Why so difficult to find floor upgrade in Ca.?

[Cindy]

In doing research and listenig to what people have to say on this disscussion group as well as others I have learned that a very important upgrade is in the flooring. Many have recommended upgrading to 2x8 and tongue and groove plywood. I have heard to stay away from Novadeck and cresdeck. The problem is all manufactured homes in my area are using cresdeck and will not offer plywood. Even though I have heard people say they have got the upgrade with Fleetwood, Karsten, Skyline, ect. The factories here in my area do not offer it.The only one I could find is Silvercrest. They said they offer the plywood but when I looked at their homes in(Woodland, Ca.) I was not impressed, they seem to be overpriced for what they offer. I like the look, and floor plans of the Fuqua homes but they as well do not offer plywood flooring. Overall the construction of the Solitaire homes is what I am looking for but they are located in New Mexico. So my question is why do the factories here in Ca. do not offer the upgrade to plywood when in other states they do? I wish here in California we had the selection as other states seem to have. Some of the homes that I have heard good things about are not in my area, and the ones in my area do not offer plywood. Anyone know why this is?

[Art Rigsby]

Cindy,

Try not to get too hung up over the flooring thing. Yes, plywood is better than Novadeck and Cresdeck but that does not mean that Novadeck and Cresdeck are unacceptable flooring options. Thousands of MHs are sold each year with Novadeck and Cresdeck and the vast majority of owners have no problem. Forums such as these draw those people with questions and problems and that has to be balanced with the fact that the majority of happy owners are not here.

Also remember that plywood is not immune to mositure probelms. I own a MH and stick built house and in my stick built house I had a leak in one bathroom that required the replacement of the plywood floor. Also, I have some areas in the floor that squeak.

Some of the problems with Novadeck and Cresdeck are created by poor setup practices. The land must be prepared correctly so water doesn't get under the house and good ventilation also needs to be in place. Not only does this apply to MHs, but stick built as well. Many years ago I owned a stick built house that had standing water under it. I didn't discover that until the plywood/oak floors started warping.

Both Silvercrest and Fugua make excellent homes. They may very well be 1 and 2 in quality in California.

I did check out the Solitaire web site and was very impressed with what they have to offer.

Good luck on your search and I hope you find something that will meet your requirements.