The Ultimate Guide To Manufactured Home Foundations & Cost

Manufactured homes aren’t what they used to be, and here at Zook Cabins, we hope you have seen proof of that. However, some things in the industry don’t change, such as foundations. Yet, getting a straight answer on the cost of manufactured home foundations is still difficult. This blog will discuss the estimated foundation cost for your manufactured home. So, whether you are purchasing a modular log cabin, modern modular home, luxury mobile home, park model home, or glamping pod, we have you covered!

What Is The Cost For A Manufactured Home Foundation?

Generally, a manufactured home foundation costs between $1,000 and $25,000. This price range is so wide because the style of manufactured home you choose to purchase will determine the overall foundation cost. For example, a glamping pod or park model tiny home does not require the same type of foundation as a modular home.

What Kind Of Manufactured Homes Require A Foundation?

ALL OF THEM! Every type of manufactured home needs a foundation of some kind. However, the style of the foundation may differ depending on the type of manufactured home you choose. A foundation is essential because it provides support for the home, protecting it from shifting, settling, or damage caused by environmental factors. Without a secure and well-constructed foundation, the manufactured home can be vulnerable to various issues, including uneven settling, moisture damage, and structural weakness. Over time, this lack of support can lead to accelerated wear and tear, ultimately causing premature deterioration and costly repairs. That being said, all of the homes sold by Zook Cabins will require a foundation. We will not deliver your project without a prepared area that our team has approved.

Am I required To Have A Specific Foundation For My Manufactured Home?

Yes. Depending on the type of home, you will need a specific foundation. Not quite sure which one you need? Take a look at the table below to see what kind of foundation you will need at a minimum.

What Kind Of Foundation Is Needed For a Manufactured Modular Home?

Manufactured modular homes require a crawl space or a full basement foundation. If you can afford a basement foundation, you may like the extra storage or rennovated living space it provides. On the other hand, if your soil test shows that a basement foundation is not a good option, a crawl space foundation may be the only way to go. This is not an issue and we will be able to work for any of the modular homes that we have to offer. We recommend that you check with your zoning board to see if they have a preference or requirement for your foundation.

What Kind Of Foundations Do Manufactured ADUs Need?

Manufactured ADUs need either a crawlspace or a basement foundation. At Zook Cabins, our ADUs are built just like our full-size modular homes and thus require the same type of foundation. The only difference between our modular homes and ADUs will be the size of the foundation overall: a smaller home equates to a smaller foundation, thus less money in most cases. With the cheaper cost, we have seen many people create a full basements when choosing to do an ADU. This allows the buyer to enjoy additional living space without purchasing a larger home.

What About Shed ADU Foundations?

We know there are other companies out there that may do shed-to-home conversions, which are may also be called ADUs. Those companies are great, but they are not selling the same product as us. This, in turn, means different foundation needs may be required.

What Kind of Foundations Do Luxury Mobile Homes (HUD)?

Luxury mobile homes need a poured-pier foundation. This foundation is relatively low cost. However, if you want to place your luxury mobile home on other types of foundations, like a basement or crawl space,  this is an option. However, choosing a different option may result in a large expense for the project overall.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Manufactured Modular Home Foundation?

Basement

The average cost for a basement foundation is $12,000-$25,000 (this is an estimate, not a quote). In most cases, this will be a basic basement foundation that does not have an exit to the outdoors. If you desire to have a basement foundation with a walk-out for your manufactured modular home, keep in mind that the high end of the above price will most likely be where your project starts. 

Crawl Space

The typical crawlspace foundation for a manufactured home costs $6,000 -$15,000 (this is an estimate, not a quote), depending on the overall size of the building. Unlike a basement foundation, this type of foundation is not designed to be used as additional living space or storage. Typically, this foundation type will be sealed off using some kind of vapor barrier, which allows the structure to not come into direct contact with the ground.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Manufactured ADU Foundation?

The typical ADU foundation will be between $6,000 and $20,000 (this is an estimate, not a quote).  ADUS are built on the same kind of foundation as a modular home. With this size in mind, you can expect that this foundation will be slightly less than that of a full-size home as there are fewer materials involved.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Luxury Mobile Home (HUD) Foundation?

The average price of a luxury mobile home foundation is between $7,000 and $12,000 (this is an estimate, not a quote). This quoted price uses a method known as a poured pier foundation. With a mobile home, you can put them on a basement or crawl space foundation; however, that is not a very common practice, and will increase the price of the project.

What is The Average Cost For A Manufactured Park Model Tiny Home Foundation?

The average cost for a park model tiny home foundation will be $2,220 – $4,059 (this is an estimate not a quote). This is based on the idea that the average 4-inch gravel pad costs $5-$9 per square foot (this is an estimate, not a quote). Given that most of our tiny homes are about 400 square feet, you can safely assume that this will be sufficient to cover your expenses. If you would like to do a cement slab, you could expect it to cost more.

The estimated calculation is designed to give you an extra 1’ of space around the perimeter of the building, allowing you to have space to work on the building from every angle. 

Something to remember is that not every place in the USA is Park Model Tiny Home friendly, or they have stipulations about how you can use your park model. We know this can be a bit challenging to navigate so we are here to help. Simply click the state on the table below, and you can see the regulations for each state that we deliver to.

What is the average Cost For a Manufactured Glamping Pod Foundation?

The average cost for a glamping pod foundation will be around $975-$2106 for a gravel pad foundation (this is an estimate note a quote). While these are not seen as traditional manufactured homes, many resorts and campgrounds love having these structures to create a glamping space. Just like a park model, you can place these on a gravel or cement pad.

What Manufactured Home Foundation Is Best? 

At Zook Cabins, the best foundation is the one that fits your budget and typography needs. For that reason, it is hard to say that one is better. However, we think that a basement foundation (where it can be done) gives you some added benefits in that you can have storage, additional living space or a REC room. For that reason, we are biased towards basements, but they are not necessarily better than any other foundation. 

Conclusion…

No matter where you are in the manufactured home foundation process, we are here to help. While we don’t personally install them, we can help give you the guidance you may need. So when you’re ready to get your cabin and make more memories, we will be here to guide you every step of the way. Literally from the ground up!