Home Inspections & Structural Engineers for Manufactured Homes

Home Inspections & Structural Engineers for Manufactured Homes

Buying a manufactured home can be a smart and affordable way to achieve homeownership. But when it comes to inspections and structural certifications—especially for HUD-compliant homes—it’s essential to start with one key person: your Realtor.

Let’s explore why relying on your Realtor’s local knowledge and professional network is critical when arranging inspections or hiring a structural engineer, and how it can save you time, money, and potential delays.

✅ Why Manufactured Homes Require Special Attention

Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are subject to specific guidelines set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). This includes installation standards, foundation requirements, and structural certifications, especially when financing through FHA, VA, or USDA loan programs.

HUD Minimum Requirements include:

• A permanent foundation that meets HUD’s Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing. For most loans, the home must be set on a permanent foundation, and the wheels, axles, and towing tongue removed.
• A structural engineer’s certification stating the home is properly anchored and meets HUD’s standards.
• Confirmation the home has not been moved from its original installation site (if using government-backed financing).
• Verification that skirting, tie-downs, and support piers are in place and in good condition.
• HUD Certification Tag – A small red label on each section of the home that proves it was built to HUD standards.

💡 If these and other requirements are not met; your loan could be denied or delayed—costing you money and time.

🧭 Why Your Realtor and Lender Should Be Your First Call

Realtors who specialize in manufactured homes in your local market are your best resource when it comes to hiring qualified professionals. Here’s why:

1. They Know Who’s HUD-Certified
Not all home inspectors or structural engineers are qualified to evaluate manufactured homes according to HUD standards. Your Realtor likely has a vetted list of local inspectors who are certified, reliable, and familiar with the nuances of HUD compliance.

Example: A buyer orders an inspection from a general home inspector off Google. Later, they find out the inspector wasn’t licensed to issue HUD foundation certifications. Now they must pay for a second inspection—causing delays and added costs. Had they used their Realtor’s referral, this could have been avoided.

2. They Can Coordinate Proper Timing
Some inspections and certifications should happen in a specific order depending on your financing type or loan approval timeline. Your Realtor can guide this process to ensure the lender gets exactly what they need—when they need it.

3. They Know Local Pricing & Turnaround Times
Ordering a structural certification or inspection on your own might cost more, especially if you contact a national firm without checking local availability. Realtors can connect you with someone who can get the job done faster and more affordably.

🛑 What Can Go Wrong If You Skip the Realtor

Even with the best intentions, acting independently can create serious issues:

• ❌ You may hire someone who doesn’t provide HUD-compliant reports.
• ❌ You could duplicate costs by needing a second inspection.
• ❌ Your home may fail to appraise if the inspection reveals structural issues too late.
• ❌ You risk closing delays due to miscommunication or missing documents.

Real-World Scenario:
A buyer purchasing a double-wide manufactured home orders a general home inspection and structural report online. Three weeks later, the lender denies the report because it doesn’t meet HUD formatting requirements. A new engineer has to be brought in, costing the buyer $450 more and delaying closing by 10 days.

📋 What You Should Do Instead

When you're ready to schedule an inspection or structural certification:

1. Ask your Realtor for referrals – They’ll likely have multiple reliable, HUD-approved professionals.
2. Check with your lender – Certain loan types may require specific inspection language or certifications.
3. Wait until your Realtor reviews the inspection schedule – They may time it to coincide with appraisal or repair work to avoid duplication.
4. Request an engineer’s foundation certification – Only if your Realtor and Lender confirms it’s needed based on the property and financing type.

📋 When Do You Actually Need Inspections or Reports?

Here are the most common times your Realtor may recommend them:

• Home Inspection – Always a good idea for peace of mind.
• Engineer’s Foundation Certification – Required by most lenders to confirm the home is properly attached to a permanent foundation
• Structural Reports – Needed if the home has been moved more than once, is older, or shows damage.
• Other Inspections – Things like termite, well, or septic inspections, depending on your area.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Manufactured homes are a great option for many buyers—but they come with unique inspection and structural standards that shouldn’t be overlooked. The best step you can take is to trust your Realtor’s local expertise. They know the market, the professionals, and the process—and can keep you from making costly missteps.

Before you call the inspector or structural engineer, call your Realtor. That one step could save you time, money, and a mountain of stress.

📞 Need help navigating your manufactured home financing?
Let’s connect and make sure your lending process is smooth, HUD-compliant, and stress-free.

Do you need a local Realtor? I can help connect you with one of my many Realtor Partners.

Christopher Smith
📧 christopher.smith@loanfactory.com
📱 (972) 415-1417
🌐 loanfactory.com/christophersmith
NMLS #2528342 | Licensed in OK, TX, AR

#ManufacturedHome #HomeInspection #StructuralEngineer #HUDRequirements #MortgageTips #LoanFactory #ChristopherSmith #HomeBuying #FirstTimeBuyer #RealEstateTips