New To Manu. Homes...Need Advice

[Jimmy F.]

Hello everyone,
Im new to the manufactured home scene and was hoping I could get some feedback here.
Does anyone know anything about Champion Homes? We're looking at a Dutch model,double wide sold by Trading Posts.Its a 28x80.

Any pros and cons to know about in general?
We're thinking about having a basement put down for the house to be set on.Will the house be stronger with a full basement or it makes no difference?Any pros or cons with having a basement w/double wide?

I also want to say im researching all I can to learn more about these manufactured type homes.I have read some scary horror stories on the net about different brand names and the build problems people have had with their homes and its making me skeptical about who to buy from.ie:Water leaks,floor problems,heating problems,plumbing,etc.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

[Dan O'Flaherty]

When it comes to your home, only you can decide. But some general things to think about. A sell constructed basement is a good foundation that gives you extra space for living or storage. Also, a basement is more expensive than other types of foundations.
In other words if a basement costs $5000.00 more than a non basement foundation that 5K less you have to spend on other elements of the homebuilding project. You might want to figure out a budget for the project first, then see if the extra money is better placed in the basement or the home. Some of the financial elements of this site can assist you in deciding your budget and affordablity.
As far as the "best" home and "horror" stories; some homes are better than others and some retailers are a black spot on the industry. But, in reverse there are many well made homes on the market that offer real value and overwelmingly most retailers are honest and will do the job they are paid for.
Look at what several retailers offer in your price range (that budget thing again) and then check with the local BBB, the state MH association and your common sence to find a retailer.
good luck.

[Joy]

Personally, I would run as fast as I could in the other direction. Three children, three manufactured homes. Homestead, Solitaire, Palm Harbor. Not cheap models. The dealer is definitly where most of the problems lies. If they won't help you, you are out of luck. The palm harbor dealer was super nice, but once again they can only do so much. The Solitaire dealer is a real jerk, one lie after another. Their homes may look good and seem to be well built,but the bottom line is it is still a mobile home. Homestead is in bankrupty, doesn't matter their product is no better than a cheaper built home, and try and get them to fix anything.
Sorry I'm so negative, but I hear these stories every day from three mobile home owners.Right now the a/c is out in the solitaire and even though it is still under the warranty the dealer doesn't want to be bothered and neither does the a/c people. I don't know what the problem is, if they are afraid they won't get paid or what. Oh well enough crying on shoulders. Just do your homework, for the good that does. {we did all that too for weeks and weeks} You can't believe what the dealers tell you. Just sale sale sale, that's all they are interested in.

[rmurray]

Homestead Homes IS NOT IN BANKRUPTCY....

Homestead is owned by Cavalier Homes...Cheerfull reporting profits after 2 tough years..Homestead and other Cavalier products are some of the best products available in the SE market area...

[Joy]

Sorry about that, my mistake. I thought Oak Creek was also a product of homestead. I was told they have filed chapter 11.

[Joy]

The manufactor that I was told has filed chapter 11 is American Homestar.

[Threnody]

Just because you have bad luck with your local dealers, doesn't mean all of them are that way. Yeah, there are some real sleazoids out there, but you should do your research on the dealerships via your state board and local BBB. SC lists dealership infractions and violations on their LLR website. Through that and the BBB, It helped us eliminate quite a few.

Jimmy, get Randy's book, and take along the quick construction guide when you go looking at homes, and request to see the engineering specs. You will know exactly what you are getting that way.

[Jimmy F.]

Thanks for the replies everyone!!
I can imagine,like buying a car,youre going to get either good or bad service.

I was kinda hoping someone could shed a bit more light on getting a basement installed.I know alot more space will be the benefit but was also wondering if the foundation would be stronger,hence,making the home sturdier and etc over time.I also know it may depend on the builders hired to make one in the ground and their experience.
Most of the bad stories ive read about the manufactured homes and double wides never include a basement.The idea of the house on the standard foundation a few feet above the ground sitting on blocks doesnt appeal to me too well and seems warpage or possible pulling and mis leveling come into play when the house settles over time.Just trying to find out a little more about that.

Ok,Ill check out the book as well.Thanks for the feedback.

-J.F.

[aikanae]

basement info?

take a look at www.mobilehomerepair.com - there is a basement (retrofit) unfolding with pictures on line in the forum as i type. i think there is also another link listed for a basement project, but from what it sounds like the folks there do basements under mh's frequently. sounds better than a 2story mh to me.

[lorraine]

did I understand you bought a palm harbor manufactor home. Are you having trouble with it. if so plase let me know. How the service was and how the home is standing up torward having a home that is lived in.
thanks lorraine