Quality built home for the money

[Sandy]

I know everyone will have their own opinions on this, but who do you think offers the most for your money out there? While cost is a driving force, my fiance and I are MUCH more concerned about structural quality and integrity. Right now, we're mainly looking at: Redman, Colony, Fairmont, Patriot, and Norris homes. We're looking for a home between 1,200-1,600 SF, and we're budgeting up to around $60,000 for the double wide itself as we will also have to purchase the land. We have bought both of Randy Eaton's books, and we realize that most homes can be upgraded into the quality grade. We planned on upgrading many items before reading the books as we noticed that a lot of the manufacturers will take subtle short cuts that will matter in the long run, but we also don't want to upgrade excessively on an already cheap product. Makes more sense to buy a quality product in the beginning and upgrading on a few items 'vs' trying to make a below par product into something it's not for $$$$$. We are mainly concerned in upgrading the insulation, bath/kitchen fixtures, one piece fiberglass tubs, dry wall (if not already equipped), windows, and doors. We also plan on trying to install a fireplace as well to offset heating costs. We realize with some manufacturers, we can get something larger; however, we're making a trade off for a smaller double wide to get the better quality. We plan on purchasing the home/land by September when we're getting married. It's our first home. We live in the Charleston/Huntington, WV area. If someone has any ideas or opinions, by all means we can use any help we can get.

Sandy

PS-Sorry this is so long. FYI, I have contacted all of the manufacturers listed above with questions and I have noticed some didn't care enough to even respond which also makes me wonder if they'll be there if we need them later on after a home purchase. It's just another thing to ponder.

[tony]

Dude, you really need to look at Oakwood.

[Sandy]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate your opnion. I've looked at the Oakwoods around here, but was not satisfied with the build quality. While I know well enough, any home builder can be brought up into the quality build. I just don't want to spend $20,000 to $30,000 in upgrades to do that if there is a better product out there in the first place that would require minimal upgrades. Needless to say, the fact they filed bankruptcy and the numerous on-line complaints don't sit well either. While I normally don't always believe what I read and/or hear, I have to believe it when I actually know people that have an Oakwood and are not satisfied and was screwed in the whole deal. I also am aware there are probably happy Oakwood owners out there. Believe, I know it's like anything else...all manufacturers can have problems. I'm sure a lot of that also has to do with set up more than anything else from what I've heard. I'm also being VERY careful as to whom will be delivering the our end product. I have read the postings, and noticed you are purchasing a Oakwood. I wish you all the best, and I hope you don't have any problems with your new home.

[tony]

The funny thing is...... is that all the things everyone lists on this site that make a quality built MH..... my Oakwood has.

Such as....

OSB
Insulation upgrade
2x6 exterior
6/12 high pitch roof
double headers
etc......

Plus, I live like 20 minutes from the Oakwood corporate office.

You are right when you say it's all in the set up. Thats the key.

[kawana]

Oakwood.....Been a real estate agent for a while now. Not the best choice...Clayton Norris at the moment is... bad part about it all is is that all the companies at one time or another ar unsteady but clayton has been doing the best for a while. it is third on the list of top rated homes. Champion has had some of the most difficult times and Oakwood went bankrupt. Yeah you do get the 2x6 walls and all that but the fact is they use the cheaper stuff to do it with, not top grade at that so of course they can offer that to you and make you think you are getting a better deal than having to up grade. That is the whole point is to go cheap, make you think they are doing something that most others are not, to get more people to buy to cover thier own you know what! It has worked out to thier advantage. They did not go bankrupt because of the quility in the beginning, it was just a bad buisness deal they made with another company. But it did in the kill the quility of Oakwood. And who knows when they will turn tails and run and leave the consumer to cover their own tails with a warrrenty that not longer exits of takes so long to accomplish that it exzpires before the work gets done. It does happen.