Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Industry pros offer their experience in manufactured housing to help first time buyers to make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Post Reply
flyinghigh
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:49 am

Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by flyinghigh » Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:53 am

We live in SD and have spent the last 2 months looking for a manufactured home to put on the farm. It is very hard to find reviews for the north. It seems like most are for buildingers in the south.

Friendship Homes in MN seems like the only builder up here, and we would so appreciate and comments as to the quality and construction of their homes. We are about to put some money down on a 60x24 that the dealer is selling for $80k delivered and just want to make sure we are not buying a pile of junk. It is so hard to know what is built well and what is just marketing.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

BTW...what R ratings should we be getting for this kind of climate?

Celtlund
Posts: 118
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:07 pm

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by Celtlund » Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:49 pm

If 2x6 exterior walls and dual pane vinal windows are not standard, I would absolutely upgrade to them and get the maximum insulation package they offer. Even down here in the South that is a good idea as it helps keep down air conditioning costs.

flyinghigh
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:49 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by flyinghigh » Sun Feb 27, 2011 4:34 pm

They offer R25 standard in the ceiling with option for 33, 44 and 50. They offer R19 in the walls with option of R21. They have 2x6 exterior walls and Pella windows standard.

Are you saying I should go with R50 and R21?

trmimo
Posts: 202
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:54 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by trmimo » Mon Feb 28, 2011 6:34 am

You want the R50 and the R21. Also consider a 90%+ high efficiency furnace. Friendship is known for solid construction. They do sometimes have cosmetic issues with workmanship, but the homes are solid. Make sure you and your dealer don't cut corners on your foundation and installation. When properly installed,this home will be well suited to your harsh climate.

flyinghigh
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:49 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by flyinghigh » Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:41 am

what kind of foundation do you recommend? the county zoning board says we can't put in anything "permanent"

David Oxhandler
Posts: 1459
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:37 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by David Oxhandler » Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:47 am

Every local building permit department has its own standards for acceptable foundation types. Manufactured Home installation is a licensed trade in all states. Talk to a few licensed MH installers in your local area about the best way to go... and get bids.
David Oxhandler
[email protected]

flyinghigh
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:49 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by flyinghigh » Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:47 am

btw...I bought the buyers guide and the rankings guide...hope to have both this week. Plan to travel to the factory next week for a tour.

I really appreciate this forum!

trmimo
Posts: 202
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:54 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by trmimo » Thu Mar 03, 2011 4:43 am

Piers are adequate. Make sure there are enough of them and that they are in the right places. Friendship require piers every 8' which is more than most manufacturers require. Marriage wall openings and things like picture windows and patio doors require extra piers. You also need to have the site graded so water won't collect under the home, and a ground vapor barrier installed. There is a George Porter video series that helps to explain this. They used to sell it on this site, not sure if they still do. David will know.

David Oxhandler
Posts: 1459
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:37 am

Re: Manufactured home for the cold north..is Friendship it?

Post by David Oxhandler » Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:54 am

The Manufactured Housing Global Network is proud to have the exclusive rights, to offer you the most effective way ever, to learn about the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured home. A great DVD video series with George Porter, the industry's most respected installation specialist.

Manufactured Housing Site Preparation & Installation TWO HOUR DVD VIDEO SEMINAR
David Oxhandler
[email protected]

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests