Install and Setup nightmares.

[Gary]

I dont know about the rest of the country but here in Ohio, dealer install and setup rates pretty low on the scale. Ihave personally had problems and know of others who have to. There is no honest system in place that binds the contractors to do the job the home owner pays for. You can go thru the legal process but no one really cares. This has been a blackeye for this industry a long time and perpetuates the bad reputation these homes have. It has actually discouraged alot of people from buying these homes as well as though who have already bought one. Any ideas how to improve the integrity of the install and setup process?

[David Oxhandler]

Gary -

In your previous posting you admitted that you were out of town when your home was delivered. If you cared so littel about what happened that day how can you expect anyone involved to care more?

Buying a home is a huge (and expensive) step. Don't expect that things will go exactly as you want if your not there to express and enforce your desires. You have to take some responsibility for the problems if you were not there to oversee your homes installation.

The Federal HUD code has addressed the issue of installer competency and responsibility. As of this summer every state in the country must adapt licensing procedures for MH installers.

Home buyers MUST take responsibility for their home installation. If you want to enjoy your home for years to come the site prep and installation must be handled properly. Even if you're not planning on doing the work yourself, it is critical that home buyers understand the entire process.

The most effective way I have found to learn about the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured home is a great five-part video series with George Porter, the industry's most respected installation specialist. Mr. Porter leads you through a two hour viewing experience that will prepare you for the numerous operations and complexities involved in the installation of the modern manufactured home.

If your reading this and you are about to purchase a manufactured home Don't assume that the retailer or the installer are watching out for your best interests. take this crash study course now Click Here for More Details This will give you an edge when choosing sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation and installation is done right and to your expectation.

[Gary]

Im not buying in to your blame me guilt trip. Being an over the road driver gets complicated when matters at home become concerning. And just what are you saying in the first place that I should take george porters course and do it myself next time. Im sure I speak for others when I say Some of us simply can not be around to babysit every phase of the setup operation. And furthermore I detest your defensive posture about this matter. The dealers and insatallers absolutely have an obligation to install and complete the setup correctly. After all we the people are paying them good money to do it. Guess I came to the wrong forum.

[David Oxhandler]

I'm NOT saying you should do it yourself and I'm NOT saying that the dealer and set crew have no responsibility.

I am saying that you should learn form experience. It seems foolish to do business with a dealer that had previously treated a member of your family poorly. Why would you do business with someone that your feel burned your Dad. Did you really expect him to treat you any differently?

I am saying that when you schedule an event as significant as your home delivery and installation and fail to attend that you have to expect that things will not happen the same way as if you were there paying attention to your investment.

I am saying that buyers need to educate themselves and understand the complexities of the site prep and installation process. If you are unaware of what is right and what is not right or if you are absentee than you cant protect yourself from human nature taking over or from less than honorable contractors.

There are many forums on line where you can go to vent your frustration, you wont find too many where you can get the level of expertise and experience that you will find here.

We are consumer advocates, but if you wont help yourself you should expect that you will be taken advantage of over and over again. Consumer Education is the only way to avoid your sad situation. The Site Prep and Installation 5 Video Set will enable home buyers to deal with retailers and contractors from a power position of knowledge.

[unknown]

David is trying to give you some very good advice and being an over the road driver does not enter in to the factor and has nothing to do with it.

He is telling you mist states do have regulations on installers have you checked ot see if yours does?

He is telling you this is one of the biggest investments of your life exculding your truck ( if you are an owner operator) and you really should have been present or at the very least had someone there representing you on your behalf.

would you buy a freightliner without first looking at the turbo?

This forum is very helpful for many people

[angie]

Only use those who are listed in your local better business bureau and state contractor board. find out who refers who from one company to the other for integrity throughout the job. Have a notorized letter stating yours and their responsability and have them sign before starting the job and don't give money out until the job is done...if supplies are needed and they don't have the money to buy them then that should be a warning sign....