What Is a Foundation Certification?
If you're buying or selling a manufactured home using an FHA or VA loan, your lender will require a foundation certification — a stamped letter from a licensed engineer confirming the home is placed on a permanent foundation that complies with the HUD Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Homes (1996).
This is not a standard home inspection. It's a specific engineering review of the foundation system — pier placement, anchoring, load path, and foundation type — evaluated against HUD's published standard.
Without this certification, an FHA or VA loan cannot close. It's a hard requirement, not optional.
Our Engineering Partner
We've partnered with Foundation Certifications — a team of licensed structural engineers specializing exclusively in manufactured home foundation certifications across the country.
- Licensed structural engineers
- Nationwide coverage
- FHA & VA accepted certifications
- Online ordering — fully turn-key
Why Lenders Require It
Manufactured homes are treated differently from site-built homes by FHA and VA because their foundation systems vary widely — and an inadequate foundation creates real safety and structural risks. HUD's 1996 guide set the national standard for what qualifies as a permanent foundation.
- FHA loans require an engineer's certification for all manufactured homes
- VA loans require certification that the home sits on a HUD-compliant permanent foundation
- Conventional loans increasingly require foundation documentation as well
- Without certification, the loan cannot close — this is a hard lender requirement
- Certifications are property-specific and must be performed by a licensed engineer
What's Included
The engineer visits the property, inspects the foundation system, and produces a stamped certification letter. Everything needed to satisfy your lender.
- On-site inspection by a licensed structural engineer
- Compliance review against HUD Permanent Foundation Guide (1996)
- Stamped engineer's certification letter
- Acceptable to FHA, VA, and most conventional lenders
- Covers pier spacing, anchoring, load path, and foundation type
How It Works
The process is fully turn-key. Place your order online and the engineering team handles everything from there.
Place Your Order
Order directly online at FoundationCerts.com. The process is fully turn-key — no guesswork on your end.
Foundation Inspection
A licensed engineer schedules and performs the on-site foundation inspection of the manufactured home.
Engineer's Certification
The engineer produces a stamped letter confirming the home meets HUD Permanent Foundation Guide requirements.
Delivered to Your Lender
The certification is delivered in the format required by your FHA or VA lender to clear the loan.
Common Questions
Do I need this for every manufactured home purchase?
Only if you're using an FHA or VA loan. Conventional loans vary by lender — ask your loan officer.
How long does it take?
Turnaround time varies by area and schedule, but Foundation Certifications works to complete inspections quickly to keep your closing on track.
What if the foundation doesn't pass?
The engineer will document what's needed to bring the foundation into compliance. Repairs can then be made and re-inspected.
Can I combine this with a home inspection?
Yes — if you also need a full buyer inspection, contact us and we can coordinate both services for the same property.
Ready to Get Your Certification?
Place your order directly with our engineering partner online, or call us with questions. We'll help make sure your transaction stays on track.
Orders are processed directly through Foundation Certifications at FoundationCerts.com/order