Question on preowned home - please help!

[Denise]

We are looking at a 2000 Highland on 9 acres. It seems to be solid - is on a permanent foundation, 200amp, good cabinetry & doors, 2x6 walls, 2x8 floors (ok), insulation is good, thermopane windows. One problem - Cresdek. I talked to the manufacturer today who says that he doesn't know of anyone in the industry who uses plywood. I said, Uh yeah huh. He said plywood absorbs water but Cresdek is better. Ok, so I don't believe that based on everything I've read. Still, should we say no to the house just based on that alone? I wanted to redo the kitchen floor. Could I pull up the underlayment with the vinyl or add plywood? I want a well constructed house, we were excited because this seemed to be - not cheesy and flimsy like a lot we've seen. Now this has me concerned. I know this issue has been addressed many times before, but I just wondered if it would be a deal breaker for everyone.

Thank you.

P.S. I do have kids.

[mac]

Hmmm... one could waterproof the floor by painting it. If it were me, I'd likely go for it, depending on what else is available. I'd just keep tubs well caulked and all that. I am handy enough that I could replace part of the floor if need be.

[Denise]

Do you mean painting the cresdek after removing the old vinyl? I was thinking about laying laminate - can you put that over the existing vinyl? I would be worried about the glue & getting the old floor up. Would that extra layer help? What exactly happens when the cresdek gets wet? Does it warp & mess up the vinyl/carpet? So then do you replace the flooring & decking?

This seems to be a good buy compared to others we've seen. Some on their own land without the permanent foundation & paved drive are priced up to $20k more. There are no other buildings, but still seems good. We live in Missouri, it is on 9.25 wooded acres on a state hwy about 10 minutes from the interstate, but still secluded, which we like. They are asking $75k.

Thanks for your help in answering our questions.

[Clarence Yeary]

Hi Denise,

If any salesman told me that Cresdeck is better than plywood I would laugh in his face. That is simply BULL S_ _ _! Plywood is considered an upgrade in any manufactured home. Cresdeck is used to cut corners...period! Ask this salesman why isn't the roof made of Cresdeck. I promise you it's made of OSB. This salesman told you a bold face lie!!!

I can think of at lease 15 top manufacturers that use plywood but it's mainly an upgrade now. Most all "stick build" houses are constructed of plywood flooring not Cresdeck or Novadeck. True, it is just as strong as plywood however water is the death of this type flooring. Not just for waterleaks but even dry cleaning your carpet!! I other words, it's just a fancy name for PARTICLE BOARD!!! I'm very sensative in this area cause I know at least six families that had to replaced the flooring in their home within seven years!!

I would never buy a home from anyone that would tell me a "bare-faced" lie like that! Why not call a home builder and ask him if he use's Cresdeck. I promise you, it will be the joke of the day!! But if you decide to buy this home..I sincerely hope you're happy with it.

C. Yeary - Kentucky

[trmimo]

The most important thing is that this home have a vapor barrier under it and a well ventilated crawlspace. It is a myth that children cause particleboard failures. I have seen hundreds of homes with swelled particleboard and every single one of those homes was improperly installed. Because of it's hard, smooth surface cressdeck handles spills quite well. The problem is with leaks and water vapor. The vinyl flooring in this home is not glued, it is stapled under the walls, so it is no big deal to remove it and replace. Painting the floor is a great idea, but don't use latex. Use an oil base. If this home has a vapor barrier ans is well vented and if the dyer has been vented outside go for it. If it does not have a vapor barrier, or you can find evidence that the dryer has discharged under the home or in it, do not buy the home. Remember, rotten particle board is always a symptom, not the true problem. Many posters on this board sing the praises of plywood, but if your home is not dry there will still be problems no matter what the floor decking is. And the reason site builders don't use particleboard is 2 fold, one they can't store it properly. And two the greatest advantage to home manufacturers is that it comes in very large sheets to reduce the labor needed to build a floor. Site builders don't have the machinery to handle these verry heavy sheets, so they lose the biggest benefit.

[Denise]

The home is on a cement foundation with an open space for access underneath. I don't remember the foundation having any other openings. I did see the place where the dryer vent comes out of the foundation. What would I look for in locating a vapor barrier?

[jgn]

Black Plastic should cover the entire frame and there should be plastic on the ground as well to keep ground moisture from evaporating into the floor. The biggest problem with particle board is where there are wet areas, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room. Changing out a floor is a major project and site builders don't use particle board not because they can't handle it but because it is an inferior product. The idea that builders can't store it properly should tell you something about the product and the biggest advantage is it is cheaper than plywood or osb.

[Clarence Yeary]

The author "jgn" is 100% correct!! Denise if you like this home you should buy it regardless of what I or anyone else says. I think were all here to help. I just have problems with mobilehome salesmen that simply lie. One other thing, instead of tearing out floors, etc. to solve a potential problem, why not invest that money in a home that has better flooring? This is another reason why manufactured homes are hard to finance through traditional banks! In ten years all of those "short cuts" are going to pop up. Unfortunely this is why manufactured housing go down in depreciate.

I have nothing against manufactured housing cause I currently live in one and plan on buying another one soon! I personally hate the lying sales personnel and buliding "short cuts" that comes with it.

C Yeary

[Denise]

We have considered setting up our own. But we figured it would run between 100k-125k depending on how much land, size of home, and we would probably put it on a basement. This does seem to be a well built home that is already set up and the asking price seems very reasonable compared to others in the area. I must admit I am a little intimidated by the complexity of the whole process.

I don't like the vinyl in the kitchen so I was going to replace it for aesthetic reasons.

Again, appreciate the help.

[rmurray]

I am no fan of press board floors....but your question is a little different...I believe you asked is it a deal breaker..

The answer is depends on the deal...A pre-owned home with 9 acres is a much different decision than one make looking at homes to move to a piece of land..The most important question is the location...is the land good...are the schools..churchs..shopping all like you would desire..then..you have said the price seems very fair as opposed to others in the area..I would not obsess with 1 feature...Fact is..the floors are something that can be fixed...might be expensive..but never more than a few thousand...most like not nearly that much..so..if the deal is good..location right..go for it..

I would not spend 1 more second with this saleperson...The fact that he/she said they know of NO manufacturer building with plywood..only shows his/her ignorance of the industry..or shows you that he/she thinks you are a fool..

Remember this is a used home..it will not have a warranty..that means you should have a home inspector to complete a report..Then you will know if there are any hidden problems..