New York

[Mike]

Can anyone give advice for a first time home buyer looking to build in Long Island, New York? I heard Pennsylvania was my best bet to buy a house...

Mike.

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Mike,

Do you want to talk about manufactured homes?

Randy Eaton

[Mike]

Yes, definitely

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Mike,

Here is a link which lists all manufacturers in the United States at, http://www.hud.gov/fha/sfh/mhs/mfrlst.html I would concentrate on manufactured homes that exceed HUD standards. Here is an excerpt from my book hope it helps: Imagine yourself vacuuming your new home and you accidentally pull on the vacuum cord and out comes the electrical out-let box. A few manufacturers only secure the electrical boxes to sheet-rock using clips. This can be avoided by having the electrical boxes nailed to wall studs. Many manufacturers use 2x3 studs for interior walls but I would recommend upgrading to 2x4 studs if possible. Some manufacturers also use 1x6 lumber for top and bottom plates (see diagram page 9) this could cause the roof to sag in time. Be sure the top and bottom plates, of the exterior walls are 2x6 lumber. Quality built homes will come standard with sheet-rock throughout. Don’t settle for vinyl wallpaper with ¼” sheet-rock backing, this is a poor substitute and damages easily. ½” sheet-rock on the walls and ½” or 5/8” on the ceiling is recommended. Your hazard insurance may be lower if your home has ½”sheet-rock throughout. This gives you a one-hour firewall. Fully taped and textured homes save lives, not to mention they look better.

Randy Eaton

[Ruth Zieke]

Hi Randy,

I live in Illinois and am seriously checking into moving to Watkins Glen New York. A friend of mine has offered to let me put a manufactured home on some of his property. I have been able to check out the manufactured homes in my area but I am finding it difficult to check out manufactured homes for that particular area. I was very impressed with Hart Housing Group, Inc. It seems like they do exceed the H.U.D. standards. Can you tell me if there are any dealers in the Watkins Glen or surrounding areas that sell Hart Mobile Homes and if not would you be able to supply me with a comparable company. I have 3 small children and am making this move on my own. This is my first time purchasing a home and I want to make an educated decision as to what manufacturer to go with. Also, I was told by a representative that for this particular company to get a guess of cost that it ranges from $33.00 to $38.00 per square foot. $33.00 being standard and adding the different options that takes it up to $38.00. I just wanted to know if this was the norm for all manufactured homes? Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Ruth,

Here is the link to Hart Housing Group that list all retailers in New York at, http://www.harthousing.com/buy/listings.asp?STATE=NY According to their list they have 5 retailers. Here is their main page at, http://www.harthousing.com/ I know Champion has a manufacturer in New York but I would probably avoid them. I am not that familiar with New York but here is a link to the yellow pages this might help you. http://mobilehome.com/yellow_pages

The $38 per square foot is about right. That does not include site preparation and once you add that you will be in the $40 range. Good luck in your search

Randy Eaton