Maximizing Your Manufactured Home Installation for Spring in the PNW: Tips and Tricks

Spring represents a period of renewal and rebirth, as the dormancy of winter gives way to the flourishing of life.

One aspect that often goes unmentioned is the impact of road restrictions and soft ground conditions, such as mud, which can lead to delays in site development, home delivery, and setup. The process of purchasing a manufactured home involves several phases, and not all of them are conducive to springtime conditions.

If you did not order your home and prepare your site last fall for winter/spring completion, there are several steps you can take to streamline the process.

Obtain pre-qualification to ascertain your budget in advance. If you are purchasing with cash, ensure you have adequate funds for site preparation and home costs. If financing all or part of the project, it is advisable to work with industry-specific lenders who provide a consolidated loan structure. Some lenders utilize two separate loans—one for the construction phase and another for the home, which are refinanced together at the end. These loans often have different interest rates. Conversely, industry-specific lenders offer a single interest rate, one mortgage, and manage construction draw requests internally.

Utilities such as water, sewer, and power necessitate thorough planning, design, and permitting. Customers frequently interact with various contractors and county agencies in this process. It is advisable to consult your local county planning department to ascertain the requirements for compliance with local residency codes. Begin collecting information and obtaining quotes for budgeting purposes, and investigate potential rebates.

Identifying the ideal home involves thorough research and selecting a preferred floor plan. If square footage is a priority, consider inquiring about options to expand the home within your budget. Determine your essential requirements, such as two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open floor plan, and a porch.

Site Review: Once you have the layout of your home, it is essential to determine its optimal placement on your property. We provide our clients with a complimentary site review. Our team of experts will assist you in identifying the most suitable location for your home, considering utility connections and optimizing your intended usage. Additionally, we will assess the necessity of any road work before delivery.

Spring presents certain challenges, particularly with road restrictions affecting equipment and home transport. It is crucial to understand these restrictions. Counties may impose prohibitions or limitations on vehicle operations or weight when a county road is at risk of significant damage or destruction due to rain, snow, climatic, or other conditions, unless such operations are curtailed or permissible weights are reduced. Awareness of these restrictions and their potential impact on your project, as well as any additional permits required during this period, is essential.

Determine your budget and obtain estimates for utility installation. Plan the layout of your home and develop a timeline. Familiarize yourself with road restrictions to optimize site productivity.

Organize your home: This period allows you to focus on your home's interior design. Select your preferred colors, appliance packages, home color, exterior features, and consider adding cabinets or windows to personalize your space. Obtain a final home quote from the factory and approve it for production.

With these tips and tricks, your site will be prepared for home delivery and setup without any delays as your house is being constructed!