Can You Put A Basement Under A Mobile Home? (Find Out Now!)
If you choose a mobile home for your dwelling, you have a few different options for your foundation type. These usually fall into two main categories, permanent foundations, and non-permanent foundations. One type of permanent foundation that offers you flexibility and extra storage space is a basement. However, is this type of foundation possible with a mobile home?
It is possible to put a basement under a mobile home, as long as your building codes allow it. In fact, there can be many benefits to adding one! If you want to add a basement, it is ideal to build it before installing your mobile home. For an existing mobile home, you will need to raise the home off of the site while building.
To know if a basement foundation is right for your mobile home, we have set out some details of what to expect during the building process and a few pros and cons to consider.
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Adding a Basement to Your Mobile Home
Installing a basement can be an exciting and complicated process. This job is best left to the experts as there are a lot of factors that can affect your mobile home’s structure and your safety. There are two different ways to add a basement. Either you can install a basement under a pre-existing home, or you can build a basement and then install your home over.
Build a Basement under a Pre-existing Mobile Home
If your home is already on the lot, the mobile home will have to be removed and supported during the building process. This will generally take a few weeks. You will not be able to live in your mobile home while a basement foundation is being built. In the end, though, you will have a permanent foundation as well as extra space. Here is what this process will look like:
Step 1: Remove the skirting of your mobile and shut off utilities.
Step 2: Lift the mobile home and place it on steel “stilts” to excavate the basement area.
Step 3: Using a skid steer, dig a ramp into the ground to start digging out the basement area.
Step 4: Decide how you will access your basement. Most basements built under a pre-existing home have an entrance from the outside.
Step 5: Build the structure for the walls, add ventilation, and rewire your utilities as needed.
Step 6: When your basement is finished, lower your mobile home onto its new permanent foundation.
Build a Basement and Then Install Your Mobile Home
The easiest way to build your basement will be before you install your mobile home. You can buy a mobile home that has a basement-ready frame directly from the manufacturer. By choosing this route, you can be sure that you are maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure.
Homes that are built basement-ready will also have an open area for adjoining a stairwell. To install the mobile home over a basement, roll the home over the finished basement and its supports.
The Benefits of Adding a Basement to Your Mobile Home
There are many benefits to choosing a basement for your mobile home foundation type. A basement can double your indoor space and have a variety of uses depending on how you finish it out.
Storm Shelter
A basement can be a secure area when adverse weather or tornados strike. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an underground area is the safest way to protect yourself from flying debris.
Fun and Games
A basement can add an extra play area or an office space to your home. This can be an area for recreation or to work without distractions. Also, if you want to have an in-home gym, a solid basement floor can support the weight of your heavy equipment better.
Guest House
When you have guests staying with you, a basement can give comfort and privacy to both you and your guests.
Garage
A basement doesn’t have to be fully underground! You can add a sloped driveway and protect your car from the effects of weather in an underground shelter.
Storage
You can use a basement for extra storage space. Whether you have canned goods, tools, lawn equipment, or off-season clothes, a basement will give you back some space in your house so you can live uncluttered.
A basement can add extra value to your home and property! It can be a useful space for you to use and can be an asset when you want to sell.
Things to Consider When Building a Basement
While having a basement can be an asset to a mobile home, you will want to count the costs before choosing to install one. Here are some things to consider:
Time
Basements can take several weeks to install. This is much longer than other types of mobile home foundation types.
Location
Depending on your location, a basement may not be an option. Although a sump pump can help keep your basement moisture-free, some areas with higher water tables may not able to support a basement. You will need to check the building codes for your area to see if a basement is allowed.
Cost
A basement can be one of the most expensive foundations you can choose for a mobile home. An unfished basement can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per square foot, while a finished basement can cost between $30 and $100 per square foot. Prices will vary according to your land area and the size of your home. In total, you may be spending several thousand dollars for a basement. The good news is that you can also double the size of your home in the process.
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Related Questions
What will I find under a mobile home?
Most manufactured homes have a “bottom board” (also known as a “belly-wrap”) underneath. This is to provide a moisture barrier to protect the integrity of your home. The bottom board is generally black in color and made out of fiberglass with asphalt, woven polyethylene, or heavy tar paper.
Why is a vapor barrier necessary for a mobile home?
Without a vapor barrier, a mobile home can be damaged by the water vapor that rises from moist ground or from standing water underneath. HUD requires new mobile homes with skirting to have a vapor barrier.
Is it possible to get a home equity loan for a mobile home?
To be able to get a home equity loan for a double-wide, you will need to convert it to a home that is attached to property or own the land where the home is. Barring these circumstances, you will generally not be able to get a home equity loan for a mobile home.
Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.
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