but each type has unique characteristics. Modular homes are constructed in sections, known as modules, in a factory setting, much like traditional stick-built homes. Once these sections are completed, they are transported to the final location and assembled on a permanent foundation. Keep in mind that modular homes cannot be relocated after installation and must comply with state and local building codes, making them a stable choice for many homebuyers.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are another category that is commonly mentioned. These homes were built on a permanent chassis and had wheels, allowing for easy transportation as a whole or in sections. People often refer to them as single-wide, double-wide, or even triple-wide trailers. It's essential to note that the quality of mobile homes varied widely before 1976, as there were no established industry standards to ensure safety or construction quality.
Manufactured Homes
In June 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented safety and construction standards for newly built mobile homes, leading to the formal designation of “manufactured home.” This change also meant that the term "mobile home" was replaced with "manufactured home" in federal documents. A manufactured home is specifically defined as a mobile home built after June 15, 1976, which conforms to HUD standards and displays a HUD certification label.
Today’s manufactured homes are constructed with higher quality materials and better practices than homes built decades ago. Each manufactured home must display a HUD certification label on each section to indicate compliance. If you are considering buying a manufactured home, you should know that those built before June 15, 1976, do not have these labels, nor do modular homes.
What is a Manufactured Home Engineering Certification?
HUD has created guidelines to ensure that manufactured homes are built correctly. If you secure financing to buy a manufactured home, your lender will typically require an inspection to confirm compliance with HUD guidelines for FHA and VA loans. Many conventional lenders require this certification as well.
During the inspection process, a licensed inspector gathers necessary information, including photographs of the home from various angles. This data is reviewed by a qualified engineer to ensure the home meets HUD standards. If it does, the engineer issues the Manufactured Home Engineering Certification.
All of our certifications are provided by Patrick Conroy, P.E. of MFD Home Certifications, U.S. LLC. With 29 years of engineering experience, Patrick guarantees that each certification meets the highest standards.
Types of Certifications Available
It’s essential to know what types of certification inspections are available to you as a potential buyer:
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Permanent Foundation Certifications
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Additions to Manufactured Home Certifications (including decks, porches, or additional rooms)
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1st Permanent Location Certifications
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Before proceeding, consult your realtor about what certifications are required for your specific mortgage type. Not every lender requires both foundation and additions certificates. Being aware of these requirements can save you time and money during the home-buying process.
If you are considering FHA or VA loans, you should know that all three certifications—permanent foundation, additions, and 1st permanent location—are generally required. Make sure your realtor informs us if your loan falls under FHA or VA guidelines.
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Inspection Timeline
We can typically schedule your inspections within two to three days. An engineer will usually review your file on the same day as the inspection, and you can often receive your certification within a few hours. To avoid delays, it is advisable to secure your Manufactured Home Engineering Certifications early, as they are essential for closing your loan.
Cost Breakdown
The cost for a Manufactured Home Engineering Certification can vary based on the services required:
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Permanent Foundation Certification – $475.00
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Permanent Foundation with Additions Certification – $525.00
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1st Permanent Location Certification – available ONLY alongside one of the above services at no extra charge
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Additions Certification – If this is needed after the foundation documentation has been submitted, a fee of $250.00 will apply.
Partner with Your Realtor!
By understanding the distinctions between these types of homes and the importance of the certifications involved, you can make well-informed decisions in partnership with your realtor. Your realtor is there to help guide you through the process and ensure you have access to the essential information and services you need as a homebuyer.
If you have any questions about manufactured homes or would like to schedule your inspection, please reach out to us today! We are here to support you on your journey to homeownership.