Engineer’s Certification on MH

[Dan/Fla]

Is an Engineer’s Certification still require for existing Manufactured Homes Been awhile since I have done a Refinance on MH. I know at least here in Florida they are Not required on HUD owned REOs. But I can not find where it is not required on MH. Also if it is still required do we contact Lender before inspection or has that changed. I feel like such a newbie again. But I still know I can count on the this site to come to my rescue again.
Thanks to all of you for being there

 

[Tom Woolford]

Technically, an engineers certification is on the data plate (Design Approved by: etc). I have never been asked to supply the certification. If its got HUD tags, its certified.

 

[Mr Rex]

It is required for FHA insured financing.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

All FHA appraisal reports for manufactured homes are "subject to" an inspection of the foundation and installation by a licensed engineer for compliance to the Permanent Foundation Guidelines for Manufactured Housing. Once and a great while one will have already been done and the client will provide a copy to the appraisers. In that case the appraisal report will be "as is" provided there aren't any other problems. The appraiser checks the subject to box on the 1004C, and the underwriter has to decide what to do next. Order an inspection, have the home retrofitted if necessary until it does pass inspection by the licensed engineer or change the loan package to conventional. In which case they will have to order a new assignment. Since the intended use and intended user has changed.

http://www.HUD.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ref/sfhp1-9d.cfm

 

[Mztk1]

All FHA appraisal reports for manufactured homes are "subject to" an inspection of the foundation and installation by a licensed engineer for compliance to the Permanent Foundation Guidelines for Manufactured Housing. Once and a great while one will have already been done and the client will provide a copy to the appraisers. In that case the appraisal report will be "as is" provided there aren't any other problems. The appraiser checks the subject to box on the 1004C, and the underwriter has to decide what to do next. Order an inspection, have the home retrofitted if necessary until it does pass inspection by the licensed engineer or change the loan package to conventional. In which case they will have to order a new assignment. Since the intended use and intended user has changed.

http://www.HUD.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ref/sfhp1-9d.cfm

So, would it be safe to say that we don't really have to worry about addressing the issue in our report? Since HUD will be sending an engineer out anyway? Obviously I look and make sure it is anchored, wheels, axels gone and block appears below the 4" frost line and I look for the tag on the outside of the unit saying it was installed to code (don't know if they have those inspector tags in AZ). I also include all the data necessary from the plate/tags and take photos of each and include them in the report. Is that enough? Or do I have to actually call for the engineer's inspection? That would seem redundent knowing it is going to happen any way.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

We do address the issue in our reports by checking the "subject to" box and having the following comment in the report: "This report is subject to an inspection by a licensed engineer for compliance with the Permanent Foundation Guidelines for Manufactured Housing."

We also should include any information that is within our area of expertise or based on observation as well as photos of any insignias, tags, seals, data plates, etc, etc, that we find.

We do not have the expertise to determine if the foundation and installation meets HUD's requirements, it would also be outside our expertise to determine if the support for the anchors or piers and any footings for the perimeter enclosure are below the frost line, etc. State, county and city requirements don't matter to FHA unless it is in conflict with local building or zoning codes. The home has to meet their criteria.

Yes, in Arizona, when a professional installer installs the home, state seals are affixed that check off what has been done and the date it was installed. Those quite frequently get removed or covered up. If present and readable it helps in determining if this site is the original location for the home or if it has been moved from another site. But it does not meet the requirements for HUD.

 

[Mztk1]

We do address the issue in our reports by checking the "subject to" box and having the following comment in the report: "This report is subject to an inspection by a licensed engineer for compliance with the Permanent Foundation Guidelines for Manufactured Housing."

I guess what I'm asking is...and I'm sure I can look this up on my own but...is that what HUD guidelines tell us to do? Or is that what you guys do independently?

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Page D-60, 4150.2, Mortgagee Letter 2005-48

The appraiser does not have the expertise to make that determination. HUD requires a licensed engineer to make the determination if the foundation and installation is in compliance with the Permanent Foundation Guidelines for Manufactured Housing. Therefore if the client or home owner does not provide you with a copy of an engineer's certification then it can only be determined by an inspection by a licensed engineer. Therefore, the appraiser makes it a condition of the report by marking the subject to box. The appraiser is done with the assignment. Now it is up to the underwriter to follow through.

During the lifetime of the structure, only one engineer's inspection and verification is needed. That is why I recommend to home owners, clients, real estate agents, etc that once one has been done it is recorded so it becomes of public record. Then it would be accessible to any home owner and/or lender in the future.