The Manufactured Housing Forums

What is the deal with upgrades on a manufactured home? A dealer tells you that you can customize a home. When deciding what options you prefer though such as laminate instead carpet you are told it can be done but the cost of laminate is added and then the carpet is subtracted at a much reduced rate. It seems as though they want to discourage you from the upgrades. It also seems that you might just be paying for both the standard and the upgraded options or close to it. Realizing that buying in bulk is one way to cut costs on MH but it seems the dealers and builders should understand that they could better compete with traditional built homes if they would offer these upgrades at better prices and be a little more flexible. Do all MH builders operate this way?

The cost of upgrades varies a lot with builders just like in the stick built business..The example you mentioned is common and reasonable..When ever you delete standard items they are removed at their wholesale cost of materials, thus the very low deletion for carpet. At the same time upgrades are added at full retail price.(cost of goods, unusual labor,small profit for builder and dealer)..Maybe you can upgrade the quality of carpet and skip the hardwood floor..

The MOST cost efficient way to buy is to find a home with many standard features thus not requiring much upgrading..

Good Luck with your shopping..