A Complete Guide for Arizona Homeowners
Installing a manufactured home is an exciting milestone—but the process involves much more than simply placing a home on a lot. At DIGN Homes, we follow a precise, step-by-step installation sequence to ensure every home meets HUD standards, county codes, and long-term performance expectations.
Below are the 9 stages of a manufactured home install, explained in simple terms so homeowners and realtors know exactly what to expect.
1. Permits & Approvals
Every successful installation begins with proper permitting. This includes site plans, engineering, county approvals, utility clearances, and scheduling inspections. Whether you are in an ISA county or a traditional building department, permit timelines vary—so starting early prevents delays later.
What happens during this phase:
- Site plan creation
- Engineering review and certification
- County or city permit application
- Utility coordination (APS, SRP, EPCOR, water district, etc.)
2. Pit or Pad Preparation
Before the home arrives, the site must be properly prepared. Depending on the home and engineering requirements, this involves building either a pit (for ground-set homes) or a pad (above-grade installations).
Pit/Pad work includes:
- Excavation
- Compaction
- Adding ABC or select fill
- Drainage slope creation
- Setting elevation and footprint
Proper site prep is critical—this is what ensures the home stays level, drains properly, and lasts for decades.
3. Set and Level
Once the home is delivered, our install crew begins the setup process. This is the stage where the home is placed precisely on the foundation and leveled to HUD and engineering standards.
Set & Level includes:
- Removing shipping materials
- Installing piers and pads
- Setting each section of the home
- Marriage-line gasket installation
- Bolting sections together
- Laser-leveling the structure
This phase ensures the home is structurally strong, square, and safe.
4. Interior & Exterior Trim Out
After the home is leveled and secured, trim work begins. This is what makes the home feel complete and livable.
Interior trim includes:
- Marriage-line drywall and finishing
- Baseboards & door adjustments
- Flooring connections
- Appliance installation (varies by manufacturer)
Exterior trim includes:
- Roofing connections
- Eave closures
- Siding joints
- Exterior doors & windows adjustments
5. Utility Connections
Next, the home must be connected to power, water, sewer, gas, and other systems. Each connection must follow county code and pass inspection.
Utility work includes:
- Electrical pedestal and meter prep
- Water and sewer line trenching
- Septic tie-ins (if applicable)
- Gas line installation and pressure testing
- HVAC placement and connection
Utilities are critical for passing final inspections and making the home move-in ready.
6. Skirting Installation
Skirting seals the perimeter of the home, protects the foundation, improves energy efficiency, and keeps moisture and animals out. Options vary from vinyl to DuraSkirt to block skirting.
Skirting can include:
- Access door fabrication
- Vent placement
- Panel cutting and installation
7. Final Grade & Drainage
Grading ensures water flows away from the home instead of toward it, preventing flooding, erosion, and foundation damage.
Final grade includes:
- Soil shaping around the perimeter
- Creating positive drainage (5% slope)
- Adding rock or landscaping as needed
Many homeowners overlook this step, but it is essential for protecting your long-term investment.
8. Walk-Through & Quality Check
Before we call for a final inspection, we perform a full walkthrough to ensure every detail meets standard.
Walk-through items may include:
- Door and window operation
- Plumbing tests
- Electrical function
- Roof and siding review
- Interior finishes
- Utility confirmations
This ensures your home is truly ready for move-in.
9. Warranty & Post-Install Support
After the installation is complete, homeowners receive warranty information covering workmanship and structural elements. We also provide membership and maintenance options to keep the home performing like new.
Warranty support includes:
- Workmanship warranty
- Structural warranty
- Service repairs (if needed)
- Membership maintenance program options (relevels, tie-downs, leak checks, etc.)
A good installation is only as strong as the support you receive afterward—and we stand behind our work.
Final Thoughts
Installing a manufactured home is a detailed, multi-step process—but when done correctly, it results in a safe, long-lasting, and code-compliant home you can be proud of.
If you need help with installation, engineering corrections, BINSR repairs, or service work, DIGN Homes is here to help.