The Manufactured Housing Forums

Does anyone know about this plant? We were told that this is where the model that we are interested in would be coming from. We are contemplating a tour, but have gathered that there can be a significant difference from one factory to another as far as the manufaturing quality is concerned.

This is true. There is a HUGE difference in the quality of a PH depending on the factory it is built out of. In Texas, the PH 05 plant in Austin builds a much higher quality product than in any of their other plants in Texas. They are going to be much more expensive than any of the others but if you are stuck on a PH, it will be worth it. Have you looked at the Karsten or Patroit products? You will get a lot more house for your money even compared to a PH 05 from either of the two. Karsten in particular builds them with 2x6 sidewalls w/R19, R30 in attic space and they have a standard 8 ft sidewall and standard Hardi siding. They also use standard 2x4 interior walls throughout with 2x8 floorjoists and 12" eaves. The only thing on this list that is standard with PH 05 is the 2x8 floorjoists and they don't even have an option for an 8 ft sidewall or 12" eave unless you consider their modular product. Just a thought. Karsten will also build any floorplan even if they don't offer it as one of their own so if you have a certain one in mind from an other builder, they will probably build it as well.

Every Karsten I have looked at has 2x6 floor joists and 90" side walls. Not that it is a bad thing but I just wanted to set the record straight. The PH Austin plants 05/07 are top of the line with T/T, rounded corners and very attractive exteriors but as Scott said they are in the upper price range for a PH. We have been looking for quite awhile and have narrowed our choice to Karsten and PH Austin plants, now which one. If you have the time check out the Karsten k30/31, it is an awsome home and well worth a look.

The new Karsten plant in Texas uses 2x8 floorjoists and 8 ft sidewalls standard on every home they build. You must be in another state or looked at a Karsten built in New Mexico if you are in Texas.

In Oklahoma and you are right it was NM and CA homes that had 2x6 90". Guess the TX homes will be even better, very nice homes BTW. Trying to deal with a local dealer but don't feel real comfortable with the answers I get so still on the hunt.

I don't know if you have already looked into it or not but you may want to consider buying directly from the 05 plant in Austin. They say they give you a better deal b/c they do not have to mark up so much for the sales center. That's what we did. They did knock off a considerable amount but you always wonder if they could have came down even more. We had heard that there is a 100% markup on the PH. After considering other homes even site built, we decided on the PH b/c of how well they are built and the bull nose corners and T/T throughout. I hadn't even heard of the other homes that were posted in reply to your message. It made my stomach turn b/c we were told that PH were the best made compared to other names that we already knew weren't built as well so we didn't bother checking further. If we could have got even "just as good a home" as what we have and paid a great deal less. $ Money that's the issue with me. I feel as if we have paid way to much for this home. PH is more expensive. On the other hand, we went through with this deal b/c several building contractors told us that they could not have built a 2500 sq. ft. home for as much as we have paid. Good Luck.

The 05 plant is the higher end PH home yes it is more money but probably worth it. They are competitive with other higher end homes, Fuqua, Karsten so if money was the deciding factor you probably did just fine.

So, if you buy direct from the factory are you responsible for the site prep, delivery, finishing, (all of the things that the dealer can and is all too willing to arrange) or does that factory do that stuff as well?

The set up of the home are typically dealer installed options and you may have to arrange that with someone. PH is one of the few companies that will let you buy direct from the factory and you may find that you may come out even either way you go. Just remember one thing, in Texas whoever you buy your home from has to provide in writing why their home is the best one out there if they are claiming this to be the case so don't take it for granted just because a hungry salesperson says so. You may find yourself dissappointed in the long run. I suggest taking a factory tour of a couple of the higher end builders and letting the product speak for itself.

Actually I think you bought from a Palm Harbor sales center near the plant...All PH sales centers pay the same for the home...except for freight to your area...

Final pricing probably would have been similar from any PH owned store...

Personally I find it best to deal with a local store...they will have much better info on local regulations...have better local contractors...and be able to serve you better..

No plant or dealer makes 100% on a home...look at the public ally available information on PH..and you will find the net profit in good 1/4's is about 8%...Last 1/4 they had the first losing 1/4 in years..lost about $500/home sold...including yours..