Stupid Questions(?)

[Tina]

I have a few questions that may appear stupid...BUT, I have don't know where else to ask. Here they are.

1. I have noticed that some builders (Palm Harbor, Patriot, Clayton, etc.) have their own sales centers. Would it be safer (in general) to purchase from them rather than a dealer?
2. If you find a floor plan that you like, however, it has a bunch of built-ins (desks, computer centers, etc.) that come standard and you do not want them. Do you have the option to not have them install these items? The same goes for fireplaces and sky lights that I absolutely do not want. Also, would this all be deducted from the original price of the home?
3. Are you better off buying from a manufacturer who actually builds the homes in your area rather than buying a home that is built in another state, but by the same manufacturer? Example: Take Patriot for an example. Patriot of Texas is built right here in Texas, but they also sell Patriot of Alabama and Heritage American which is built in Missouri. Would I be better sticking with Patriot of Texas because I live in Texas or does it matter?
4. What if I like a floorplan offered by the same manufacturer (Patriot), but this particular floorplan is built by Lincoln Park (Patriot) in another state. Can I have Patriot of Texas build the Lincoln Park (Cherry Hills) floorplan to the specs of Patriot of Texas? Also, would this cost extra to have done?
5. Now for the really stupid question! Is the a/c unit, furnace and water heater (pretty sure about the water heater, but want to make sure) included with the price of the home?
6. I personally do not like natural gas except for cooking. However, because I have a child, I can not have a gas stove. Is it possible to have your home all electric with no gas piped in on the land...period?
That is about all the stupid questions I can think of at the moment. However, in time, I am sure I will come up with more! Thanks for any input.

[trmimo]

With Palm Harbor you are probably better off buying from a Palm Harbor store. They are very focused on employee training and customer satisfaction. As for the others you mentioned, I don't see any real benefit from buying from a company store. Things like site improvements and steup are done by sub-contractors and those companies don't put their subs through factory training like Palm Harbor.

As for Patriot, Texas and Heritage American are all around better homes than what they build in Alabama. Heritage American would build any plan with no problem, you would have to have your salesman check to see if Texas can do it as well.

You can definately leave out cabinets you don't want. Things like skylights and fireplaces are extra cost options that the dealer has ordered on a model and you would save money by not ordering those things.

[Tina]

Thank you for your response. I understand you may be bias in regard to the above mentioned builders. However, are you saying that Palm Harbor may be the better choice because of the extensive training they provide to their employees and sub-contractors?
I have read several horror stories on this website about set-up problems, etc. by the consumers. I am not referring to just Palm Harbor, but to other builders as well. I have not heard anything bad about the Patriot of Texas or Heritage American. That is why I am leaning more towards them as my choice of builder. I like their website too because they show the outside of the home and in some instances, the inside as well.
I am still questioning if the a/c unit and furnace are always included with the homes because I have not seen anything listed with the specs regarding these items. Also, if it is possible to have it all electric.
At this time, I am not in any hurry to buy. I am just trying to gather up as much information now and become better educated for when the time does come. I do plan on purchasing the books recomended on this website when time draws near to the time of purchasing a home.
I just want to do everything right the first time and not rush into anything. When the time does come to finally purchase, this will be the home I will live in for the rest of my days.

[trmimo]

All electric is certainly possible. Where I live, Michigan, heat is always included and some dealers include a/c. The a/c is not installed by the manufacturer. Palm Harbor setups are usually better because set crews for company stores are factory trained. Most companies don't offer factory training let alone require it. You still can have a great home from patriot. Simply ask for references for the retailer and the set up crew. Ask for a copy of the installation manual before your home arrives and have someone knowledgeable and trustworthy like a home inspector review the work that is done. Patriot has one of the best installation manuals so as long as it is followed you will get a good result.

[rmurray]

Most quality manufacturers will build to you taste...built in cabinest..fireplaces..skylights are all options..if you order a home without you will save money....All electric is common...A/C units are always installed locally and the home can be sold without...furnaces are installed at the plant...but often they are left out so a self contained heat pump can be used..and there will be a small savings to you..

All the manufacturers you mentioned build various series of homes..all with different construction standards..this is why the books are good...they will help you decide just how much quality you want...and just those things that you for sure do not want..such as press board floors..

A couple of notes...Palm Harbor and Clayton out sell Patriot by large amounts in TX and it is logical that there will be more comments about them..Also..Oakwood is now owned by Clayton..Does that mean they are different...Who knows???

Remeber..Palm Harbor is probably the only brand you have seen with a 5 year "protection" warranty by the factory...They know they build a good home and will put their money where their mouth is..

[Tina]

Thanks to all who have responded to my questions. I appreciate your kindness.

[Scott]

Patriot of Texas has a 5 year "protection" warranty and Karsten now has a 10 year "protection" warranty through the end of the year at which time it will go back to a 5 year.

[Amber]

Heya Tina,

I posted a bit more about my experience in the Clayton v. PH thread elsewhere, but I recently purchased a PH home in Texas.

I was able to choose between options, and even "trade out" (I had originally traded the stainless appliance package for a fireplace, but for a variety of reasons ended up with both) and was able to use credit for the amount allotted for metal skirting or vinyl skirting (I don't remember what they use) towards having Hardi-Panel skirting instead. We had the option to keep to get credit for other items, like the built-in computer center, window seat and bookshelves, and the hutch, but we wanted them.

Heating, AC, and water heater were all included (40 gallon),with all electric service and appliances.

[Wendy]

Dear Tina~

It is so important that who ever you purchase your home from that you compare the quality of the home, check out insides of closets to see if they are finished, check the hinges on the cupboards; for instance our Oakwood homes have european hinges which are a very nice feature. Check out the foundation!!
All of our homes have full width steel outriggers to carry exterior wall and roof loads. This is very important because you never want to have your walls sag in your home!!!
Our full steel crossmembers supporting joists add to the excellent support of your homes.
You can add options or omit options quite easliy most of the time!

Make sure you are comfortable with your sales center and sales person. Read about how the homes are made, and ask about the warranty on the home, and find out who would service your home if a problem arose. For instance, we have a full time friendly service tech who repsonds promptly to any and all service needs of our customers.

Shop around!

Sincerely~
Wendy
Oakwood Homes
(541) 548-3221

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Hi,
We as well as our neighbors had a bad expieriance with Palm Harbor ,they were pushy we felt pressered. All we wanted to do was look at the mobile homes but they would not let us without filling out an information sheet plus they wanted to do a credit check before we were even allowed to see the mobile homes. Needless to say we told them they had poor customer service and we would never buy a Palm Harbor home and we walked out.This happend @ 3 Palm Harbor sales centers in San Antonio,Texas...