Moving a Manufactured Home yourself. Pitfalls

If you’re wondering how to move a mobile home yourself, here’s an outline of what you’ll need, how to do it and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

What’s Needed to Move a Mobile Home Yourself

The first thing you need to know about moving a mobile home yourself is that it’s going to cost money depending on the distance of the move. “If it’s a short distance move, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000. A long-distance move can cost up to $15,000.” You can get several quotes from different mobile home moving companies to compare prices. There are also costs for permits.

You’ll need to do your due diligence when choosing a mobile home mover. It can be quite tempting to choose the lower quote, but you need to know what’s covered. Find out what they’re going to do with decks and sheds and check with the Better Business Bureau for their rating. Make sure that the moving company you choose is licensed and insured. Some mobile insurance companies don’t cover the mobile home while it’s in transit. Find out if the moving company is going to get the required permits or if you have to do this yourself. Don't be tempted with the lowest quote just to save on money. You might wind up paying more in the long run if you do that.

Another thing to keep in mind that since manufactured homes are built to different standards depending on the location, different areas have different wind zones, roof load zones and thermal zones outlined by HUD. You’ll have to ensure that your mobile home is up to the state’s requirements. For example, if you’re moving a mobile home from Michigan to Florida, there are different wind zones. In Florida, you’ll need a mobile home that’s up to wind zone standards due to higher wind speeds and hurricanes. In addition, make sure there are no zoning issues on where you want your mobile home placed. Some towns have land use laws that prohibit manufactured home older than 10 years.

Keep in mind that instructions for mobile home transport and installation are approved by federal statutes. The guidelines must also be in sync with state and local jurisdiction requirements. And all material used to install the mobile home must comply with the manufacturer’s requirements. This is one of the many reasons why you need to choose your moving mobile home company very carefully.

More Things to Do When Moving a Mobile Home

Check the requirements for switching utilities and prepare the new location. You may have to cut down some trees or level the ground. Research the local utility companies to find out what forms are needed to turn on the utilities. You’ll also need to prepare your mobile home for the move. Be sure to close and secure all windows and doors. Everything inside the mobile home should be stabilized, so nothing moves when the mobile home is in transit. It’s best to be present for the move. The movers will lift the mobile home and install axels for safe towing. The mobile home will be placed on a large flatbed. When your mobile home arrives at its new destination, you want to make sure that it’s correctly placed.

Other Costs to Set Up A Mobile Home

In addition to transportation costs to move a mobile home, there are set-up costs at its new location. These set-up costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000. These costs include things like securing the mobile home or strapping it down, placing the mobile home on its foundation and dealing with hooking up all of the utilities. Be sure to find out about the set-ups charged to set up a mobile home.  

Choosing the Right Spot For Your Mobile Home

It’s best to choose a somewhat elevated spot for drainage purposes. The earth should be compacted for bearing capacity. If the soil is comprised of peat or clay, you may have to consult with a civil engineer. If the home is to be enclosed with blocks or skirting, a vapor retarder should be installed. This will keep out ground moisture from entering the mobile home.

It’s important to have good drainage, as water can cause a lot of damage to a mobile home or manufactured home.  You can have a soil test done to determine the drainage capacity. Good draining will prevent water under the mobile home and damage like buckling of the walls in the mobile home. If you choose to go with a concrete foundation, you’ll need to consult with a civil engineer and a cement contractor. These certified professionals will consider factors like the strength of the concrete and frost levels. If the mobile home is to be installed on dirt, be sure the soil has the right capacity to avoid having support members washed away.

How to move a mobile home yourself is made easy when you do due diligence. Keep in mind that moving a mobile home is not an easy task. There’s a lot more to it than just hitching and towing. Be sure to do your homework before you choose a mobile home moving company. This way, you’ll avoid any possible pitfalls, and it’ll be smooth sailing for both you and your mobile home.