The Documentation Lenders Require
When a manufactured home is bought, sold, or refinanced with FHA, VA, or many conventional loans, the lender typically requires a foundation certification — documented confirmation that the home is properly installed and its foundation meets applicable standards. Without it, the loan can stall.
Closer Look Inspections evaluates the manufactured home's foundation and installation — the anchoring, supports, and permanent-foundation elements that lenders and loan programs care about — and provides clear documentation of the findings for your lender or closing.
In Central Florida, proper foundation and anchoring aren't just a lending box to check — they're what keeps the home secure in high winds and insurable under Florida requirements. A foundation certification serves your financing and your safety at once.
What a Foundation Certification Covers
A focused evaluation of the manufactured home's foundation and installation, documented for your lender or loan program.
Permanent Foundation Elements
We evaluate the visible foundation system supporting the home — the piers, footings, and support components — and document their condition relative to the permanent-foundation standards lenders reference.
Anchoring & Tie-Downs
Proper anchoring is central to both certification and Florida wind safety. We evaluate the visible tie-downs and anchors that secure the home to its foundation.
Installation & Skirting
We assess the visible installation, leveling, and skirting or perimeter enclosure — the elements that distinguish a properly installed permanent foundation from a temporary setup.
Documented Findings
You receive clear documentation of the foundation evaluation suitable for submitting to your lender, FHA, VA, or closing agent, so your financing can move forward.
Certification Coverage
- Foundation system
- Support piers & footings
- Load-bearing supports
- Leveling & settlement
- Anchoring
- Tie-downs & anchors
- Connection to foundation
- Wind-safety relevant elements
- Installation
- Skirting / perimeter enclosure
- Visible installation condition
- Utility connection notes
- Documentation
- Findings for lender / FHA / VA
- Photo documentation
- Prompt turnaround
Three Reasons Buyers & Owners Get Certified
A foundation certification is often the step that keeps a manufactured-home loan moving.
Keep Your Loan on Track
FHA, VA, and many conventional lenders require foundation certification for manufactured homes. Getting it done promptly keeps your purchase or refinance from stalling at underwriting.
Confirm Wind Safety
The same anchoring and foundation elements a certification documents are what keep the home secure in Florida storms. Certification confirms your home is properly and safely installed.
Protect Value & Insurability
A properly documented foundation supports the home's value, its insurability, and its marketability when you eventually sell.
Why Central Florida Owners Trust Closer Look
Foundation certification calls for an inspector who understands manufactured-home installation standards. Here's what sets Closer Look apart:
- Certified Master InspectorKeith Wilson holds the Certified Master Inspector designation — the highest credential in the home inspection industry, requiring thousands of completed inspections, continuing education, and a verified track record. Most inspectors never reach this level.
- Licensed Florida Mold AssessorFlorida's humidity makes mold a real risk. Keith is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor, so any suspected moisture or mold issue found during your service can be properly evaluated without bringing in a separate vendor.
- FAA-Licensed Drone Roof Inspection — IncludedSteep, multi-story, or tile roofs that can't be safely walked still get full aerial documentation as part of every full inspection. No additional charge, no skipped roof areas, no guesswork.
- Insurance Reports Included at No ChargeWind mitigation and 4-point insurance reports are included with every full home inspection — saving you the $150 to $300 other inspectors charge for these reports separately.
- Same-Day Digital ReportsYour full Scribeware report is delivered the same day via email, with color-coded priority labels and a built-in repair request builder you can send directly to the other party's agent.
- Live Answered Calls 24/7Real estate moves fast and questions don't wait. Carol Wilson and the Closer Look team answer calls live, around the clock. Scheduling typically happens within 48 hours.
The Inspection Process
From first call to delivered report, here's exactly what to expect when you book with Closer Look.
Schedule
Call 407-319-4608 or book online. Live answered 24/7. Scheduling typically within 48 hours to fit your timeline.
On-Site Evaluation
Your inspector evaluates the visible foundation, anchoring, and installation of the manufactured home — a focused visit, typically under a couple of hours.
Walkthrough
You're welcome on-site. Your inspector walks you through key findings, answers questions, and shows you what matters most.
Same-Day Report
Your full digital report — with photos, color-coded priorities, and repair request builder — is delivered the same day via Scribeware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Central Florida property owners want to know before scheduling.
When do I need a foundation certification?
Most often when buying, selling, or refinancing a manufactured home with an FHA, VA, or many conventional loans. The lender requires documented confirmation that the home's foundation and installation meet applicable standards. Your loan officer can confirm whether yours requires it.
What does the certification actually check?
It evaluates the visible foundation system, anchoring and tie-downs, and the home's installation against the permanent-foundation criteria lenders reference. We document the findings for your lender or loan program.
How fast can I get the documentation?
We turn foundation certifications around promptly so they don't hold up your closing or refinance. Call 407-319-4608 and we can usually schedule quickly.
Is a foundation certification the same as a home inspection?
No. A foundation certification is a focused evaluation of the home's foundation and installation for lending purposes. A full manufactured-home inspection evaluates the entire home and its systems. Many buyers get both — ask us and we'll advise.
Does this also help with insurance?
The anchoring and foundation elements documented in a certification are relevant to Florida wind safety and insurability, so the evaluation supports both your financing and your insurance picture.
Do you serve my city in Central Florida?
Yes — we serve the entire greater Orlando metro, including Orlando, Winter Garden, Horizon West, Lake Nona, Windermere, Clermont, Winter Park, Saint Cloud, Ocoee, Davenport, and all communities across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Seminole, Volusia, and Sumter counties.
Ready to Schedule Your Foundation Certification?
Scheduling within 48 hours • Same-day digital reports • Live answered calls 24/7