Preparing Your Dream Home for Delivery

You have designed your dream home and now the day has arrived that the home will be placed on the foundation. This is an exciting part of the journey, but it is important to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth delivery. Delivering a manufactured home is complicated due to the size of each piece and requires expert maneuvering to ensure the home is delivered in the same condition it left the factory.

What should be done before you schedule delivery?

Survey
Before any ground is disturbed, it’s crucial to have a survey done to clearly mark your lot lines. This helps prevent any boundary disputes. Additionally, research local zoning laws and ordinances to confirm that factory-built housing is permitted on your property. Even if this wasn't done beforehand, it can still be helpful to have the lot lines clearly marked for equipment operators to stay on your land.

Permits
After the confirmation that your lot is suitable for a manufactured home, you will need to secure various permits. This typically includes erosion control, water, septic, transport, and building permits. The requirements vary by location, so consult with your housing consultant to ensure all necessary permits are obtained and submitted. Due to backlog in government offices, these can often take longer than expected, so it is crucial to get submitted as soon as possible.

Grading
Once all necessary permits are secured, you can begin grading. For the foundation, you will need a flat place without obstruction. This process can include building a road, removing old/dead trees, breaking up large rocks, or sloping banks. If building a road, it is crucial to communicate with your professional housing consultant that the road is suitable for manufactured home delivery.

Foundation
You will want to schedule your foundation set up before the home delivery because factors such as weather can easily delay this process. If pouring concrete, it will need time to cure in dry conditions. Completing this process in advance will prevent any delays in your home installation. To learn more about the different types of foundations, click here.

Scheduling your Delivery

After all preparations are complete, the delivery can be scheduled. A delivery driver will visit your site beforehand to check for any obstacles, such as tree limbs, that might impede the delivery. The delivery and setup usually takes two days but can sometimes extend over multiple days. Modular homes and capes can take even longer. Be aware of regulations regarding the timing of large structures on the interstate, as they may be restricted to certain hours. Once everything is scheduled, the home will be carefully transported to your site.

What machinery is used to deliver the home?

Delivery of manufactured and modular homes require specialized machinery for safe and efficient transport and placement. You may hear these machines mentioned in discussions about your home site so it is important to know what they are and what they do.

Platypus

Function: Used for lifting and moving homes without jacking or rolling.
Features: Operated using a remote control, equipped with excavator tracks.

Jadde

Function: Essential for jacking the house to clear obstacles and prevent the tail from dragging up inclines.
Features: Attaches to the steel frame of the house with a hydraulic lift, remote-controlled.

Toter Truck

Function: A delivery truck designed for complicated turns, allowing control of the home on the trailer to maneuver winding roads.
Features: Has a hitch specifically made for tight turns, and transports the home from the factory to the delivery location.

House Tug

Function: Used to pull the home in tight spaces or rugged terrain.
Features: Commonly used on sloped driveways and steep inclines, ensures the heavy load can be moved to the desired location.

Crane

Function: Lifts homes off their frames and sets them on foundations, mainly used for modular homes.
Features: Can also be used for manufactured homes when necessary, most commonly for a basement foundation.

Considerations

Unexpected Expenses
During the process of setting up your home there are many factors that can lead to unexpected expenses, so it is crucial to add buffer in your budgeting in the event of unforeseen construction challenges.

Use Professionals
While DIY options might seem cost-effective, accuracy and compliance with local regulations are critical for the safety and proper installation of your home. Professional services are recommended to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth setup.

Drywall Cracking
During the delivery process, if your home has floated sheetrock it may crack in places. If this happens, do not worry – the trim out crew will repair any spots on your walls before it is time for you to move in.

By following these steps and considerations, you can help ensure that the placement of your new home is as seamless and stress-free as possible.