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Modifications to the original manufactured home

The manufactured home loan process is more complex than financing a traditional site-built home.

Not all lenders offer loans for manufactured homes and many who do are not proficient with this loan type. This lack of expertise often results in a less than stellar experience for a manufactured home buyer and the agents involved. These tips should help distinguish the facts from all the noise with the end result a more satisfying home purchase experience.


Modifications to the original manufactured home

I see this quite often--additional living space added via room additions or similar modifications to the original manufactured units. This can be a problem if the modifications are not done with local building department permits. Without confirmation from the local building department any additions/modifications are permitted, an engineer's inspection and certification is required that confirms the additions do not affect the safety, structural soundness or habitability of the manufactured home. Example of one in this picture.


The cost of this engineer's certification can run into the high hundreds for minor modifications and additions and even into the thousands for more complex scenarios.


The potential cost is hard to estimate since it would be property & location specific as well as based on the scope of the modifications and/or additions.


There is also the potential the modifications and/or additions are not certifiable, or the costs to do so are prohibitive. No refund of the engineer's fee would occur. If these modifications or additions are not certifiable, the manufactured home would not be eligible for traditional loan financing. It would need to be either seller financed or an all cash sale.

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