Land Prep

[Melissa]

OK, this is the deal...

So far we CANNOT get a contractor to return a phone call. We have to be out of our site built home by Aug 21 and we have yet to even order our MH. But the biggest and most FRUSTRATING problem we are facing is finding a contractor who will actually meet with us. We got a quick phone bid on what we wanted...and this is without him even seeing the property. But can we get him to call us back now that we need some real figures to give to our loan rep??? NO! Can we get any of the contractors we have phoned to return a call? NOPE!! Have I lost all respect for contractors? YEP! What I am wondering is if any of you out there in CA have prepared your foundations yourselves. Please don't tell me to buy Randy's book. Did that...hasn't helped a great deal in knowing exactly how to prepare the land oursleves. We'd prefer to pay a contractor familiar with MH's to prep and do the foundation but since we can't get one...we're looking at having to possibly do it ourselves. A frightening prospect to be sure. Anyone out there have any ideas for us? This is getting so stressful.

Hopeless in California
Melissa

[rmurray]

I would think your dealer would have good sources for this process...He cannot deliver any homes without this being done...He would be a fool not having good reliable sources for this and any other services that are necessary..

[Melissa]

Yes, all dealers have someone who will do this work for them. The problem is that the dealer who has given us the best price so far on our home is not from our area. His crew will do the delivery and set up but the distance factor keeps them from doing the site prep (about 75 miles). We have a couple more dealers we are going to contact in our area. I am trying to calm myself in knowing God is in control of even this and that perhaps another dealer will come through with a comparable price who is able to handle all aspects of the job. Do you think we should let these other dealers know what we have been quoted so far or should we just ask for their best bids and see what transpires? All the homes come from the very same factory and most seem to work with the same man at the factory. Not sure why the prices we've been qouted so far are so different...

Another question:
What is normally involved in doing a plan stretch? We got a quote on a 32" plan stretch of the house we want and it was $3600.00. Hubby says that seems very steep and way over the price per foot norm, but then we don't know whats involved in actually preparing for the added footage. Have you delt with this matter before?

Thanks!
Melissa

[rmurray]

The stretch cost seem very reasonable...

I think it would be best that you get the prep from the dealer that you buy from..If not you always leave yourself open to a price bump .."because the prep was not right"....

As far as price dickering is concerned...the style you use is up to you...Just remember the important figure is the total cost of the home and prep...not just the home...

Good Luck...sounds like you have a good helper taking care of you..

[Dan F]

I seem to have the same problem. Even worse the over quote over the phone goes up everytime I get in touch with them. I really believe the CA market is demand driven as far as price goes. What part of CA are you in I am in Northern Bay area. You can save some money if you travel even further. I ended up going to the CA oregon border and saving $15,000 so its a consideration.

[Melissa]

Thanks Rmurray.....as always your the voice of reason and good sense I would definately prefer to have the dealer take care of all aspects of the job. That would sure make our job easier. So far two quotes have come back in...sent out many fax's today. One here in town was actually a very good quote so perhaps that will turn out for the best. Got a lot more to come in though so we'll weed through them and nail them down. We need to get our home ordered soon or we'll be living with the in-laws FOREVER!! )

Thanks for everything!
Melissa

[rmurray]

And some folks complain about a few service issues with their homes...Maybe they should try the in laws for a while....Bet they will never complain about a dripping faucet again....smile

[Charlotte Maness]

I get the idea from this posting that some dealers will "take care" of land prep etc. for the customer. Am I right or wrong?

[rmurray]

Since this is something dealers have to deal with on every sale...I would think all dealers would be able to help...

Our dealership is involved in land prep on almost every sale...We make little or no money...but it does give us some contol of the timing of things...Since customers are almost in a hurry...and we do not get our money until all is complete...Timing is all important...I am sure that this is the same for all dealers..

When we recommend contractors...price is important but timing, quality of service and reliablility are the most important...We pay for over 100 wells per year...maybe 175 septics...The list goes on..When we call...we get their attention...

[Charlotte Maness]

Mr. Murray, I still wish you were in Southwestern Colorado.