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There are four types of foundations other than pouring a concrete slab, and they are less expensive. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Wood Cribbing:
Wood 2" x 6" blocks stacked 16" x 16" on top of treated lumber placed under the I-beam. To level, you use wood shims hammered into place. Wood is cellular and compresses over time. This is expensive and like it or not, it does not qualify as a permanent structure foundation. That means the bank won’t write paper on your home.
2. Concrete Blocks:
This system has been around a long time. A treated piece of lumber sits under the stack of blocks and another peace of treated lumber is placed between the block and the I-beam. There is a lot of labor to set-up this system. Banks won’t write paper on a home with this foundation system.
Today, most cities and states have laws that prevent this system from being used. There are very good reasons for NOT using concrete block. After the last big earthquake in Seattle, Washington, (1985), F.E.M.A. reported a better than 50% failure rate for homes sitting on concrete blocks. Not only did the homes fall off the blocks, but they also crushed utility lines and sustained heavy structural damage when the blocks came up through the floors.
We have received phone calls after every quake from people who have suffered damage from shifting or crumbling blocks. (Click here to see pictures). The doors don’t close or the home just isn’t level any more and the water won’t completely drain from the bathtub! Why go there? There is a better, less expensive, system.
3.
Steel Pier Stands:
Engineers certify these steel stands to 6,000 lbs. They clamp directly to the I-beams under your home, so the home can’t fall off. They are adjustable. They sit on an engineered plastic pad. Labor is a quarter of the time needed for concrete block systems. Steel pier stands don’t shift, rot or compress. This system is less expensive and safer than concrete blocks, but banks still won’t write paper on a home with this system installed. But if you are on a tight budget, this is the best way to go. To see a list of sizes click here. Click on the back button at the top of your screen to return to this page. To see a picture click here.
4. Foundation Works Foundation Systems:
This foundation system is FHA, VA and Alaska Engineer Certified for permanent structure status when installed under homes built in 1976 or newer. This foundation system is Alaska Housing Finance approved. It took my son and I less than half–a-day to install the system under our home. They are made of an engineered concrete slab with an adjustable top that clamps to your I-beam. Provided your home was built after 1976, banks WILL write paper on homes that have this foundation system. The cost is under $3,500 for a 14’ x 70’ home. Your cost could be higher depending on the size required. To see a list of sizes click here. Click on the back button at the top of your screen to return to this page. To see a picture click here. To see a copy of the IBC Engineer's specs click here.
Have a suggestion we can share with other mobile/manufactured home owners? Please call or email us postmaster@reallyneatstuffalaska.com