Setup questions

[johnnyj]

Just a couple of questions regarding setup of a new home.

1. Should I hold an amount of the sales price until setup is complete? If so,
how much.

2. What exactly is the dealer responsible for when doing a setup on a properly
prepared pad?

[rmurray]

Sounds like you might have some trust issues with this dealer...Most dealers will NOT allow you to hold back money. This has to do with the nature of his/her business finance arrangement..He MUST payoff any amount he owes on this house the moment it moves off his lot..Some dealers will have an arrangement with a local escrow agent where you deposit ALL of the money and it is released only when the home is delivered and set..Usually when the county inspection is done and you move in..You should have a detailed written purchase agreement that covers EVERY detail (site prep,a/c details,underpinning details, final trim out, permits, utility hook ups,steps or decks should all be covered) of your and his responsibility..Just remember if it is not in writing, you will not get it..

Part of the code now requires that the dealer pay a lot of attention to site preporation...Even if you get the "pad" ready, he will have to be sure the drainage is correct and footers are proper for the soil conditions...Then he is obligated to set the home EXACTLY as the homes set up manual calls for..Your building inspector's job is to be certain that he does...The building inspector will not check the interior trim and finish..This will be between you and the dealer.

Be patient and understand a good proper set up can take up to 3 weeks if the weather stays good...