fuqua

[dru]

We are first time buyers in Oregon who have almost decided to buy a Fuqua Lodge series home (Appalachian). I've heard good things about the company so far, but they are pricey...Is there anything I should look out for? And do you think they are worth the money? I would appreciate comments from anyone who has experience with this home or related homes.

[Jenn]

I really liked the Fuqua and would of purchased one if it wasn't for the way I was treated at the dealership (in Western Washington) UNTIL... I went to see homes at VALLEY QUALITY HOMES. If you are looking for better construction I would take a trip to Eastern Washington before you buy the Fuqua.

I like the appearance of the Fuqua but after comparing the "vital" constuction needs on my list Valley easily filled me needs.

Good luck!

Jenn

[Al]

We are moving to MO from Iowa for retirement. Have looked at every home in all these areas and have done our homework for quite a while. We also are settling on buying a Fuqua,the Fuqua Choice is what we're going with,only adding on to it quite a bit. They are very nice homes and insulated to the hilt,which helps those utility bills. We were very impressed,the cost is well worth it,but they do deal too.

[Mac]

They are pretty, seem high quality. We ended up with Karsten, out of Stayton. The Fuqua seemed well done, but we didn't want to spend the extra for the really fancy stuff. We figured we could do that on our own later. Our basic fixtures etc. seemed 1/2 step up from Fuqua's. But it did seem to be a fine product.

Disclaimer: I don't sell MH, but have lived in two.

[dru]

Thanks for the input. I'm getting the sense that similar high quality and service is available from several companies (valley quality, karsten, etc.). We really like a simple, straightforward interior as long as it has lots of windows. I hate to say it but I think we are kind of stuck on the "pretty" look of the cedar exterior and porch on the lodge series. Does anyone know if these can be options on Karsten or Valley Quality Homes?

[Mac]

Possibly on Karsten - you could call the factory in Stayton, or Santiam Homes (who we bought through). We wanted the split-log siding at one point, but it was a $5K upgrade from the base prices, plus annual/bi-annual maintenance (here in NW Oregon anyway). So we got cheap and went with Hardi-Plank. That's been fine.
I have the pressboard floors (no children at home) but I would upgrade. I would have had to push a bit for it, and decided it would be OK. I hope, at resale time (which I hope is when I'm dead!) that isn't an issue.
Also, spend the extra $150 or so to have linoleum in the master bath, rather than the standard carpeting. Carpet in the bathroom is only asking for trouble down the road.

You can add windows about anywhere. Our master bath had a large fixed window; we changed it to a slider. We put a 4' by 4' skylight in the main room, and a picture window in the living room (bank of windows). It was placed in December, and it has been quite nice so far - we're glad we went this route.

[jgn]

We just got Karsten dealer and I went to look at the models. They were very impressive with the exception of Novadeck which I don't understand why they even offer since it is not a cheap home. 2x6 exterior all 2x4 interior, rounded corners, 6/12 roof and very nice appointments. If this is what we decide I will tour the plant in NM before anything is done. Not as much eye candy as the Palm Harbor but better built and not that much price difference.

[Charlotte]

Karsten homes are built like "tanks", as you said not a lot of eye candy, like you the only thing I didn't like about the homes is the "Cresdeck" as they call it and absolutely refuse to talk about anything else in the way of flooring.

[dru]

Thanks to everyone for the information...We are pricing out both Karsten and Fuqua models.