Manufactured homes are continuing to grow in popularity because they offer more affordable price points and take less time to build than site-built homes.

As a type of prefabricated home, manufactured homes are built in an efficient factory setting and then transported to the property for installation.

There are different types of manufactured homes – including single-section and multi-section – but they’ll go through a similar installation process. Let’s dive into how installation works for manufactured homes.

• Manufactured home installation involves two parts: setting and finishing. Setting is when the home is placed and secured onto footers, also known as piers. Finishing is when the home is prepared to be “move-in ready,” including connecting utilities, installing steps and railings, setting up HVAC, and more.
• The manufactured home installation process takes an average of four to five weeks for a single-section home and six to seven weeks for a multi-section home.
• The independent manufactured home retailer where you purchased your home most likely will have a few installation businesses they typically work with. In some cases, independent manufactured home retailers will have a part of their business where they install homes with their own set crew.
• It's important prior to purchasing your home that you ask the retailer if setting and installation services are included. If not, make sure you ask who you can contact to arrange them.

READ MORE: What Should I Research Before Buying a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured home installation takes an average of four to five weeks for a single-section home and six to seven weeks for a multi-section home. The exact timeline will vary, though, based on a few factors:

• The size of your manufactured home. In general, it will take less time to install a smaller home.
• The number of onsite add-ons. The installation process will take longer if you have onsite add-ons like a garage, carport, porch, or deck.
• The complexity of your land. If your land is installation-ready without the crew needing to do a lot of sitework preparation, it will speed up the installation process. Examples of sitework preparation include debris removal, taking out trees, working around wells on the property, and leveling off the elevation of the land.

READ MORE: Figuring Out Where to Put a Manufactured Home

The independent manufactured home retailer where you purchased your home most likely will have a few installation businesses they typically work with. In some cases, independent manufactured home retailers will have a part of their business where they install homes with their own set crew. It's important prior to purchasing your home that you ask if these services are included. If not, make sure you ask who you can contact to arrange them.

If you would like to hire an installation crew yourself, you can also look for manufactured home installers in your area. Make sure the company you’re working with is licensed to do manufactured home installation in the state where your home is going to be installed.

No matter which route you choose, make sure you consult a licensed installer in your local area to ensure that all local and national codes are being followed during setting and finish.

READ MORE: What Do I Expect When I Visit a Manufactured Home Retailer?

The first part of the manufactured home installation process is called setting. Just as manufactured homes are built to the strict specifications of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code, there are also HUD code requirements for how the home is installed.

After your home is built in the factory, it will be transported to your property by semi-truck, and then set on footers, also known as piers. The footers are constructed to frost depth, which means they’re built to resist any movement from ground frost during the colder months.

The home is placed in position on top of the footers, leveled off and blocked on top of the footers, and then secured with mechanical tie-downs to stabilize the home and keep it from moving. With this complete, the home is watertight, and the home will be further protected from the elements when skirting is installed during the next step of the installation process, which is called finishing.

In addition to piers, manufactured homes can also be placed on ABS pads, which are generally used in warmer climates. 

READ MORE: How Do I Buy Land for a Manufactured Home?

If you’re ready to learn more about manufactured homes, Champion Homes would love to be a resource for you. Find the best Champion home for you, or contact a Champion retailer in your area. You can also contact our Homebuyer & Homeowner Assistance line Monday-Saturday 8am – 8pm EST at 877-201-3870, or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you.