Permanent Foundation Inspections
What is a permanent foundation structural inspection and what does it include?
A Permanent Foundation structural inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical undercarriage structure and supporting foundation of a pre manufactured home to determine if it is in compliance with HUD’s Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing, dated Sept. 1996.
The following standards must exist or actions must be performed in order for a supporting foundation to be considered an adequate and permanent foundation.
1. The support columns must have mortared joints or equivalent (parged block surfaces with mortar and re-enforced fiber). A product called ‘Quickwall’ is a product designed to secure dry stacked blocks so that they are structurally equivalent to a mortared block structure. Additional information and specifications can be found at http://www.quikrete.com
2. The steel beam structure must be secured, the following two methods are acceptable:
A. The anchoring steel straps must be permanently affixed to a concrete footer system with concrete anchor bolts (minimum 5/8″ diameter and 4″ deep) between steel undercarriage and the concrete strip, column or perimeter footings under the structure. The strap locations are as per Manufacturer’s requirements.
B. Installing an “All Steel Foundation System– 100’V’ Series” Manufactured by Oliver Technologies. For Specifications and Installation processes go to www.Olivertechnologies.com
How much will it cost?
A structural inspection fee for a Permanent Foundation for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing, for a site visit, inspection, and Certification Letter. Re-Inspections, if required, to observe and verify required repairs.
Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors, specifically the Engineer’s qualifications, such as a Masters Degree (Post Graduate) as well as the basic Baccalaureate Degree (4 year Degree), number of completed Structural Inspections, years in the profession concentrating on Residential Structures and Foundations, a Licensed General Contractor, and membership in the NSPE, National Society of Professional Engineers; ASCE, American Society of Civil Engineers; and other Home Inspection Associations, such as WVAHI, the West Virginia Association of Home Inspectors and ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Also, being also a Certified Home Inspector provides additional perspective and experience.
Advantage Home & Environment Inspections provides other select services such as the following:
- Commercial Building Inspections to ASTM Standard E 2018-01
- Appliance Recall Check
- Radon Testing Residential & Commercial
- Radon Mitigation System Inspection- System Instpection required every 2 years
- Mold Testing- Air & Swab
- Allergen Screening
- Home AIR Check– VOC Screening
- Letters of Structural Adequacy for Bank Funding
- 203-K Loan Consulting & Fee Inspections
- Permanent Foundations Evaluations for Manufactured and Mobile Homes
- Infrared Thermal Imagery