The Manufactured Housing Forums

When I bought my manufactured home, I also paid the dealer for an attached 24X24 garage. I thought I read all the small print, but I missed the part about the garage having no warranty except that which is "required by law." Anybody know what "required by law" means exactly?

One problem with my garage was there from the beginning (January), and I would think the dealer has to do something about it regardless of whether or not a warranty was included. The problem is with the shingles, which look warped and uneven. Several people (not associated with the dealership) told me this was probably the result of the shingles being installed during cold weather. The shingles supposedly don't always seal properly in cold temperatures, but will seal later during warm weather. Doesn't make sense to me, but I have no previous experience with a shingled roof, so I just accepted this explanation. For awhile anyway. As it turns out, the actual problem with the shingles (as I found out when I climbed up on the roof for a closer look) is that most of the nails were not fully hammered in. Apparently, the installer didn't have his nail gun properly set, so there are nails sticking up about a half-inch over a large area of the roof. Thus, the wavy shingles.

I called the dealership, and also sent a letter (with pictures). So far, they are giving me the silent treatment. Maybe they are hoping I'll just shrug the whole thing off, but I'm not about to do that....

Do you have anything in your paperwork from the dealer about the garage? Such as who is responsible for construction, warranty, etc? If you bought it from them, it should be in your paperwork. This is where you need to start. If they refuse to acknowledge your problem go to your state SAA with your pictures, record of contact or attempted contact with the dealer and your paperwork. Also most manufac don't honor ANY add on's such as garages, etc so if it causes a problem with the home you have another problem.

What they told you about the shingles setting in after it turns hot is true but with nails not set this won't happen. On the back of a shingle is a bit of tar and when oit gets hot, it melts and bonds with the other shingle. This does not seem like a big problem for you to take care of, I know you paid good money for a good job, but you could wait a long time to get the fix. You might try showing up at the dealers on a realy busy Saturday and make your case in the lobby.

The SAA will be NO help with non HUD problems..The garage is not covered by anyone except the builder..and then as the contract says..only as required by law...probably none..

I spoke to the office manager Thursday, and she said they sent someone out to inspect the roof. That was about 10 days ago, and they never bothered to inform me someone was coming out, but they ARE agreeing with me that the shingles are a mess and have to be replaced, so that's cool. The new shingles have supposedly been ordered. Hopefully, they'll get the roof done right this time...