By reeves 
Understanding the HUD Foundation certification requirements is important for any homeowner, seller or buyer. This post will explain when and what this certification entails.
What is HUD Foundation certification?
The HUD Foundation Certification (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), is a document that verifies the home’s foundation has met HUD’s structural and safety standards. This certification guarantees that the foundation is able to support the weight and resist natural hazards.
When is HUD Foundation Certification Required?
In the following situations, a HUD Foundation Certification will be required:
1. FHA/VA loans: A HUD Foundation Certificate is required for government-backed (FHA/VA) loans. This includes manufactured homes, mobile home, and homes that have unique foundation systems.
2. Mobile/Manufactured Home: To ensure that manufactured/mobile homes comply with federal regulations, HUD requires their certification.
3. New Construction: Builders who build homes using non-traditional foundation systems must be certified.
4. Foundation Repairs: A certification is required for significant foundation repair work.
5. Home Sales: Sellers might need to provide certification of the foundation integrity.
6. Refinancing: Lenders will require certification when refinancing a property, particularly if it has had its foundation modified.
What is the Certification Process?
1. Inspection: An engineer, or a home inspector working on behalf of one, will evaluate the foundation. They will inspect the crawlspace, including the piers and beams as well as the skirting, strapping and grade.
2. Report: An inspector will create a report that outlines the condition of the foundation and present it to an engineer.
3. Certification: The structural engineer will stamp a certification if the foundation meets the HUD standards.
Benefits of HUD Foundation certification
1. Safety and structural integrity is ensured.
2. Increases the value of your product.
3. Loan processing can be streamlined.
4. Peace of mind is provided.
Who can perform HUD Foundation certification?
Only licensed professionals such as:
1. Professional Engineers (PE),
2. The inspection can be performed by a Licensed Home Inspector who is trained and works under the supervision of an Engineer Professional. However, the Engineer must evaluate and certify the data.
3. Inspectors approved by HUD
Conclusion
HUD Foundation certification is an important tool to ensure the structural integrity and safety of a foundation. It’s also required for financing mobile/manufactured homes with FHA/VA/HUD-backed loans. Knowing when certification is required can save buyers, sellers, and homeowners time and money.