The Manufactured Housing Forums

I was intersted in the quality differences between Silvercrest and Karsten homes. Are they fairly comparable or are there significant differences? I understand that Silvercrest is top of the line, but I have gotten some bad feedback about their customer service at our local dealer. Once they have your money they abandon you and any problems you may be having.
Karsten offers a solar panel system that is very attractive to me...do any other companies offer this sort of thing? Does it work? I am in Northern California and am having trouble finding many different brands. Are there any other companies that offer triple sections? Thanks.

Amy, Silvercrest Homes is a great home to a certain degree. Since they have been bought out by Champion Home Builders the (Great american Trash Builders) Silvercrest started to cut a few corners in their homes. If you look at the chassis now they don't have outriggers like they used to do every 4' and they lag bolt their floors together like the rest of the industry. At one time they used to lag bolt the outriggers together and this kept the home from seperating. Silvercrest uses the 2x6 studs and 2x3 interior cheater studs with drywall that's tape and textured thru out. Very expensive home for the name. The Karsten Homes on the other hand uses 2x6 exterior wall studs, 2x4 interior walls, and tape and textured thru out the entire home. Very well constructed home and resonably priced also. They also opened a new factory in Staton, Oregon and is doing very well. Karsten Homes are built under very strict factory rules. They are very good homes and don't cut corners. Take a look at their chassis the outriggers are boulted together so the home doesn't seperate at all. Another company to consider is the HallMark Southwest Corporation of Loma Linda, California. Very Very heavy duty home with 8' sidewalls and 2x6 sidewalls with 2x4 interior wall studs, tape and textured thru out and real wood cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms. This company doesn't rush their homes thru the factory like other competetors. Very solid home and resonably priced.You could compare the apples and see which one really stands out in your eyes.

Hello Amy,

I like both homes and with each manufacturer there are different series or models. It depends on which model or series your looking at. I agree with Terry that Silvercrest is expensive but they do offer some very nice floor plans along with quality. One thing to remember...the retailer you choose makes all the difference in my humble opinion. A reputable retailer with a quality set-up crew is very important.

Randy Eaton
www.buymfghome.com/

Thanks so much for you quick replies, very helpful. By the way Randy, I have your book and would not hesitate to reccomend it to anyone. I have already contacted Hallmark and am waiting for a reply. I am also getting floorplans sent from Fuqua. Thanks again.