A strong foundation will support a house for decades and will ensure its durability. But as prefabricated homes seem to be different than others it begs the question – do prefab homes need a foundation at all?
Prefab homes do need a strong foundation just like any other building type. It is true that prefabricated homes are different from conventional homes as they are produced in a factory rather than built on site, yet the basic principles required by each local regulatory body are part of prefab homes’ approval.
In other words, a prefab home must have a foundation. This is done so the homes would last longer, and would be safe for living. The local building code may vary between places and with it the type of foundation required, but the general idea of constructing a foundation for a prefab home is a must.
Foundation Type Must Meet Each Prefab House Requirements
Each prefabricated house is built differently than others, some do include electricity and water systems inside the floor, while others don’t. These variants could even be driven from different local building code, which allows for the amenities systems to pass through the floor rather than under it.
Therefore, there are many types of foundations that could be used for prefab homes. In some cases which allow for a basement to be built under the prefab home, the pipes and electric systems could be hanged from the basement ceiling. However, some places and home types would require a crawling space foundation, while some prefabricated homes could even be built on a slab foundation.
The variety of options means that this issue should be approached in the first stages of the planning phase, as just like any other type of house a prefab house must be approved by the local building code committee.
Once approved the building stage can begin.
What Is The Role Of A Prefab Home Foundation?
Well to start with the role of a house foundation is to set the house in place and protect it from shifts and movements in the earth beneath the house.
Additionally, the foundation elevates the house from the earth which improves the insulation of the house and allows a place for improving the insulation system by adding a layer of insulation material.
Furthermore, places that have natural threats such as earthquakes, floods, etc. must have the right type of foundation to handle those extreme situations. The engineering behind every type of foundation is different and very much directed to answer the local problems.
Lastly, a prefab home foundation could be used for convenience purposes, as some prefabricated homes are built remotely getting the house higher from the earth could be used for storage or mechanical warehouse. Moreover, prefab homes that wish to have the extra basement space will be getting a strong foundation and more space for any required use.
The Prefab Homes Manufacturers Will Help With The Foundation
Wondering who will help you understand what foundation to use for your prefab home, well, the manufacturer must help with it as in most cases this isn’t their first prefab home in the area. Thus, they know the local building codes, they have already approved their floor plans previously and know what are the options, and they know local contractors that may be your contractor.
Of course, making sure your prefabricated home follows the local building code is your responsibility, however, the knowledge and experience of the factory should be at your disposal.
Apart from that, some prefabricated home manufacturers will offer to build the foundation as part of their prefab home construction package. This could be very helpful as it is their job to build and approve the house to a fully livable facility as ordered.
As the compassion between prefab home manufacturers grows so does their skills set improve and giving a fully built prefab home on site including the amenities and foundation becomes more common these days.
So as mentioned above the thing about prefab home foundation is that the producers of the homes know what needs to be done in every place they are involved and part of the housing market.
The Foundation Is A Must For Prefab Homes Durability
It is true that in order for a house, any type of house prefab or stick built, durability and sustainability are two important attributes that should not be taken lightly. Having a strong and able structure is what we humans have been perfecting for ages, experimenting with new building materials for the house frame, trying new composites of cement, and perfecting our insulation materials, all in the name of long-lasting and lower environmental impact.
The foundations of the homes and especially prefab homes are by far the most important piece of the puzzle as this is what’s holding the house from moving and deforming during its life.
This is why a firm and safe engineered foundation is a must. Moreover, it must be engineered in accordance with the local environment conditions in mind and the specific land structure on the home site.
It is possible to have two or more different foundations in one street, it depends on each property’s soil structure and whether or not it holds water in or around it. Those measurements must be taken prior to planing the foundation as this can change the relations between the weight of the prefab home and the durability to withstand changes and extreme weather fenomenones.
So for a prefab home to be durable and safe to use, proper planning and building of foundation must be performed.
Prefab Homes Do Need A Foundation
Prefabricated homes are different than most of the homes we have been building for centuries, they are highly beneficial for many reasons such as faster building time, greener footprint, highly technological, low production waste, and many more. But the thing about prefab homes is that their connection to the ground is still the same as the rest of the homes around.
The foundation is what holds the home to its place, gives it extra strength, and elevates it from the ground. Without it, prefab homes and stick built homes alike would move, brack, drift, and would need maintenance very often.
Having a proper foundation will do the trick and hold the house to its place, and even each foundation system has its advantages and reasons for choosing it there is no perfect solution. Thus, determining what foundation and materials should be used is up to the building engineering team to select.
Make sure that when you are choosing your prefabricated home manufacturer they know how to ensure that the home will get the best foundation possible, either from your contractor or from the prefab home company.
To sum it all up, prefab homes do need a foundation, they are just like any other type of home and should be treated equally in that regard.
If a prefabricated home will have a strong and suitable foundation it will last as the building will have higher structural integrity and way fewer reasons for it to be harmed and become unsuitable for living.
That would be all for now, until next time.
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