Can Acculevel Repair Mobile Home Foundations?

Articles about sagging floors usually emphasize the elements of the crawl space. They don’t focus on the existence of the crawl space itself, how a crawl space is defined, or if there are different types.

Acculevel has been lifting sagging floors, waterproofing homes, and repairing foundations since we began in 1996.  We’ve helped over 30,000 homeowners throughout our service area protect and restore their homes to health and stability.  Our goal is to be fair, honest, and ethical when dealing with customers, and that includes telling you when we can’t help you and why.

There are several different types of foundations installed under a mobile home or manufactured home.  In this article, we’re going to explain which kinds we can work on, which ones we can’t, and provide you with additional resources to help you find the best solution for you and your home. 

What is a “Typical” Foundation? 

Your standard home has one of three foundation types: a poured concrete slab, a crawl space (between 18-24 inches), or a basement.  Crawl spaces and basements are usually built out of concrete now.  Brick and stone have largely fallen out of favor since the 1940’s.  

Acculevel, like most companies in our industry, can repair homes with these types of foundations.  Masons are still needed in historical homes with brick or stone, however.  

What Foundation Type is Under Your Mobile Home?

The foundation installed under a manufactured home is typically a post and beam construction.  It’s called this because there are posts installed under the crossbeams of the home, to hold it above the ground.  There are usually a significant quantity of posts below the home, as required per the HUD guidelines.  These posts create a gap between the bottom of your home and the ground.  This gap functions much like a crawl space and allows you to access pipes, utility connections, etc.  

Before you start looking for a foundation contractor, you will need to determine if you have a permanent crawl space.  Do the posts (support columns) rest on the top of the ground?  Does your home have a full skirting around the outside?  Skirting is a weather-resistant vinyl that can be made to look like wood, brick, or stone.  If the answer to these two questions is yes, then you probably have a non-permanent foundation system. 

If you do have a permanent foundation, the following will be true:

1. The support posts are sunk into the earth.
2. There is a solid concrete wall around the outside perimeter, instead of (or covered by) siding or skirting. 
3. You have to crawl below ground level to get into the space.  

These posts rest on top of the ground; the skirting has not been installed yet.  This is not a ‘true’ crawl space.  (Photo is courtesy of Worthy Inspections Services)

Which Types of Foundation Does Acculevel Repair?

Acculevel can repair manufactured homes only if they have permanent foundations.  This is because our repair methods are designed for use with concrete structures like basements or crawl spaces.  We are fully licensed and insured to install waterproofing or repair crawl spaces and basements.  

Acculevel is not a licensed manufactured home installer; this requires a very different type of license and bond.   If you do not have a permanent foundation and you need repairs, you should contact either an installer or a general contractor.  

Additional Resources

If you have a non-permanent foundation and are looking for a general contractor, please check out our blog on where to find a good general contractor.   

Uneasy about finding a qualified and ethical contractor?  We have you covered!  Our guide to  questions you should ask a contractor includes an article with Acculevel’s answers and a free downloadable blank version you can use with other companies as well. 

Do You Need Repairs to Your Crawl Space or Basement?

Before you sign a contract for any service, you should always verify the company is reputable, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

If you have a permanent foundation, contact Acculevel for a free written estimate.  Our friendly call center will schedule an appointment for you with one of our experienced project managers.  They will evaluate your home, address your concerns, and recommend a whole-home solution for you, to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.