Oct 29, 2004 The Foundation, etc

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Foundation Problems

This is a major problem that has cropped up as a result of unclear terminology regarding manufactured/mobile and modular homes. We were intending to use a foundation system called Fasttrack Anchorpanel that seemed perfect for our site. I've gradually taken over all aspects of this project because David works in the day, sometimes at night too and he simply doesn't have the time. David originally contacted the manufacturer and the contractor of this foundation system, so I didn't know the details. Also, I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know too much about how foundation systems work for modular homes. For instance, I didn't know that the interior supports are permanent, not temporary.

Another LiveModernite contacted me about this foundation system after he was told by the manufacturer that it was most cost effective for HUD not UBC homes. At the time, I was not very clear about the difference between a HUD and UBC home. One of the things that happens with a HUD compliant home is that they ship the house with a steel chassis underneath the structure. Instead of craning it in place, they just roll the modules in position with the chassis. So one of Fasttrack's selling points is that you can keep that steel chassis in place for the interior supports and also save money on craning costs. Unfortunately, the stamp that I have on the technical drawings is for HUD, not UBC. The engineer can provide me with the UBC stamp, but our costs for the foundation will no doubt run higher. When we received the quote from the foundation contractor, I think they were under the assumption that it was a HUD/manufactured home. I've been trying to reach the foundation contractor for three days with no luck. Also, I just realized about an hour ago that all the reading we did about foundation systems was for manufactured homes. This is something I should have noticed right off the bat.

I really feel stupid about this because I knew that the distinction between the two is very important to make. I thought I was careful to explain that we're building a modular, not manufactured home to all parties as well. I suppose if I really knew the difference between UBC and HUD earlier, it might have been clearer to people in the industry. I just remembered a conversation that I had with a prospective general contractor who said that local design guidelines would not affect us because we're building a HUD home, I didn't pay much attention to this. Lesson learned, I just hope our foundation costs won't run too much higher with the UBC specifications.

Fortunately, the people who are building our modular home are easy to reach and very helpful too. I contacted them right away and they were very good about explaining a lot of this stuff to me and pointing me in the right direction. Also, one of the services their engineer provides is to find the most affordable foundation for your soil/site requirements. Fasttrack Anchorpanel may actually be the most affordable in the end because our footings need to be 6' deep and 2'4" above ground. This would normally result in an outrageously expensive foundation. Fasttrack can make their perimeter panels up to 8' high and it would be less expensive than the traditional concrete and rebar footings. In the meantime, I'm going to be doing more research for more modular home foundation systems over the weekend while everyone is out. I'm starting to hate weekends because I can't get much work done on the house...

More Insurance Problems

I received our insurance policy info in the mail today and it clearly states: Manufactured/Mobile Home Policy I am going to have to sort this out at the beginning of next week.

First Draft of Shop Drawings

I received the first draft of the shop drawings today and there are a few inaccuracies included. I know it's a first draft and it is not supposed to be perfect, but I got a little excited when I saw that the flat roof section was slanted. All in all, the drawings are about 90% there and all I need to do is indicate where the problems are.

Our modular home builder was really good about getting these drawings to us so quickly, so we have plenty of time to make changes.

Escrow still hasn't closed

We are getting very close to closing, however. The final papers were signed today and the seller should have his remaining money by Monday or Tuesday.