Are you planning to buy a new mobile home, but you’re not sure how to move it onto your property? You might even own an old mobile home that you’ll have to find a way to remove before you get started.
You’ll also need permits to move and install the unit. Other steps involve clearing your land, preparing the foundation, and hooking up the utilities. Use this guide to keep the process moving smoothly.
Step 1: Get Rid of Your Old Mobile Home
Preparing property for a new mobile home might involve removing an older one that no longer meets your needs. Trying to sell a used mobile home can take a long time — if you can even find a buyer. Demolishing a unit is a costly and hazardous process.
There’s a simpler way: Donate your old mobile home to a charity that will give the unit to a family in need. If you work with Banyan Mobile Home Removal, you could qualify for free removal services.
Step 2: Check Local Zoning and Permitting Requirements
While HUD offers detailed answers for many mobile home FAQs, it doesn’t address local zoning laws. You will have to research the laws in your state and city to learn which permits you need and whether your property complies with zoning requirements for mobile homes.
Since most cities prohibit mobile homes in certain residential areas, you’ll have to make sure your property is zoned for this type of housing. In addition, you’ll need a building permit to install your mobile home and connect it to utility services.
Step 3: Assess and Prepare the Foundation
Consider working with a professional to determine which type of foundation is right for your home and your land. The typical mobile home foundation guide recommends these three options:
- Full basement
- Pier-and-beam foundation
- Concrete slab
A basement or a pier-and-beam foundation will provide easy access to the underside of the mobile home and make it easier to manage foundation repairs.
Use a slab foundation if you plan alternative access methods for hooking up plumbing, electrical, and gas lines. This foundation is best when the soil is firm and doesn’t shift due to excess moisture.
Step 4: Plan for Utility Connections
It’s a good idea to hire skilled professionals to handle the utility setup for mobile homes. They will perform the work safely and ensure the connections are secure. First, find out whether you’ll need to install a septic tank. In most cities, property owners cannot use a septic system if they have access to the public sewer system.
An electrician can make sure your electrical panel is sufficient to handle your energy needs and upgrade the system if necessary. They will also connect the electrical wiring to eliminate the possibility of shorts and arcs.
Step 5: Clear and Level the Land
Clearing your property is an important part of mobile home site preparation. Trim or remove low-hanging tree branches, overgrown shrubbery, and other obstacles. Clear the land from the road to your mobile home site to ensure a smooth delivery.
Use screened topsoil to grade the land surrounding the mobile home foundation. This type of topsoil contains clay to make it easier to manipulate. Drop the soil level or grade one inch for every foot you move away from the foundation. This will create a downward slope that carries water away from the site.
Step 6: Schedule Delivery and Installation
Coordinate the mobile home delivery with the manufacturer or retailer. Advise the delivery team about special conditions along the route since they may not be familiar with the area. Let them know about road construction, heavy traffic volume, harsh weather conditions, and other factors that could complicate the route.
If You Haven’t Removed Your Mobile Home Yet, Consider Donating It!
When you work with Banyan Mobile Home Removal, you’ll benefit your community and yourself. Your old mobile home will solve the housing needs of a low-income family and free you up to install your new home. Additionally, you might qualify to deduct the value of the unit when filing your income taxes.
Find out more about free mobile home removal services in your state by reviewing our location map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Steps to Prepare My Property for a New Mobile Home?
These are the steps involved in preparing the property for a new mobile home at a glance:
- Remove the old mobile home
- Obtain permits
- Prepare the foundation
- Schedule professional utility hookups
- Clear the land
- Schedule delivery
Begin several months in advance to ensure your land is ready on the day of delivery.
What Types of Foundations Are Suitable for Mobile Homes?
You can install a basement, pier-and-beam, or slab foundation. Talk to a foundation expert since they will know the best option for your climate and terrain.
How Do I Ensure My Land Complies With Zoning Laws?
Search your city’s official website and contact the planning department or zoning office. You will need the street address or parcel number.
What Should I Do if My Property Isn’t Leveled?
You may need to install screened topsoil around the foundation. Build at a gradual elevation to lead water away from the foundation. Since soil erodes over time, check the grade of the soil once a year and add more topsoil as needed.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare Land for a Mobile Home?
It depends on the current condition of the land and the type of foundation. Allow several days or longer to clear brush and debris from the site. Foundation installations can vary, but contractors can complete a basement foundation in two to four weeks. Weather conditions may affect the timeline.
Can I Install a New Mobile Home Without Removing the Old One First?
Yes. You can install more than one mobile home on your property, but you will need a separate foundation for each home. You may also need separate utility connections. Talk to your utility contractors to learn more about hooking up multiple units.
Preparing Land for a New Mobile Home? Get Help From the Pros
Be prepared by researching zoning laws, foundation options, and utility hookups before your mobile home installation. Banyan Mobile Home Removal can help by removing an old or unwanted mobile home. Contact us to schedule eco-friendly mobile home removal services or find out about the donation process.