how to choose manufacturers (brands)

[ladirozbud]

We have been researching manufactured home companies for 3 months and are still unsure as to which are the best (or better) manufactured homes as to how they are built. I am assuming that if they all have the same construction and energy codes that it really comes down to the cost of options and final cost. Is one brand constructed better than another? The 3 retailers we are looking at all have great reviews for customer service and follow-up so now we are just looking at quality of construction.

We are really set on a Marlette but the company does not have a set-up crew in our state and due to our financing the set-up crew has to be licensed in our state. So, now we are looking at Champion and Karsten. Is there really a difference between them?

Thanks

[rmurray]

housingThere are vast differences in manufactured homes...The codes are nothing but the minimum requirement...There are many builders out there who barely skirt the minimum...right on the edge of the rules..Others build well beyond the minimum with far better basic construction..far more features..energy system features can vary a lot and some have far better warranties...The old adage is especially true in this business.."You get no more than you pay for"...

Large companies like Champion do not build with the same specs in all plants...1 plant could well be one of the best and another one of the worse...I am not directly familiar with the brands you are asking about in your area...but.from what I have seen posted here Karsten has a great warranty...Most Champions come with the minimum required warranty..

You are indeed fortunate to have THREE great dealers to chose from..that is rare..I would have thought the Marlette dealer would have been able to produce a licensed set crew...It is now law in almost every state that set crews be licensed..trained and insured...This is a requirement for any dealer to be able to sell any home..Marlette is a manufacturer and they would not be directly setting the house this is the dealer function..

You would do yourself a favor to visit the bookstore at this web site and invest a few dollars (very small investment in relation to your total cost) in one of the fine books here..both books featured here Randy Eaton's and John Grissom's are great primers to help you have the confidence in your decision..Mr Grissom now has rating of every manufacturer in the country..All the brand names you listed are rated..

Good Luck..