Share your Horror and Hero Stories here! Rate your manufacturer

[David Oxhandler]

Get Randy's books on line from the Manufactured Housing Book Store at:
www.ManufacturedHousingBookStore.com

[Ben]

I visited a dealer this morning and found a house that I really like. It's a Silvercrest Westwood Model 3887. It's not listed anywhere online (that I've found) but the floorplan is roomy and perfect for what we are looking for.

I have also compared the specs to what Randy recommends in his book. I have a couple of questions. How important is a 20# roof load vs. 30# and so on if I live in an area that will never get any snow - what are the other advantages.

Is there a list somewhere that has a recommended cost of add ons. I have no idea if the add on is too expensive or not? I do plan on checking with other dealers however.

How important is something like "TechShield" ( http://www.lpcorp.com/prod/techshield/p ... rBroch.pdf )? Do you have any idea what the proper cost ballpark should be for a 36x60 roofline on a 4x12 pitch?

Also - finally - is there sales tax on manufactured homes? I live in CA. It would be good to know when researching now so that I know what I can REALLY afford

Thanks!

[Ben]

I visited a dealer this morning and found a house that I really like. It's a Silvercrest Westwood Model 3887. It's not listed anywhere online (that I've found) but the floorplan is roomy and perfect for what we are looking for.

I have also compared the specs to what Randy recommends in his book. I have a couple of questions. How important is a 20# roof load vs. 30# and so on if I live in an area that will never get any snow - what are the other advantages.

Is there a list somewhere that has a recommended cost of add ons. I have no idea if the add on is too expensive or not? I do plan on checking with other dealers however.

How important is something like "TechShield" ( http://www.lpcorp.com/prod/techshield/p ... rBroch.pdf )? Do you have any idea what the proper cost ballpark should be for a 36x60 roofline on a 4x12 pitch?

Also - finally - is there sales tax on manufactured homes? I live in CA. It would be good to know when researching now so that I know what I can REALLY afford

Thanks!

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Ben,

TechShield is a radiant barrier sheathing that is designed to reflet the heat. It is used as a sheathing for a roof instead of plywood or OSB. It claims to keep your attic 30 degrees cooler compared to normal sheathing. I have not seen this product but would like to hear from anyone that has this product in their homes.

Randy Eaton

[Cynthia Lawrence]

Does anyone know anything about Empire Homes? We put a deposit on one in January. We walked thru the home and loved it. However, we have just found out that the manufacturer has gone bankrupt and the Center where we saw the home is now closed. Camelot Homes have other Centers but not in this state. The home we want to buy has been moved to a storage lot in New York State and we have just been asked to sign new papers regarding this purchase.
The price asked for the home was very good but now I'm worried that it was too good. Does anyone have any experience with these homes, quality-wise? Also, I have just found out that the insulation in the floor is rated R-11 instead of R-22 as I believed. We live in Vermont. Would that be sufficient?
Thanks for any info.
Cynthia