Frequently Asked Questions

When Buying a Manufactured Home

What is a manufactured home?

A manufactured home is a home built in a controlled factory environment according to federal HUD standards. Once completed, it is transported to your property and installed according to applicable state and local requirements.

Manufactured homes can offer modern floor plans, beautiful finishes, energy-efficient features, and many of the comforts you expect from a traditionally built home.

Do I need to own land before I purchase a manufactured home?

Not necessarily. You can begin the process before you own property. However, the property must be suitable for the home you choose and must meet local zoning, access, utility, foundation, and installation requirements.

We can help you evaluate a property and determine what may be involved in placing a manufactured home on it.

Can you help me find property?

We can help point you in the right direction and can recommend real estate professionals who specialize in land and property in the Central Coast area.

Can I put a manufactured home on my existing property?

In many cases, yes. However, every property is different. Zoning, setbacks, access, utilities, soil conditions, grading, septic systems, and local requirements all need to be evaluated.

A site visit is one of the best ways to determine what your property may require.

What Does It Take to Put a Manufactured Home on My Property?

What is involved in installing a manufactured home?

There is much more to the process than simply delivering the home.

Depending on your property, the project may involve:

Property and site evaluation

Permits

Engineering

Soil testing

Civil engineering

School fees

Grading and excavation

Foundation or pit-set foundation

Transportation

Crane services

Home installation

Water connection or well

Sewer or septic

Gas

Electrical service and PG&E connection

Final inspections

Decks, stairs, garages, and other improvements

Our team can help coordinate the process from the initial property evaluation through installation and final inspection.

What is a site visit?

A site visit allows us to look at your property and identify potential requirements for placing a manufactured home.

We may evaluate things such as:

Access for delivery trucks

Crane access

Existing structures

Property boundaries

Slope and terrain

Utilities

Well and septic

Electrical service

Potential home location

Foundation requirements

Grading and excavation needs

What should I have before scheduling a site visit?

If possible, have your property address or APN number available.

It is also helpful to know whether you have:

A soil test

A well

Septic or sewer

Electrical service

An existing perimeter or foundation

A particular home or floor plan in mind

A preferred square footage

Financing already arranged or if you need financing assistance

Don't have everything yet? That's okay.

We can help you determine what comes next.

Costs & Financing

How much does it cost to put a manufactured home on my property?

The total project cost depends heavily on the property and the home you choose.

In addition to the cost of the home, your project may include permits, engineering, foundation work, grading, excavation, transportation, crane services, utility connections, septic or sewer, electrical work, and other site improvements.

Because every property is different, we recommend a site evaluation before providing an estimate for the complete project.

Does the price of the home include installation?

Not necessarily. The home price and the costs associated with preparing and installing the home are separate considerations.

We will help you understand the different components of your project so you can better understand your total investment.

Do you offer financing?

Financing options may be available depending on your situation, property, home, and loan qualifications. We can help you understand what information may be needed and connect you with financing resources when available.

Can I finance the land and manufactured home together?

Depending on the property and loan program, there may be financing options that combine the land and home. Financing requirements vary, so we recommend discussing your specific situation with a qualified lender.

Choosing Your Home

What sizes and floor plans are available?

Manufactured homes are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, from smaller homes to large multi-section and triple-wide homes.

We can help you find a floor plan based on your desired:

Square footage

Number of bedrooms

Number of bathrooms

Layout

Kitchen features

Storage

Living space

Property size

Budget

Can I customize my manufactured home?

Many manufacturers offer a variety of options and upgrades, depending on the model. Available selections may include flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, colors, and other finishes.

We'll help you understand which options are available for the home you're considering.

Can I add a deck or garage?

Yes. Decks, garages, porches, and other improvements can often be added as part of your overall property project, subject to applicable requirements and permits.

Can I put a manufactured home on a foundation?

Yes. Manufactured homes can be installed on approved foundation systems. The appropriate foundation depends on the home, property, engineering requirements, and local regulations.

What is a pit set?

A pit set installation places the manufactured home lower into an excavated area, creating a lower-profile appearance and allowing the home to sit closer to the surrounding grade.

Whether a pit set is appropriate depends on your property, engineering, drainage, access, and other site conditions.

Delivery & Installation

Do you transport the manufactured home?

Yes. We coordinate transportation of your manufactured home to the property.

Do you handle the crane?

When a crane is required for installation, we coordinate the crane services as part of the installation process.

Who installs the home?

Cravens Manufactured Homes works with licensed contractors and experienced professionals to coordinate the installation and site work required for your project.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes. Our full-service approach can include helping coordinate permitting, engineering, installation requirements, and final inspections.

The exact requirements depend on the property and the local jurisdiction.

How long does it take to get a new manufactured home?

Lead times vary depending on the manufacturer, model, options, production schedule, transportation, permitting, and site preparation.

Ask us about the current lead time for the home you're interested in.

Utilities & Property Requirements

Do I need a well?

If your property does not have access to a public water system, a well may be required. Existing wells should be evaluated to determine whether they can adequately serve the new home.

What about septic?

If public sewer is not available, your property may require a septic system. Site conditions and local requirements determine what type of system may be necessary.

What about electricity?

Your property will need an appropriate electrical service connection. This may involve coordination with PG&E and potentially additional electrical work depending on the existing service.

Does my property need to be flat?

Not necessarily. Manufactured homes can be installed on a variety of properties, but slopes and uneven terrain may require additional engineering, grading, excavation, retaining structures, or other site work.

How do I know if my property will work for a manufactured home?

That's where we can help. We can review your property and identify potential issues involving access, zoning, utilities, grading, foundation requirements, and the location of the home.

The Cravens Manufactured Homes Process

How does the buying process work?

1. Tell us about your property.
Give us the property address or APN and tell us what you're looking for.

2. Choose a home.
We'll help you explore available floor plans, sizes, features, and options.

3. Evaluate the property.
We can schedule a site visit to determine what may be required to place the home on your property.

4. Review the project requirements.
We'll identify the major components of the project, including permitting, engineering, foundation, transportation, installation, utilities, and site work.

5. Order your home.
Once you've selected your home and finalized the project, the home can be ordered from the manufacturer.

6. Prepare the property.
Site preparation, permits, engineering, utilities, foundation, and other required work are coordinated.

7. Deliver and install your home.
We coordinate transportation, crane services when needed, and installation.

8. Complete inspections and move in.
Once the required work and inspections are complete, you're ready for the next chapter in your new home.

Why should I choose Cravens Manufactured Homes?

We are a Central Coast manufactured home dealer providing a full-service approach—from helping you choose a home to coordinating transportation, permitting, site preparation, installation, and the final steps of your project.

Our goal is to make the process as simple, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.

What areas do you serve?

We serve communities throughout California's Central Coast, including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Santa Maria, Grover Beach, and surrounding areas.

I'm just starting to research. Can I still contact you?

Absolutely! You don't need to have everything figured out before contacting us.

Whether you're just looking at floor plans, searching for land, already own property, need financing, or are ready to order a home, we can help you understand the next step.

Ready to Get Started?

Have questions about putting a manufactured home on your property?

Contact Cravens Manufactured Homes to discuss your property, home size, budget, and where you are in the buying process.

Find Your Place on the Central Coast.