From a newbie: about re-leveling

[mswendie]

I have a Fleetwood 98 double wide, in Southern California, that sinks right in the middle, where both sides of trailer meet. I start seeing lines, cracks on the ceiling, along the edges of walls. I called 2 companies so far: one said they will install 4 coach clamps along the marriage line (60" gap, "I" beam), including a complete re-level/tune up, adjust all piers/jacks/pads, and patch moisture barrier holes for $1860. Another company said they will install 4-22" jacks and 4 marriage clamps for $800.

Both companies said it will solve my problem. This is my first time doing it, PLEASE HELP..... What do you think? THANK YOU!

[David Oxhandler]

It is imposable to tell what is needed from here. Here is what I do when faced with a project beyond my ability to do it myself.

First, it is important that you are dealing only with licensed manufactured home installers.

Second, Call as many as five installers and get written proposals from each. Verbal estimates are worthless. Only accept signed itemized proposals. Each should include a list of parts and labor items with prices for each item.

Third, you may be surprised at the spread in prices. Compare the proposals. Dont jump on the lowest price... especially if it is significantly lower than the others. The lowballer will almost consistently hit you for unexpected extras at the end of the project.

You may also see one price that is significantly higher than the others. In most cases this is not the one to select either. If the parts and labor items are similar the highballer just thinks he is worth more than the others.

Look closely at the estimates that are in the middle and have close to the same itemizations. Dont hesitate to ask questions... like you estimate is a bit higher than another but includes less (or more) whatever....

Once you narrow it down to 2, meet with each again and discuss the time frame for starting and completing the project. Talk to them about family, neighborhood, past projects and other customers in your area ... get to know each a little. Then choose the one that you feel best about.

Be sure to get a certification of insurance and a copy of their license from whoever you select. While you don’t want to plan for the worst you should be sure that the contractor you select is fully covered, so that you are not ultimately responsible for anything from human error to gross negligence.

It sound like your home needs to be releveled. You should NOT try to level your home by yourself. The operations involved in jacking and raising the home can be very dangerous and should be attempted only by experienced individuals.

the Releveling Kit from Aberdeen Repair includes complete step-by-step instructions and a waterline level. Use these instructions and the enclosed waterline level to determine whether or not your home is out of level. You will also use this information to become a better-informed consumer and give yourself the upper hand when it comes to hiring a contractor to do the job.

The detailed instructions will show you:
why your home becomes unlevel
how to set-up, calibrate and read a waterline level
determine where your home is unlevel and by how much
what to watch-out for before, during and after releveling your home

Get more details Here