new and confused buyer - a few questions! :)

[babygirl86]

Hello! My family and I are about to purchase a new (or used) trailer. I am going to try to buy at least one Grissim guide, but for now I have a couple questions that I'm not sure would be dealt with in the guides.

1) What's the deal with the basements/concrete slabs? I grew up in, and my parents still live in, an 80's model cheapo trailer that just sort of sits there, but I read something about when they set up your trailer nowadays, you get to choose between basements and concrete slabs and stuff. Is this standard or extra or, what? I am new to this and totally confused.

2) What about purchasing extras? Is it worth it? Some of the places offered furniture packages, and since we have almost no decent furniture, I think I might be interested if it's worth it, because buying it outright is expensive. Also, they mentioned adding a better tv, which I'm up for if it's true that we won't notice it much on our bills.

3) standard vs upgrades. Since my only experience with trailers is my parents ancient one I have no idea what I should expect as "standard" for any decent quality trailer for 2011. Is 2x6 standard or usually an upgrade? I am really worried about the floors, aslo, because there will be 4 adults and a child sharing this trailer, and it needs to be strong! is there anything that I should look out for or upgrade for the strength of the flooring?

4) and lastly...... I am scared about buying a used home, because of possible "hidden" damages and bad insulation and afraid that cooling costs and repairs might make it as expensive as a new one. Is a used trailer worth it, or should I mainly stick with a new one if I don't have much spare money lying around for "upgrading" and older one? and I know we should probably have a consultant check it out but we just don't have a lot of spare money to pay for all sorts of inspections and what nots. We also need to move soon because of my hubby's job.

Thanks for any advice, and please share anything I haven't thought of! Thanks!!

[rmurray]

Welcome to these forums..You are on the right path. The most important part of buying is becoming a well informed buyer. This site can help you much with that. Investing a few dollars in the Grissim guides is an excellent start. These books are very comprehensive and can help you keep from making huge expensive mistakes. I will try to answer your questions today. Remember thousands have been asked here before and you can use the search function at the top of these posts. Just remember these forums have been here for years and when searching set the time period for all dates. I will try to take your questions in the order you have asked;

1) The type of installation will be up to you and your wallet. If you are placing the home on property that you own and want it to be permanent, You will want to get the most permanent set up you can afford. Basements are not very common, full concrete slabs are also not very common but permanent foundations are. A basement will add nothing to the life of the home, but add some useful additional room. basement costs are high and extra room might be gotten for less money with a professionally built attached garage. The one thing to remember is all housing decisions are hard and involve your long term plans and wallet for the better part of the rest of your life.

2) The extras as you call them are entirely up to you but I would NEVER finance a couch, chair, bed or coffee table for 20 to 30 years..Every dollar you finance on a home for 30 years translates to about $3 more in interest over time..It also means the home is much harder to sell in the future since you are adding thousands to your mortgage balance that have NO value to the next guy. Extra money for higher quality house makes sense but throw away items do not..Again financing a TV for 30 years is about dumb...Go to a museum and look at what a 25 year old TV looks like and think if someone had financed it new for 30 years and had 5 years left to pay. Just think about how silly it would be to owe hundreds on that 25 year old junk...I know it is easy to think I want it all, I want everything all at once. These forums are filled with scores of posts of folks who could not sell their homes for what they owed, adding money on items that do not build value is only going to add huge future frustration and pain. These items have to be paid for in short time frames because they lose value so fast.

3) The Grissim guides will answer your third question in detail. Remember the guides are often available in the library but to qualify for the most current updates you will have to invest in these pocketbook protecting books.

4) Careful shopping for a used home can be a huge savings. If you cannot afford a few hundred for a home inspection you might want to rethink your whole plan..All homes new or used WILL require continuous addition maintenance and updating. Never will you have a home that you just live in and do not spend some money and time. Welcome to the realities of adult living..Come back often ask anything here..There are NO dumb questions..Good Luck..

[Celtlund]

I highly recommend you buy and read both of Grissom's books before you even start looking for a home. That way you will know what to look for in both a home and a dealership.

2) As for the extras, I fully agree with Murray. You can always find good used furniture at garage, moving, and estate sales or good quality inexpensive furniture at places like Big Lots and other discount stores.

3) As for upgrades, I highly recommend OSB or plywood floors. Cresdeck/Novadeck floors will buckle, warp, and disintegrate if they get wet, and they will get wet in places like the laundry room, bathroom and kitchen. The books explain more about that. Oh, and if the salesman says, "but they are coated with wax and won't do that" do not believe him. Another upgrade I would highly recommend would be 2X6 exterior walls, an upgraded insulation package, and dual pane vinal windows. They will pay for themselves in time with savings on heating and cooling costs. For other upgrades such as rugs, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, that's up to you and your wallet. Again, Grissim's books will help you decide.

Don't be in a rush to buy. Read the books, explore this site, ask questions, and take your time. Never let a dealership or sales person pressure you into buying NOW. That's also covered in the books.

As for new or used, that is entirely up to you and your budget but as Murray said make sure you get a used home inspected by a reputable inspector. Even if you were buying a stick built home you should do that. The amount you pay for an inspection can save you thousands of dollars and tons of heartache.

Wishing you the best in your search for a new home.

[babygirl86]

Thanks a lot guys, very helpful! I just ordered the basic Grissim guide (the one that doesn't list all the brands), and if I like it I may buy the other one. Money is tight, or I would have jumped at both of them. We are trying to make a good decision without as spending too much money right out of pocket for professional inspections and such. My dad installs floors in houses and has also worked building cabinets, so he has a pretty good eye for crappy building. We are not too worried about the time/money for basic maintenance, (trust me, he has halfway rebuilt their entire older trailer due to countless leaks and rotting floors) I just don't want to get a dud that has neverending problems. I appreciate your time! I am buying the guide but needed to know anything I could before tomorrow cause we are looking a trailers again and I wanted to be as informed as possible until my book gets here. Thanks