Homestead 2 x 3's

[Katie]

I was just told by a Homestead Homes saleswoman that the interior walls only had 2 x 3's in them because HUD had declared that using 2 x 4's was not necessary. At the marriage line, there are two 2 x 3's but otherwise it's just one 2 x 3. Is this sufficient? I thought Randy said that all interior walls should be at least 2 x4 but either he or some other contributors said that Homestead was a great home for the money. I also looked at Oakwood - what is the state of their financial standing? Aren't they in the middle of reorganization? The homes seemed to be higher priced than comparable homes by other manufacturers. They also put on the hard-sell which doesn't work with me. The side walls in the Oakwood seemed very low but I was told that they're 7 1/2 feet which is the norm for all m-h's and is only 6 inches less than a site built home.

Comments?

[rmurray]

Your salesperson LIED...the HUD requirement is a minimum performance code...It allows 2x3 interior walls...but it does not mean that 2x4 are not better..They are....I am one that says the Homestead is a good value...but as you know they are much lower priced than other product with the same trim and finish items...They are built with 2x3 interior walls on 24 inch centers...2x3 marrage walls on 16 inch centers..floor joists on 24 inch centers..cieling rafters on 24 inch cneters...

Since you are looking at a Homestead..you are in the SE...If you want all of the features of the very best homes as Randy might suggest...You should be looking at Homes Of Merit, Palm Harbor from Plant City, Fl., ..Jacobson from Florida,...Macot from SC,...Or the top of the line Horton from GA....

BUT...be prepared that if they have the same trim and finish items these manufacturers prices will be thousands higher...In big homes maybe tens of thousnads more..

Everyone must buy the best value for their pocketbook and family needs....For the money...the Homestead is the best in the market...If you want a more substancial house..you MUST be prepared to pay thousands more..

[Katie]

Can you explain why 2 x 3's are bad? I'm not a construction expert. And what about the 24 inch O.C.? what might happen down the road? Yes, I've looked at Horton and the homes are beautiful, but pricey although I think I can get a pretty nice home for $55,000 or so - which isn't bad. I'll also look at Homes of Merit, but I thought I read on this web site some time ago that they were mediocre - or was that Homes of Legend? what about Giles? Thanks for the input.

[Threnody]

Katie,

I'm buying a Homestead (Lexington Series II) and my engineering spec sheet says:

Exterior walls:
Wall Height: 90" Sidewalls
Studs: Stud grades 2x4 SYP or SPF @16" OC
Top Plate: #3 2x4 R/L
Bottom Plates: Mill run 1x4 R/L
Wrap: 3/8" OSB

Marriage Walls
Studs 2x3 vaulted throughout

Interior Walls
2x3 vaulted throughout

I'm personally fine with the wall specs. However, Novadeck floor is standard flooring installed, and I'd be more concerned about that. (I'm upgrading to plywood.)

[Threnody]

RE: Oakwood

I made the mistake of requesting information via Oakwood's web site. Beware, once they get contact information for you, they will torment you endlessly. We get phone calls, emails, and snail mail from the local oakwood dealer. "I'm not interested" doesn't seem to phase these people.

[rmurray]

Good question...I have not read Randy's books but I would have thought he might have mentioned the benefits of superior construction..

obviously 2x4's are sronger than 2x3...Mow do you need the extra strength....this is for you to decide...16 inch centers have 25% more studs to hold the walls and cieling up..this adds a whole lot to the strength of the home...One of the things I do not like about the Homestead (or other Cavalier Homes) is that the interior walls are very flimsy..Slam a door in a bedroom..You will not be hanging anything on the walls near doors..2x4 on 16 inch centers are very sturdy and will hold decor any where in the home..

As I have said many times....for the money..Homestead (Bellcrest, cavalier, Belmont, Bucaneer and Brigadier...all the same home) is the best value on the market today...

If we were all looking for the best built safest auto on the market regardless of cost we would all be driving top of the line Volvos....Are we??

[rmurray]

Actually you are buying a series III....They stopped building the series II in December...They have just started building the series IV with orders starting April 1...Along with a large price increase they have added even more goodies..

[Katie]

No, i'm not driving a Volvo - I cruise around in my Yugo.

On the subject of Oakwood - Yes, they WILL drive you crazy - that's why I gave them a fake name and address! And speaking of NOvadeck, when I mentioned to the sales manager/drill sergeant over there my concern about Novadeck, she went BALLISTIC! It was really quite comical. She ranted and raved about its manufacturer, Georgia Pacific and How Dare anybody put down such a fine company. (Yes, and I once drove a LIncoln Towncar - a "fine" vehicle - that was the most UNRELIABLE car I've ever driven. Reputable companies sometimes DO put out lemon products - i.e. Ford's 1960's fiasco, the Edsel.)

Not only that, after showing me just 4 houses, they whipped out a form they wanted me to sign to "get the process started." I couldn't believe that anybody would expect me to sign a contract after giving a cursory glance to just 4 homes, especially when I stressed from the outset that I was only gathering information and comparing houses.

I would much rather deal with MALE sales agents. Females take everything too personally and are entirely too emotional!

[rmurray]

Now...Now...Don't be sexist...

Actually...I have found some of the best sales persons are experienced (fancy word for older) women...Their lifes experience seem to relate to other womens needs in housing...

P.S.....My Kia will beat your Yugo..(If we do not have a wreck and die)...

[Katie]

Okay, now we're gonna rumble! I was kidding about driving a Yugo, but I DO have a KIA with 285,000 miles on it, and it's still going strong (I use it as a second car now). That is without a doubt the most reliable car I've ever owned. Not one time has it given me ANY trouble - and this ties in with my research on m-h's because it taught me that you DON'T always get what you pay for - which is the old line I get about buying a manufactured home. I'm convinced that a $150,000 site built house sitting on a quarter of an acre of land is NOT a better deal than a $60,000 (or more) manufactured home sitting on its own land. I DO agree with you about older women being good salespeople. I've talked to two of them - one with Fleetwood and one with a repo place and you're right - their demeanor is entirely different. This drill sergeant I referred to was in her late 30's I would guess and she had a lot to learn. Another one of her fatal mistakes was making a derogatory comment about Southerners. I fixed an icy stare on her and said, "There goes THAT sale!". Talk about STUPID! Rule Number One in ANY business - Don't Insult the Customer!