Silvercrest

[cass.taaning]

Hello - I am close to escrow on an 2004 Silvercrest Grandhaven. I couldn't find anything about this model on their site nor the entire internet. It is 2200 sf, 2 bed/2b bath with built in porch. One of the large windows already has moisture inside the panes and it has section 1 rot in an exterior post from the soffet. I am not familiar with manufactured homes. I would love some comments on Silvercrest's construction quality.

Thank you,
Cass

[rmurray]

SilverCrest is a much discussed brand on these forums. Try the search function of these forums above..Be sure to search all dates and you will find 438 posts that directly refer to them some from 2002.

[David Oxhandler]

Silvercrest has historically built a very high quality home. They were a regional brand limited to the western states. The housing bust recently forced them to close down.

The damage you are describing sounds like there has been a moisture intrusion problem. This is not unusual for any manufactured home that has been relocated and not property sealed.

Make th3e best deal you can. Find the leak, repair the damage and you should have a great home.

[cass.taaning]

Thank you, David. Another thing I didn't mention is the home is on a perimeter foundation and ground is gently sloping. Under the house they have a moisture barrier but they put it on top of the wooden pier blocks and the ground under the blocks and plastic is very wet. Granted, we've had a lot of rain but now I'm worried about the blocks being moist. I might have to pay for another inspection. Last minute concerns before signing closing papers!

[David Oxhandler]

Manufactured homes are installed using different methods in different parts of the country. In many area a moisture barrier is required on the ground beneath the home. Piers are generally made of concrete block and only caped with pressure treated wood. I have never heard of installers putting plastic on the top of the piers?

A professional home inspection is one of the keys to a successful purchase. Most of the time a good home inspection company can tell you everything you need to know prior to purchase. In this case you would be wise to additionally bring in a local, licensed manufactured home installer who knows the local requirements and practices, to find out of the home needs any re-installation or re-leveling work.