Manufactured Homes

[Tina]

I have several questions concerning manufactured homes. Any opinions and/or information out there would be appreciated. Currently, I am a homeowner. However, what I would like to have in a home (more square feet, garden tub w/ separate shower in mst. bdrm and closet space, etc.) the price of a regular home compared to that of a manufactured home is way out of my price range. Therefore, I am interested in knowing more about manufactured homes. There are so many different manufacturers of manufactured homes, I have no clue who is the best for the price. Currently, I live in central Illinois, but we may be relocating to southern Illinois or east Texas. Can anyone provide me with their opinions or knowledge of the following questions.
1. What brand of manufactured homes is known for their best quality? Who should I stay away from?
2. I would want to set my home on a permanent foundation (possibly with a basement) and attach a two-car garage to the home. I also want my own lot/land, but just big enough for a nice front yard and fenced in back yard with a pool. I have been told that according to City Ordinances, a manufactured home is not allowed within any city limit unless in a mobile home park. Is this true?
3. How can I find out on the web, what the rules and regulations are in my city for buying a lot and setting a manufactured home on it?
4. What are some of the key factors I should look for in the quality of a manufactured home and the sales and service of the dealer?
I appreciate any and all information. Thank you.

[jgn]

There are a number of quality homes and a lot depends on where you end up. If you end up in Texas, they and Florida probably have the highest number of manufacturers so you have a wide selection. Like anything else, quality costs and you are looking at $25 per foot on the low end and $40/45 on the high end or about half what a site built home would run. Basements in Texas are in no way the norm and may not be something you want to do. The garage is no problem and you just need to contract that out. There are some books on this site that help you understand MH and I guess are of some benefit.
Zoning laws vary so much that until you decide where you are going to live determining if MH is allowed is impossible. You have the right idea about placing on your own land because you want to avoid a park. There are some nice ones but you will rent the land forever and your home will be very difficult to sell. A large number of cities have zoning laws against MH so you might be looking at a rural location but the only way to determine this is decide where you are going and check with the zoning department.
Good luck, ask a lot of questions, do a lot of research and take your time. Although a MH is a house it is different than just buying a site home and there are a lot of different things to be aware of.

[kblake]

Stay as far away from a Fleetwood home as you can ! ! ! ! My first mfg'd home was a Fleetwood nightmare ! ! ! From the sale of the home to the service and warranty everthing seemed to go wrong. I'm now living in a Dutch Home which is owned by Champion Enterprises and we have been pleasantly surprised by the efforts of the manufacturer and the dealer to make our dream home a reality.