Good Relevelers in IL?

[ScottR]

I am going to have my home releveled this summer after the botch job the original setup crew did on my new home. The corners on the hitch end were cracking (I posted here a week ago) and I found out there was no support at the end along the marriage line, according to the pier prints. I put the support in myself. I also found the supports were misplaced down the center (not under the columns) and there were not the recommended number of supports along the beams (10 and we had 8). The house has not had any serious problems other than the corners, but it has only been 1 year. In May I want another (competent) crew to relevel my home (the hitch end has settled). I live south of Chicago and would like to know how to find a good reputable releveler. Btw the company I used (A-something) is no longer setting homes (gee could it be reporting them to the state for leaving their trash everywhere and walking away without finishing?). It cannot get any worse than them (dealer recommended, although they are not responsible).

[rmurray]

The DEALER is ALWAYS responsible for the set up of the home...

It is the DEALER responsibility to set the home to the requirements of the set up manual..He should be taking care of this...ASAP

Your states web site says...

Department of Housing & Urban Development
Manufactured Housing & Standards Division
451 - 7th Street Southwest, Room 9152
Washington, DC 20410

E-Mail: [email protected]

For General Information
Phone: 202/708-6423

For Consumer Complaints
Phone: 800/927-2891
Fax: 202/708-4213

You should call soon and start the process of filing a claim...I do know your state is building its department and regulation is through the Department of Health...

I hope this helps..

[ScottMan]

I remember the dealer telling us that since this is on private land, the dealer includes the purchase of the home only and NO SET. (I remember seeing that on the contract.) I did pay for setup separately. Although they recommended the setup crew to us (one of a few but they were the "best"), I remember them saying that they have no liability.

This said, should I still go to the state even though their letter (I filed with these A-somethings set crew before) says they only get involved where it could case life-threatening situations? Does it include HUD violations which this could be? I don't think A-something is doing sets anymore (go figure).

If I hired competent set people to re-level, how much would it be to move the supports where they're supposed to be and to check the rest of the set (ie re-lag-level the marriage line)?

[rmurray]

I am not sure the dealer can absolve himself of this responsibility...Ask the HUD guy and find out..

I would not be able to guess how much a proper set could cost..It might be anything from a few hundred to many thousands..

If they left out center blocking...fundimental in double sets...I doubt that they lagged or bolted the halves properly..and probably did not seal the section as they should...

Did a county building inspector check out this set up?...

Your state is now organizing its manufactured home department..There is a wonderful well known industry veteran heading up the effort...This fellow comes from the finance world and has seen all...the good, bad and the ugly..You might try calling him with your story...He can direct you to proper help..Of course..as a state employee..he cannot recommend anyone..Try calling
Ken Rishel at 217-971-3968

[ScottMan]

Thanks. First, I did talk to Ken. He says that I need to have physical proof that doors are not closing or windows are not opening before the state will send someone out. I don't want to wait until there's structural damage for them to come out! And only to start to go after a setup company (that doesn't exist) for months and months before repairs are made! I would rather pay competent set up people to relevel the home and move the supports according to the pier print.

Unfortunately the last time I complained about the setup the manufacturer came out instead, because they weren't "set up" for that yet. Of course the manufacturer only found the few things that I noticed were wrong (starter strips, roof shingles, etc), nothing else.

I believe the only problem so far without the support was the corner cracks (about 1/4 inch total) and crack along the drywall (wall center). I added the support at the hitch end and fixed the cracks. How would I know if there was structural damage?

[rmurray]

Slightly out of level homes are not likely to have major structural damage..Remember this home moved down the hwy at about 70 miles per hour...bumping along..with no damage..

It is to your advantage to correct the problems too keep things from getting worse..If you insist..of course there is nothing stopping you from paying for the job...

The only way I know of finding good crews is to ask dealers in your area..Of course..this is what caused the problem in the first place...Who is your dealer using now...he must know others..

[ScottMan]

Thanks for all your help and information. This will be my last post on this issue. The dealer gave me this company name and I took this as the ultimate "reference". After all the DEALER must have some history of using them to refer them to me. If there's a problem, the DEALER won't get any more business (which is the case for my inlaws, etc for mh period). I got one call from the dealer after the state came in and he said they try to "divide" up the jobs to even out the experience of the crews. He also said they aren't using them any more. What about the other sets that this company (A-something, obviously I'm protecting their name) did? There's probably unsuspecting home owners who are not as careful as I who will find out 10 years from now that they were taken as well. I'm finding out to keep your mh an "investment" you need to stay on top of it a lot more than a stick built house. My personal opinion only. I'm finding another set crew to come and check and relevel. Thanks.