home quality

[Becky]

I have been looking at homes all over to compare options. I am concerned
about some of the comments I have heard about some homes being low quality.
Is there a way besides the Better Business Bureau to find out which homes
are high quality and which to avoid? Do you know if Manufactured Housing
Enterprise homes are high quality? I know these homes are built in Ohio and have found a dealer whom I believe will be reliable and good to deal with, but I don't know, other than standard options, how to compare themwith other homes. Are Palm Harbor homes as superior as they claim?

I realize I have asked several questions in one paragraph, it is a big step
and I want to be sure I make the right decision.

Thank you so much for your help, I do appreciate it. Becky

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Becky,

The Better Business Bureau is not going to be much help other than determining if a retailer is properly servicing it's customers, which is important to know.

Here is my criteria for a quality built manufactured home:

2x6 exterior walls 16” on center
Double or triple pane vinyl windows
Energy saving installation packages
2x8 floors… not necessary but recommended
Plywood sheathing if budget allows
Headers above exterior windows and doors
2x6 top and bottom plates on exterior walls
Electrical out-lets secured to wall studs not sheet-rock
Taped & textured through-out, ½” sheet rock or 5/8”
Quality plumbing fixtures with shut off valves at each fixture
Solid wood cabinets, oak, maple or pine
Transverse floor system

Palm Harbor is one to consider but I would look at other manufacturers in your area also. Here is a link that shows all the different manufacturers in the United States at, http://www.hud.gov/fha/sfh/mhs/mfrlst.html. Have a great day.

Randy Eaton