Mobile homes are becoming more popular. It's a great idea to lift a mobile home, whether it's for flood prevention, functional crawlspace, or aesthetic reasons. It's straightforward to do if you have the right contractor. Keep some things in mind if your home is being lifted. Here are seven tips to help you raise a mobile home without problems.
There are some things you should do before your mobile home is lifted. First, remove all skirting. You can reuse your skirting if you raise your mobile home by a few inches.
If you plan to lift your mobile home more than a few feet, you'll need to consider a new skirting option. This will cover the entire area under the lift. You will also need to remove your porch and any attached structures. They will not survive the charge; they will hinder it. They won't stay the lift; they will slow it.
Mobile home lifts sometimes appear to raise your home 10 feet above the ground. It is standard for manufactured housing to be raised just a few inches by leveling it. These homes can sink and settle, which causes the whole structure to become uneven. This is not only annoying, but it can also cause severe structural integrity problems in mobile homes. Once your home has been lifted, make sure it is level. This can be done by opening and closing doors and windows, and they won't stick; everything is level.
Your mobile home often has appliances or utilities that must be moved or re-fitted after the lift is complete. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and cable will likely need to be extended. These alterations are common and should not surprise you; however, you must plan for them.
There are many options for choosing a foundation to support your mobile home once it has been lifted. Your mobile home may have settled on its original foundation in some cases. It is a great time to review foundations. A permanent foundation is a good option if you lift your home and don't intend to move it. There are many endless foundation options. You can also choose a permanent foundation such as pads or footings. A general contractor will ensure that you get a high quality foundation regardless of your route.
Although it may seem obvious, many blogs and forums will help you lift your mobile home by yourself. A common belief, especially for single-wide homes, is that raising a mobile home can be done safely and with just a few jacks and a handful of people.