Homes in PA

[Renee]

My husband and I are just beginning our search for a new manufactured home. We live in South Central PA. I've done web research as a start. The names I've seen listed the most with the retail centers nearest us are: Clayton; Skyline; Fleetwood;Commodore; and Champion. Patriot is also available fairly close to us. IWe've read about upgrading the "subfloor" and wall construction. Are there any major differance to the positive or negative with any of the companies I mentioned? Any major red flags we should watch for with the sales center ?

Also we have a 16 year old daughter who wheelchair bound ? I've checked out Turtle Homes, and Shamrock a bit, but will any or all of the manufacturers offer alterations for wheelchairs. She's quite small, and doesn't have the capability to use a motorised chair, so the most we would need is alterations to the entrances, 1 bedroom and bath. We want an open floor plan anyway. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Renee in PA

[Renee]

oops sorry if I put this in the wrong forum.

[Roy T. Bonney]

Most manufacturer's will make the necessary modifications you need, but you must tell them what you need. Every family has different needs, depending on what the disability may be. Food for thought... Are the vanities installed in the home going to give you the wheel chair access you need? Are the tub and shower units installed going to provide the correct access? What about the kitchen sink, does it need to be ADA, or will a standard base cabinet work for you?
Also think about closet doors, as well as the entry and exit doors. In case of a fire, you will want more than one door wide enough to accomodate a wheel chair. Will the bathroom door open correctly, or do you need a sliding "pocket" door? What about a cottage door on the front, to give the wheel chair visability to see who is knocking. Wheel chairs are hard on standard carpeting. You may want to consider either vinyl, hardwood, or having the carpet pad glued to the floor, and then the carpet glued to the pad. This enables the wheel chair to roll properly without creating humps and bumps in the carpet, if it stretches.

[Eugene]

I have considerable experience with these manufacturers. A lot of manufacturers shy away from ADA compliance issues as it is not efficient for them to change their designs for one home. I would think that your best bet would be Champion or Commodore. Both have factorys in PA and do a good job and custom build a fair amount.
One simple way to meet most of your concerns is to order a home with french doors optioned into the bedroom and have a bath right off the bedroom.
Most manufacturers have floor plans like that and might save you a lot of $$$.
A word of advise....get EVERYTHING in writing!