Manufactured Home Site Prep: Step-by-Step Guide

Megan Sisson
3 days ago
2 min read

Before your manufactured home can be delivered and set up, the land has to be properly prepared. This step — called site prep — ensures your home has a strong foundation, the right utility connections, and smooth delivery.

At Oxford Housing, we guide families through the process every day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what site prep involves and why it matters.

Step 1: Secure Permits

The first step is paperwork. Depending on your county or city, you’ll likely need:

Building permits
Septic or sewer permits
Electrical permits
Water permits

👉 Permits vary by location, but they’re required before any dirt work or hookups can begin.

Step 2: Clear and Grade the Land

Next, the site needs to be prepared so your home has a level foundation. This may include:

Clearing trees, brush, or debris
Bringing in fill dirt if needed
Grading the site to make it level
Creating proper drainage so water flows away from the home

💡 A properly graded site prevents flooding, erosion, and shifting over time.

Step 3: Install a Foundation or Pad

Manufactured homes must sit on a stable base. Depending on your financing and state requirements, this could be:

A concrete slab
Concrete piers/footers
A block foundation

Step 4: Set Up Utilities

Before delivery, contractors will prepare connections for:

Water (well or city)
Sewer or septic system
Electric service
Gas lines (if applicable)

⚡ These connections make sure your home can be hooked up quickly once it arrives.

Step 5: Driveway & Access

Finally, the delivery crew needs safe access to the site. This often means:

Installing or widening a driveway
Ensuring no low-hanging branches, power lines, or obstacles block the truck
Making sure the ground is stable enough for the heavy delivery equipment

Why Site Prep Matters

Good site prep sets your home up for success. Without it, you risk:

Delays in delivery
Extra costs for rework
Foundation or drainage problems later on

💡 Think of site prep as the foundation for your entire investment. Done right, it saves headaches and ensures your home lasts for decades.

Final Thoughts

Site prep can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Oxford Housing, we connect our buyers with trusted contractors and walk them through each step so nothing gets overlooked.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to learn more about homes, financing, and the site prep process.