MHProNews has learned from the Wisconsin Housing Alliance that the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Final Rule that allows manufacturers to complete the construction of manufactured homes on site instead of in the factory with gaining permission.

The rule will eliminate the need for time-consuming approval under the Alternative Construction (AC) process for on site work needed to complete construction. The rule does not apply to garages, which will be addressed in the future by HUD.

Prior to occupancy, the manufacturer’s IPIA or agent will be required to do a final inspection. MHI had suggested the work be done as an extension of the factory inspection process.

The final rule takes effect March 7, 2016, and includes the following construction that may be done onsite:

“ Completion of roof dormers;

 Addition of stucco, brick or other siding that is subject to damage in transit;

 Retailer changes to the home on site, when the home is taken out of compliance with the Construction

and Safety Standards and then is brought back into compliance with the standards;

 Site installed appliances that are listed or certified for use in manufactured homes;

 Hinged roof and eve construction unless exempted as installation by the Manufactured Home Installation

Standards. Notably, as recommended by MHI, the final rule now allows peak flip and peak cap construction

in which the roof pitch of the hinged roof is less than 7:12, when located in Wind Zone I, to be deemed part

of the installation standards (24 CFR Part 3285) and not subject to the requirements of this final rule;

 Components or parts that are shipped loose with the home and that will be installed on site, unless exempted as installation by the installation standards;

Other construction such as roof extensions (dormers), site installed windows in roofs, removable or open floor sections for basement stairs and sidewall bay windows.”

Additionally, manufacturers must obtain DAPIA approval for any part of construction that is to be done onsite, provide instructions for completing the work, and inform the purchaser that the home requires onsite work.

The manufacturer assumes responsibility for all the onsite work, and once it is completed, do a full inspection report and submit it to the IPIA. The IPIA, or the IPIA’s agent, must then do its own inspection before the home may be occupied. ##

(Photo credit: Manufactured Housing Institute-manufactured homes in production)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.