Setting up a mobile home requires deliberate planning.
So, perhaps you have selected the best mobile home you want to reside in, and you have found an awesome site to settle in, and gone through licensing and zoning laws.
So, How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Mobile Home on Raw Land?
Well, setting up a newly bought mobile home on raw land will cost you an average of $37000 to $75000. For used mobile homes, this cost will come down to about $15000 to $50000. You have probably had a good plan and made enough savings to foot this cost. The cost is broken down into delivery, set up cost, site development, and utility costs you may need to pay. The cost varies depending on the set-up site location, the distance, and other factors. Now let’s break it down for you for easier accounting.
Installation Licensing
First of all, to install a mobile home, you will need a professional to handle this work.
In some jurisdictions, it is actually illegal to occupy a mobile home unless it was installed by a certified professional.
The professional has to be HUD-certified, meaning they are trained to install mobile homes according to the manufacturer’s guide.
Therefore, before you start the installation, find out from your area buildings or planning department what licensing you will need.
You will be guided on what you will have to pay to the governing authorities and licensing.
So, remember to add this to your budget.
Even though manufacturers offer a written warranty, it doesn’t cover the set-up cost.
Cost Of Design
After obtaining the right licensing, it is now time to ponder about the design of your mobile home.
The cost of design ranges between $1000 and $1500.
You will need a civil engineer to lay the blueprint for you.
Four Home Site Considerations
Once you have got your plan, you now have to execute it.
The home site should be prepared before your mobile home is delivered.
And to guide you on this process, here is what you should make ready:
1. Ensure The Home Site Is Accessible
Be it that you have chosen the remotest part of the country or near the city, accessibility is an important factor. The delivery truck should be able to access your home site.
If you have opted for quieter remote areas, you may have to fall some trees, clear the fence, and lay the ground level.
You will have to hire bulldozers to ease the workload. You will have to bear the cost of clearance unless the transporting company has included it as part of the transportation package.
2. Clearing The Site To Lay The Mobile Home
If the laying site is bushy and full of stumps, it has to be cleared.
As you clear the ground, be mindful of the trees. You can preserve some to provide shade and act as a windshield. Trees can boost the scenery and freshness of living in a mobile home.
3. Grading The Setup Site
This involves creating drainage channels and sloping the area to avoid water locking during the rainy season.
4. Setting Up Temporary Structures To Facilitate The Work
You will need mobile toilets, drop-off vehicles, and waste collection pins.
Constructing The Mobile Home’s Foundations
This is the main work on-site preparation.
Foundation can be set up as permanent or temporary. This is usually determined by the area building codes. Technically, you have no choice here.
So, there are different types of foundations with varying costs.
1. Block And Footing Foundation
This type of foundation cost about $1500 to $2000. This is a great choice if you are living in low wind areas.
2. Piers And Beams Foundation
This type of foundation is shallow and is non-permanent. If you are choosing this type, expect to incur about $1000 for a single-wide home or a $2000 doublewide home.
3. Floating slab foundation
This is the most used type of foundation.
The foundation ground is laid with a concrete slab and reinforced with steel. It is stable and secure.
You will have to wait for two weeks before installing the home. This type of foundation costs around $6000 and $15000.
4. Basement Foundation
This type of foundation has a basement area that can be modified for extra living space.
Its installation requires some expertise and it will eventually cost you more than the other types.
If you are settling for a basement foundation, you should expect to pay about $12000 and $25000.
The Cost Of Utilities
After you have set up your mobile home, you need to be connected to essential utilities such as water, communication lines, and electricity.
The cost of these utilities varies depending on the area you live. You should contact the service providers for the right price quotation and the installation time.
You can choose to install them in phases to save you time.
You may even find that some of the utilities are already installed such as piped water.
How To Cut Down On Mobile Home Installation Costs
Your mobile home project should give you value for money.
Now if you have labored up to this far, you need not give up because of running short on budget.
Here are a few tips to help you cut down the cost and evade incurring huge expenses:
1. Be Keen On Legal Requirements
Take time to familiarize yourself with the local building codes or seek guidance from an experienced home installation expert.
Some of these regulations revolve around site requirements, landscaping, approved site plans, sanitation among others.
You should get updated requirements from enforcement officials in your area. Requirements are not uniform. Each state has its unique requirements.
2. Moving Costs
The cost of buying and moving a mobile home can go up to $78000.
If you are running out of funds, you should try leasing the lots and let mobile homeowners rent the space from you.
This way you can transfer the cost of maintenance to the new owners.
3. Get Financing From Financial Institutions
This is another option to bridge financing gaps.
There are various loan facilities tailored for such developments such as mobile home park loans. You should consult with your local bank.
Final Thoughts
The set-up cost of a mobile home should scare you to rush through the installation process.
You are likely to leave a trail of problems that can be costly later on during the inspection process.
If there are detected problems, insist that they are addressed before the installation team leaves the site.
And before you move in, get the home inspected for safety and to ensure that it meets the occupancy requirements. Now have fun living in your mobile home!