Learn About Land

Land status can impact your timeline and overall costs. Know the right questions to ask, what costs to expect and what is required during site preparation. If you are looking to move in quickly, contact Clayton Homes of Harrisonburg today to discuss your options.

Recommendations to explore on this page:

Planning Ahead

Purchasing Land:

Think about location. Decide if you prefer a lot in a remote location, conventional neighborhood or manufactured home community.
Decide which loan option makes sense for you—a manufactured home loan with land or two separate loans, one for the land and one for the home.
Check local zoning ordinances and land use restrictions to confirm manufactured homes are allowed.
Speak with your local home center for advice about purchasing land.
Browse homes at your local home center that are already placed on land.

Already Own Land:

Determine what upgrades you want, such as a garage, deck or porch.
Confirm soil conditions are correct for the home and determine the home’s placement.
Find a local contractor to assist with site preparation.
Clear the land of foliage and grade the site for proper drainage.
Make sure the site is properly crowned for drainage.
Connect utilities or install a septic system.
Work with your local home center to ensure your site is ready for home delivery.

What to know about land

Even if you have potentially found the perfect piece of land, you will need to confirm that it is zoned for manufactured homes. Be sure to check the zoning regulations in the area where you want to live. Also, confirm that there are no subdivision covenants that restrict manufactured homes.

Your local home consultant will help guide you through site preparation and help you find local contractors, but it is good to know what to expect. You will need to determine the land’s soil conditions to make sure it is suitable for the home and determine the location of the home on the site. Plan to clear the area of foliage and, if necessary, grade the home site for proper drainage. While the site is being prepared, you will also want to think about land improvement options such as electrical services, septic system installation, creating a driveway and possibly having a garage, deck or porch built.

Manufactured homes can be placed on a variety of foundations. Your budget, timeline and personal preferences can determine which foundation is right for you. Pier foundations are appropriate for both single and multi-section homes and are generally enclosed in vinyl skirting. Slab foundations are often poured over piers to add stability through freezes and thaws. Slab foundations with concrete block skirting, crawl space foundations and basement foundations give the homes a more residential look as well as room for storage and utilities.