Set up nightmares.

[Gary]

I bought my m/h 2 yrs. ago. When the dealer delivered it i was on the road and not able to supervise. They left it sticking out in the driveway. luckily the park owner drove by and called the dealer to complain on my behalf. then she called me. I called the dealer to find what they intended to do about it. They came out and moved it back on the pad and off the back of the pad about 4 ft. and left it. They then proceeded with the setup. I was still on the road at this time. but when I came back i couldnt believe what I saw. It was so unprofessional. I called the dealer to complain and they told me they wouldnt redo it again. I was stuck with calling a different contractor to handle it for an additional $1200. I was warned about this from my father who had problems with the dealer during setup of his new doublewide. Since then I have learned of many people who have bought singlewides and doublewides that are getting ripped off on the installation and setup. It has discouraged some from buying them. And serves to perpetuate the bad reputation that surrounds these homes. I have started to get into servicing them more and more so people will have someone they can come to whom they can trust. Anybody have any ideas how to improve the integrity of the installation and setup. process?

[David Oxhandler]

Gary -

The first thing that jumps to mind is "Fool me once shame on you ... fool me twice, shame on me." WHY WOULD YOU EVER YOU DO BUSINESS WITH THE GUY WHO WAS LESS THAN HONORABLE WITH YOUR DAD ?

Second How could you NOT be on site on delivery day? Buying a home is a huge (and expensive) step. Don't expect that things will go exactly as you want if your not there to express and enforce your desires. You have to take some responsibility for the problems if you were not there to oversee your homes installation.

The Federal HUD code has addressed the issue of installer competency and responsibility. As of this summer every state in the country must adapt licensing procedures for MH installers.

Home buyers MUST take responsibility for their home installation. If you want to enjoy your home for years to come the site prep and installation must be handled properly. Even if you're not planning on doing the work yourself, it is critical that home buyers understand the entire process.

The most effective way I have found to learn about the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured home is a great five-part video series with George Porter, the industry's most respected installation specialist. Mr. Porter leads you through a two hour viewing experience that will prepare you for the numerous operations and complexities involved in the installation of the modern manufactured home.

If your reading this and you are about to purchase a manufactured home Don't assume that the retailer or the installer are watching out for your best interests. take this crash study course now Click Here for More Details This will give you an edge when choosing sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation and installation is done right and to your expectation.

[Gary]

Boy Ill tell you. You had to reply to my message twice. First I didnt buy from the same dealer as my dad. Second of all you have shamed me twice. If you think this isnt happening all over then you need to get off your couch sometime and do a little investigating. I doubt if you will though. you sound like one of salespeople that acts like your best friend till you get our money. then its adios. Guess Im just another poor sucker to you.

[David Oxhandler]

Boy Ill tell you. You had to post your message twice...

I'm NOT saying you should do it yourself and I'm not saying that the dealer and set crew have no responsibility.

You said "I was warned about this from my father who had problems with the dealer..." I was saying that you should learn form experience. It seems foolish to do business with a dealer that had previously treated a member of your family poorly. Why would you do business with someone that your feel burned your Dad, and then expect him to treat you any differently?

I am saying that when you schedule an event as significant as your home delivery and installation and fail to attend that you have to expect that things will not happen the same way as if you were there paying attention to your investment.

I am saying that buyers need to educate themselves and understand the complexities of the site prep and installation process. If you are unaware of what is right and what is not right or if you are absentee than you cant protect yourself from human nature taking over or from less than honorable contractors.

There are many forums on line where you can go to vent your frustration, you wont find too many where you can get the level of expertise and experience that you will find here.

We are consumer advocates but if you wont help yourself you should expect that you will be taken advantage of over and over again. Consumer Education is the only way to avoid your sad situation. The Site Prep and Installation 5 Video Set will enable home buyers to deal with retailers and contractors from a power position of knowledge.

[Karen]

I would have to mostly agree with Gary. At this point in time, no one shold have to worry about installers who do not know their job. Very few homes are installed properly, per code and per mfgs directions. I see dealers who promise the moon to buyers, installers who do not know nor do they care what they are doing, owners and oprs of parks pushing off the responsibility of a proper installation onto an ignorant homeowner, contractors who don't know and should or do know and don't do it right.

I was surprised that the first comment back to Gary is it is his fault?! It is somewhat Gary's responsibility to be there when a home is delivered, but was the date set? was the time set? how long had it been on the back burner? The main fault is the installer not knowing his job and not taking the time to be educated and not doing his job.

I am glad the feds finally have set up the arbitration requirements and are requiring education for installers and such. I would like to see outside oversight on these however as oppposed to the industry overseeing itself.

[Gary]

Thank you Karen. I only posted that message to get some ideas how to improve that profession. I didnt mean to get into a spitting contest. I am in the trucking business myself and have seen numerous violations of the most basic transport laws we have. As you say there just isnt much oversight. Though most of the violations I see are m/h's in route from the manufacturer to the dealer, most of the destruction from transporting is dealt with at the dealer. They have to be or they couldnt sell them. Im more concerned about the moves from the dealer to the homebuyers property. These homes fall in a category that we in the freight business call high risk high dollar freight. However unlike mobile homes, freight such as electronics, automobiles, and hazardous materials are closely monitored from shipper to customer. Any damages is always blamed on the driver first and is dealt with immediately upon arrival. There are alot of moves where there is only one way to get the home to the customers lot and is probably ill advised to try it. You know like places where you just shouldnt go. And in these instances the owner should be forewarned and accept part of the rsponsibility for any damages within acceptable reason. But routine moves by some inexperienced driver or someone who doesnt care can be anywhere from minor repairs to destructive and costly mistakes for the consumer. Where all that needed to be done was alttle planning and a little care. Mistakes like hitting a low tree branch or making a turn to sharp and dropping the home in a ditch is blatant irresponsibility in my opinion. Someone just posted his horror story on this forum a couple of days ago. It disgusted me just reading it. ican imagine how he feels. I have heard other unbelievable storys too. But what really angers me is the denial of any responsibility for any damages. It seems to me there reputations really compromises the dealers ability to sell as many homes as he probably could or even a private individual trying to sell their home. In the very least a law should be passed requiring these transporters to carry a bill of lading and require the homeowners signature where he agrees to accept delivery in whatever condition it arrives in. if he refuses delivery due to damages the transporter would be required to take the home all the way back to the dealer. I guarantee you that you will see very little damage and acceptable service then. In addition, the driver should be experinced in moving m/h's. Homes should only be transported by team drivers, where one will be a guide for the driver for low clearances, tight turns, and setting the home on the property. The driver should already be familiar with the route and if not then needs to drive the route prior to transporting the home noting any irregularities that needs to be dealt with first so the home can be safely transported.Some might think this is going to far. I dont. These are peoples homes. Our homes. And we should expect and demand a high level of responsibleness. Before I end I would like to also say that there are a few that do take pride in their work and do a very good job. I know a couple. We appreciate you. But there are to many that dont and tarnish your the profession. Simply certifying these drivers is not enough. Its just a band aid.

[David Oxhandler]

Gary -

thank you