What are the standard home foundations?
Learn about foundation types that are options for modular housing.
Having a strong modular home foundation is key to keeping the home solid for life. There are different types of modular home foundations on which a home can be laid, with different materials, but the foundation on which your home can be laid may depend on local building codes.
Standard Home Foundation Options
Different regions have different requirements for modular home foundations, so your foundation options will vary based on where your home will be located. Each standard home floor plan must be verified by a government agency to ensure that it is structurally safe prior to construction, this will ensure that the home’s engineered foundation system is constructed to properly fit into the approved foundation based on the home’s location.
Modular homes need space under the house for electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing connections; Therefore, the type of foundation must include a distance between the basement and the ground, and the house cannot be built on a slab foundation.
Although local building codes may have different requirements for the foundations of modular homes, here are the most common modular home foundations.
Basement – One of the most frequently asked questions is “Can a modular house be put in a basement?” The answer is yes, it can be. This option is very popular because it can free up additional space that can be used in a variety of ways. It can also provide a safe shelter from some inclement weather.
Crawl space – A crawl space is the unfinished area under the first floor of a home that is designated for access to plumbing or wiring. Although this foundation is much smaller than the basement and does not allow you to stand, it provides strong support for your home and allows it to be lifted off the ground.
What is the difference between prefab houses on the structure and outside the frame?
Two terms you may hear when thinking about modular home foundations are on-frame and off-frame. Frame modular homes have a durable steel frame. Modular homes are lifted out of the frame by a hoist from the carriage and placed on a foundation. Both can be put on permanent foundations. The main difference is whether or not the modular house still has a steel frame once construction is completed on site.
Standard Home Foundation Requirements
Modular home builders are required to construct homes and foundations to comply with all state and local building codes required for the specific home location. Many countries may adopt their own local building standards from the International Coding Council (ICC) or one of several versions of the International Residence Code (IRC).
The local building regulatory body is responsible for verifying that a standard home’s floor plan is designed and engineered in accordance with all requirements that apply to the home’s location. Also, if you plan to use an existing modular floor plan, it must be approved again in case of any modifications.
Standard home foundation construction process
Once the home’s modular floor plan is approved, construction of the home will begin within a climate control home building facility.
Here are the first steps to building an engineering foundation system for a modular home:
- The steel frame is built from solid I-shaped iron beams that have been specially placed to support the structure of the house.
- Then, the I-beams are followed by cross members connecting the beams, adding stability to the foundation.
- Finally, the outriggers are welded to the steel beams for added strength and support. The steel frame also provides support for the house during transportation.
Standard foundation materials for the house
Modular homes are made of high quality materials that are built to last. The foundation materials for modular homes will vary depending on what type of foundation the modular home will have, but materials may include wood and cement. Stone foundations for modular homes are not used because of the irregularities often found in the stones used in building materials
Regardless of the type of foundation on which a modular house is laid, the most frequently used material is cement. It is common for cement to be poured into the foundation area of modular homes, however, the foundation of a modular home will also include vapor barrier and insulation to help prevent moisture problems.
Source: Standard Home Foundations
