FHA mfg home skirting

[Carol Ames]

I recently did an appraisal on a manufactured home that is going FHA. Here we always get an engineer's report for the foundation. The lender called me and said the engineer report came back and he stated that the skirting could not be considered permanent since the only approved skirting is masonry or concrete. This had hardboard which had been stuccoed. I had understood this was an acceptable type of skirting. Can someone help me out with this, I realize the engineer has the final say but I would really like to know for my own information.

 

[john eickhoff]

This can be found in HUD Handbook 4145.1 Rev-1 par. 3-4B.5. It states:
There must be a properly enclosed crawl space with a continuous permanent foundation-type construction(similar to a conventionally built foundation, i.e. concrete, masonry or treated wood.) etc.
However, per phone conversation with several of the HOC's I have been told that it is accceptable to use vinyl (not the thin type but a fairly thick vinyl) if it is propertyl reinforced.

 

[Carol Ames]

Thanks, that is what I had understood but thought I has missed something since the engineer stated it must be masonry or concrete.

 

[Chuck Harlowe]

On the 1004C form, it ask us to determine if the subject is on a permanent foundation. If its going FHA and an Engineer makes the final determination, then what are we suppose to do?

 

[OSU Beavers]

Our local engineer only cares about the tie-downs and will pass wood or metal skirting.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

"On the 1004C form, it ask us to determine if the subject is on a permanent foundation. If its going FHA and an Engineer makes the final determination, then what are we suppose to do?"

Explain what your local or state requires and if you have documentation that it does meet requirements--state that. Then add a sentence that an inspection foundation and installation by a licensed engineer is required to determine if they meets the requirements in the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Homes.

There are one standard that all manufactured homes have to meet and that is whatever the local and state governments required. You can find that documentation depending on your area. Then for FHA there is the second requirement of meeting their guidelines and that is needed to be decided by the licensed engineer, not the appraiser.

 

[BenLuby]

Jo Anne, not questioning your knowledge of ye homes wit wheels, as your expertise in this area is nearly legendary, but could you guide me where that particular requirement is to require a licensed engineer for FHA?

 

[Mr Rex]

Ben, the most recent comprehensive letter from FHA is 2005-34. I printed it out legal, so its on pg 54 of 114. I suggest you pull up this letter and go to the section that covers page 2 of the 1004c. 1004c is the 2nd thing covered after 1004.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

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

 

[BenLuby]

Thanks to both of you. Looks like I have a lot more reading to do. (No, I don't do FHA appraisals. I won't be taking my test for about two weeks, and even after that, I plan to study a while before doing FHA, as I want to be thorough.)