New home buyer going with Clayton

[Bob Heishman]

After months of research, frustration, reading...my wife and I have finally decided on our first new home.

We have looked at Champion, Fleetwood, Redman, Oakwood, and Clayton. We live in Delaware, so we have some harsh weather on both ends.

We were looking at a Clayton Heartlander. It is a 28 x 80 home and it is layed out beautifully. The fourth bedroom caught our attention because it would be a nice office.

However; after questioning the dealer and wanting a complete energy star efficient home, we could not get the Heartlander complete with energy star rating and a sliding glass door. And, we found out that the interior walls would be 2 x 3 and the windows and doors would only have single headers. Red flags went up, and we decided to go with the Clayton Avondale

It is a 28 x 68. No fourth bedroom though, but the quality appears to be better.

Oak cabinets, 2 x 6 exterior and 2 x 4 interior. We are getting a 5/12 pitch roof with 25 year shingles. It will be energy star efficient. We are also getting the marble window sills.

My wife and I are very excited, but we want to get opinions and hear what others may have to say or add.

From what I have read, Clayton makes a very good home and having it energy star efficient is going to make it even more enjoyable and less expensive in the long run.

From my understanding, a energy star efficient home shouldn't cost much more at all to heat and/or cool as our old 1986 14 x 76 Hollypark mobile home cost us now.

I am trying to think of the other features we got.
1 piece bath tubs
electrical outlets are nailed to the studs
upgraded insulation with energy star rating
programable thermostat
sliding glass door
fireplace
3 very nice size bedrooms with walk in closets
Bathtubs have access panels
shut off valves with main water line shut off in utility room.
The utility room is huge
We are getting the built in entertainment unit with surround sound
upgraded carpet
solid wood cabinets
2 x 6 exterior with 2 x 4 interior
5/12 pitch roof

I think I covered most of it. Any suggestions or comments?

[Bob Heishman]

I forgot to add, that the Clayton Avondale the windows and doors will have double headers.

The cost of this home will be approximately the same cost as the Clayton Heartlander. Yes we are sacrificing a little bit on space...a 28 x 76 compared to the Avondale 28 x 68, but we are gaining I think on quality.

[Clarence Yeary]

Bob,

You will be happy with this home. The main Clayton plant is less than an hour from where I live and I have plenty of friends that work there. Clayton homes are built in one piece THEN separated. Therefore, the sides match up perfectly when they reset the house. Also they use OSB flooring insted of the cheap Novadeck flooring.

C. Yeary

[rmurray]

Smart shopping...you are doing right sacrificing a few square feet for the higher quality construction specs....

These are things that will be with you for ever...

GO FOR IT...ENJOY

[David Harris]

Sir do yourself and your family a big favor before you make a final decsion look into a Palm Harbor Home they have Energy Star Rated homes and alot of value for the money. Like there saying goes "The Very Best Home For Your Money". You will be glad you did they have alot more to offer you in quality,energy savings, and a wide selection of floor plans available. Thanks David Harris

[Scott]

First let me start by saying that I am not a fan of Clayton Homes nor am I a fan of Palm Harbor but I have to say in Clayton's defense that they too offer an energy star rated home. Based on the features that Bob listed in his first post on this subject, I know from experience that you are not going to get better features from them and the cost will likely be lower on the front end and equal on the back end.

[Pat Riley]

Let me say first that I am a Clayton Dealer in Florida. We put 7000 miles on our truck going to factories before we chose Clayton. They have been M.H.I. Home of the Year for the last 5 years in a row. They got that by being the best value in a middle priced home. We also looked at Palm Harbor which originated here in Palm Harbor, Fl. We found them to be over priced for what they offered and chose to go with Jacobsen for our high end homes. I am just giving an opinion but, I live in a manufactured home already and if I bought a new one it would be a Clayton.

Sincerely,
Pat Riley
Tradition Homes,LLC
Fort White, Fl

[rmurray]

Hows Columbia County...I was in the business there for 17 years...I have a niece now living on a farm bordering the Ichetucknee Springs State Park..

I here business is good there...