5 Foundation Types for Modular Homes

Selecting the right foundation is critical for modular home performance and longevity.

This guide covers five foundation types—basement, crawlspace, cribbing, pony wall, and screw piles—to help you choose the best option for your site conditions and project requirements.

Thanks for your interest in building a Modular Home Foundation. At Smart Modular Canada (SMC) our team constructs everything from the ground up!

Everything required from the ground down needs to be contracted to a third party that is an expert at Ground Foundation Construction.

If you would like to get a referral to a local Foundation Contractor, please complete the form on this page.

SMC is located in Thunder Bay Ontario and Delivery & Installation is calculated from our Manufacturing Facility. We recommend that Residential customers remain within 1,500KM (15 hours driving) for the best transportation price.

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Looking for a quote for Foundation Construction? Contact us for a referral to a local contractor.

Five Ground Foundation Types for Your Modular Home

Selecting the right foundation is critical for your modular home's structural integrity and long-term performance. Each foundation type—basement, crawlspace, cribbing, pony wall, and screw piles—offers distinct advantages based on soil conditions, site accessibility, and building requirements.

All options meet Ontario Building Code and CSA standards when properly installed. Delivery and installation costs vary by foundation type and property conditions, so consult a qualified professional to determine the best fit for your project.

SMC-Foundation Comparison26
Foundation-Basement01sm
1A: Basement before a modular house is installed
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1B: Basement with Modular House installed
Foundation-Crawlspace01sm
2A: Crawlspace open base
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2B: Crawlspace enclosed with deck
Foundation-Cribbing01sm
3A: Cribbing open base
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3B: Cribbing enclosed with deck
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4A: Pony Wall open base
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4B: Pony Wall enclosed 
Foundation-Screwpiles01sm
5A: Screw Piles with an open base. Screw posts are shown out of the ground for the visual of this photo only. They are traditionally fully buried into the ground.
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5B: Screw Piles enclosed with deck

1. Basement Foundations: provides additional living and storage space

Full basement foundations provide maximum living space and storage while meeting Ontario Building Code requirements. Engineered for harsh Canadian winters with proper insulation and drainage systems.

2. Crawlspace: provides easy access to utilities

A Crawlspace provides easy access to the utilities that are located through the floor trusses below the building. They offer easier maintenance.

3. Cribbing: provides a quick and easy installation on-site

Cribbing Foundations are made of stacked wood bases. They are economical and quick to install. Ideal for temporary placement if required. The house could be moved in the future.

4. Pony Wall: provides enclosed access to the utilities

A Pony Wall creates a low wall above grade for support and enclosure. It allows for enclosed access to utilities under the house.

5. Screw Piles: provides excellent support for dense or uneven terrain

Screw piles require minimal excavation on-site and land disruption. Ideal for sloped sites, poor soil or environmentally sensitive areas.

Smart Modular's foundation specifications are clear and meet all OBC requirements. Their team provided detailed engineering support throughout the installation, and the modules fit perfectly on the prepared foundation.

– Site Contractor