The foundation a factory-built home sits on shapes more than its structural stability — it determines which mortgage products a buyer can access, how the home holds its value over time, and whether homeownership builds real equity or carries unnecessary long-term cost. For home buyers navigating these decisions for the first time, the difference between a permanent and non-permanent foundation can mean the difference between a mortgage and a chattel loan.
The Factory-Built Housing Foundations Quick Guide is a two-page reference for home buyers, housing advisors, and nonprofit housing professionals. It breaks down the five most common foundation types for factory-built homes — pier & beam, runner, slab, crawl space, and basement — alongside HUD Title II-compliant foundations, with plain-language descriptions, quick-reference comparisons, and guidance on what each option means for mortgage access, resale value, and total cost of homeownership.
Pair this guide with Understanding the Different Types of Foundations for Factory-Built Homes for a deeper read on each foundation type.
What You’ll Find
- The difference between permanent and non-permanent foundations, and why it matters for financing
- Plain-language descriptions of all five common foundation types, with best-use climate and site guidance
- A quick-reference comparison table: mortgage eligibility, resale value, relative cost, and ideal site conditions for each type
- Why permanent foundations unlock FHA, VA, and conventional mortgage products — and what non-permanent foundations typically limit buyers to
- How foundation type affects home appreciation and long-term equity
- Why factory-built construction quality supports better foundation performance over time