Block Foundation
Should You Consider a Block Foundation For Your Prefab Home?
A block foundation serves several purposes and deserves consideration. It will be more expensive than vinyl skirting, but you need to weigh out all of the considerations.
When a manufactured home is installed on a (permanent) block foundation it will be much stronger around the perimeter of the home, preventing future stress and sagging on the whole structure.
- It cannot be damaged, like vinyl when cutting or trimming the grass, or by flying debris in a storm, or by snow and ice.
- A permanent foundation as opposed to a vinyl skirting can serve as an excellent, lockable storage area under your home. Depending on the terrain this could give you a lot or extra storage.
- A block foundation can be installed below ground level, or the ground raised to just below the siding, giving your home a more site-built look.
- Decks and porches can be built closer to ground level. A walkway with a six inch rise porch slab could be installed.
- Mortgage financing can be obtained, financing the property as real property will get you a better interest rate.
- Home owners insurance will can be anywhere from 20% – 35% less than a home with skirting it is considered by insurance companies to be permanent.
- Concrete block skirting comes in a variety of decorative styles and colors. It can save you 20% to 30% over concrete.
- Stone skirt will show you several options – tell you where you can buy it – give you a cost quote and show you how to install it if you want to tackle it on your own.
- Davis Colors has several shots of colors and styles available.
If you are planning on living in your home for five years or longer, the interest and insurance savings alone may well be worth the additional front end cost, not to mention the increase in the value of the home.
