How to Place a Modular Home on Family Land

Contact your state department that governs manufactured housing, or review the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors for more information about standards of practice in the U.S. For example, in Texas, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs has a Manufactured Housing Division that regulates modular homes.

Get permission from the family member on whose land you want to place the home. This is necessary to avoid potential legal problems. Speak with a legal adviser to confirm whether you need the landowner's permission in writing or need to draw up a contract.

Research modular home manufacturers. Start your search at modularhomesnetwork.com to find builders in your area.

Arrange a meeting or consultation with at least three builders to get a quote for the project, so you can compare deals and find the one that best suits your needs. Then work with your chosen builder on a suitable design, schedule and budget.

Get the modular home built. Make sure it is constructed in line with your local building regulations. For example, the guidelines of the Upper Hanover Township in Pennsylvania state that a council member must be present to assess the modular home when it is delivered to the family land. An inspection is carried out before the home is installed.

Prepare the land for installing the modular home. This will include having the land leveled and the soil graded for water runoff. Work with the manufacturer of the home to ensure this is done correctly. However, speed up the process by clearing the land of trees, debris, old outbuildings or animals.

Wait for the home to be delivered, and get it installed. According to Modular Today, it can take between two and three months for the home to be completed. However, this time will vary depending on whether it will be assembled in the factory or on the family land.

Get an inspection of the modular home by your local housing department to make sure it fits the building regulations, as this is a requirement of federal law. Then, ask the manufacturing company to check that the home is fully functioning 90 days after installation is complete. This is to confirm that the home has been constructed properly, and no problems have arisen.