Manufacturer's Construction Practices?

[banzaitoyota]

Who actually oversees the quality of the individual manufacturers? Here is one example, my current home. Advertised as an "energy package" however the insulation in the walls (Owens-Corning Brand R-11 with Kraft Vapor Face) was place between the studs, the Kraft Paper was not stapled to the studs to complete the moisture barrier, let alone installing a poly vapor. I realize it is fruitless to try to pursue this lack of detail in my current home, but when choosing the new MFG, who ACTUALLY FOLLOWS the recommende installation practices/guidelines of the various materials used in construction? Who follows the DOE and MHRA guidelines for sound construction practices?

Another example that drives me nuts: Bottom board penetrations sealed with cheap black duct tape, vice Flex Mend or better yet: Real penetrations.

[rmurray]

HUD contracts with the states in most places...Most states have a department to oversee the HUD inspection and enforcement procedures..By the way there is not a time limit on HUD violations....If the things you mention are actually a HUD violation your state's SSA (the enforcement arms of HUD) would order the manufacturer to correct it even now..

Construction practises vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer....All the more reason a buyer should be well informed...A visit to the bookstore on this site will offer you and others some great books on how to make sure you get the most home for your money...I recommend to those concerned about specific construction techniques that a plant visit is always called for..Then you will see 12 or so homes in various stages of construction..You will see just how these and all other issues are handled...Visit the bookstore here...visit dealers in your area..narrow it down to 1 or 2 dealers and builders and make the plant visits the final factor...It takes a lot of work and time to pay for your new home..A few dollars now and time invested in the purchase process could well pay off hundreds of times over..

Good Luck on your next home..