Why Manufactured Home Engineering Certifications Don’t Automatically Include Additions (And When an Additions Certification Is Actually Needed)

Manufactured Home Engineering Certifications are a common requirement in home sales across Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam, Bradford, and Baker Counties.

One area that frequently causes confusion and delays is additions, things like decks, steps,

Covered porch on the front of a Northeast Florida manufactured home.

carports, and covered porches. Buyers are often surprised to learn that these features are not automatically included in a standard Manufactured Home Engineering Certification.

This article explains why, when an additions certification is required, and how to avoid last-minute stress during the transaction.

What a Manufactured Home Engineering Certification Covers

A Manufactured Home Engineering Certification focuses on the home itself, not everything attached to it.

Specifically, it verifies that the manufactured home:

• Is properly installed

• Meets foundation and tie-down requirements

• Complies with HUD and lender guidelines

• Is structurally supported as designed

This certification is primarily concerned with the main structure of the home, not exterior features that may have been added later.

Why Additions Are Treated Separately

Additions are handled differently because they often:

• Were added after the home was installed

• Were built by third parties or homeowners

• May or may not be structurally independent from the home

From an engineering standpoint, the key question is simple:

Is the addition self-supporting, or is it relying on the manufactured home for support?

If an addition depends on the home for structural support, it becomes part of the structural system—and that requires separate documentation.

Self-Supporting vs. Non-Self-Supporting Additions (Plain English)

Carport roof which is supported by the home, transferring additional weight to the homes structure.

Self-Supporting Additions

These stand on their own footings, posts, or piers and do not place structural load on the manufactured home.

Examples:

• A deck with its own posts

• Steps resting on independent footings

• A carport supported by ground-set columns

These often do not require a separate additions certification.

Non-Self-Supporting Additions

Support posts added to remove the weight from the home.

These rely on the manufactured home for support.

Examples:

• A carport bolted to the home with no vertical supports

• A covered porch hanging off the home

• A deck attached without independent footings

These typically require an additions engineering certification.

Example: Carport Before and After Structural Supports

In the attached photos, the original carport was not self-supporting. It relied on the

manufactured home to carry its weight.

After proper vertical supports were added, the carport became self-supporting, significantly reducing structural concerns and improving compliance with lender expectations.

This is a common fix—and a good example of how small structural changes can make a big difference.

Why Lenders Usually Don’t Require an Additions Certification

Most lenders:

• Require a Manufactured Home Engineering Certification

• Focus on foundation and tie-downs

• Do not automatically require certification for decks, steps, or porches

Because of this, the additions certification costs extra and is not automatically included with the base structural certification. Including it on every inspection would increase cost unnecessarily.

When an Additions Certification Is Likely Needed

An additions certification is more likely required when a manufactured home has:

• Large decks

• Covered porches

• Attached carports

• Additions that appear to rely on the home for support

In these cases, ordering the additions certification up front can prevent:

• Last-minute lender requests

• Closing delays

• Rushed engineering reviews

No Return Visit Required (Within 60 Days)

Even when an additions certification isn’t ordered initially, the good news is this:

During the initial Manufactured Home Engineering Certification, data and documentation for additions are collected.

If an additions certification is requested within 60 days, it can typically be issued without a return visit, saving time and hassle.

How This Helps Buyers and Realtors in Northeast Florida

Understanding how additions are handled helps:

• Buyers set realistic expectations

• Realtors prevent surprise delays

• Transactions move forward smoothly

In competitive markets throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, avoiding unnecessary delays can make a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all manufactured homes with decks need an additions certification?

No. Only when the deck is not self-supporting or places structural load on the home.

Why isn’t the additions certification included automatically?

Because most lenders don’t require it, and including it by default would add unnecessary cost.

Can the additions certification be added later?

Yes. If requested within 60 days, it can usually be issued without a return visit.

Will this delay closing?

It can—if ordered late. Homes with large decks or covered porches are better served by ordering it up front.

Final Takeaway

Manufactured Home Engineering Certifications focus on the home itself. Additions are separate because they vary widely in how they’re built and supported.

Knowing when an additions certification is likely needed—and planning for it early—reduces stress, avoids delays, and keeps transactions on track across Northeast Florida.

Schedule your Manufactured Home inspection or engineering certificate with Hanna Home Services by calling 904-658-1009 or visiting our website at www.HannaHomeServices.com