Expert: Dan Griffin - 2/23/2008

Question
i would love to the a cost to add a basement to a pre exsiting modular/mobile home. i would rather have i basement then a storm shelter. i live in west Tennessee, i
have two small children and i fell i would be easier to be in the basement when their is a chance of  a tornado then needing to race out side to a storm shelter.

Answer
Kathy,
I am so concerned that this answer will sound rude or gruff, that is not my intention.  I do think you are being a bit naive about the work involved with creating a basement, but, then, that's why you asked the question, isn't it.  Things that seem so obvious to me are not that way for you.

This is a recurrent question, as I have answered this question 3 other times in this forum, so I won't be as complete.

I've not heard of anyone doing it this way.

Modulars are placed on basements all the time.
Creating the basement is easy (well, it is work) when you can
  >drive up with a dozer or track hoe,
  >dig the soil
  >place in a dump truck
  >use a crane to set forms
  >get an aerial pump or crane to place concrete all around the form work
  >strip the forms (both inside and out)
  >get the forms out to a truck
  >waterproof the outside of the wall
  >install a French drain system
  >backfill the wall
  >landscape and beautify while not leaving tire tracks in your yard.

but wait!!!!!

You want to keep your house in location and livable while this is going on.  Kathy, it would be cheaper to dig the basement and then move your home onto the basement.

The costs will sky rocket if anyone will even consider attempting it.

You might contact a local supplier of modular homes or a local concrete contractor for an alternate opinion. Please respond if you find anyone tthat does this type of work, as there appear to be several people interested.