How to Tape & Texture

[Susan]

Hi all!

We are getting close to finally picking a plan, but we wanted to find out about doing our own tape & texture. Keystone by Palm Harbor does not offer this feature, even as an upgrade.

Is is pretty difficult to attempt if you've never done anything like that before???

[JohnnyJ]

It can be done, but it will be a lot of work. In home construction, the sheetrock
is installed prior to the floor treatments, cabinets , and light fixtures. I doubt
that a manufactured home could be delivered in such a condition.

Your other option is to remove the wallboard that comes with the home, and
install your own sheetrock. A lot more work.

Either way, the sheetrock has to be finished out and primed before you can
paint it. You would be way ahead of the game to have it installed and ready
to go when your home is delivered. Also keep in mind that there is a reason
that people make a living installing sheetrock. There are special tools, and
mehods that make it a skilled proffession. Also this might effect your
warranty.

If you absolutely want the tape and textured feature, find a builder who
will work with you on a floor plan. If PH can't or won't, try elsewhere.
There are plenty of MH dealers that will work with you.

good luck

[jgn]

Susan:
It is not something you want to attempt to do on that large of scale, patch a hole yes, finish a house no way. I did it for a living all the way through school and I wouldn't even do it today. JohnnyJ hit all th points in his post about what is required plus I assume your house would arrive with vinyl board on the walls if it is not T&T so wou would have to remove the vinyl.

Don't buy a house you will be unhappy with because for the next xx years you will "I wish we would have ?". If PH won't do your T&T find a mfr that will. I think you opinion of Solitaire is the same as mine (plain) but there is Sunshine who does 1/2" T&T through out and I am sure there are others. See if you can get the same floor plan from PH by changing plants that do T&T..

[KVR]

Our 1989 Oak Creek came with the most ugly pre-fab wall papered walls we have ever seen. Just hideous. We checked into Tape and Texturing them, but it was going to be bigger, more costly job than we antisipated. We put up white paneling instead. It looks fantastic, but it was a huge job that took us about 2 1/2 years to complete. We did one room at a time, when we had the time to do it. Cost about $2,500. It is definately not something we would ever want to do again.

My previously owned Palm Harbor had the T & T walls and I loved them. The new home we are looking at will have the the T & T walls. That is a must and we will pay for the upgrade.

I agree with the others, find a manufactor that will include that option if that is really what you want. Our Oak Creek was a very inexpensive used home that we spent 3 years and about $10,000 upgrading to our specifications. We don't ever want to do that again. Don't buy a house with the intention of changing it. Get what you want the first time.

The one thing we liked about Solitare is how plain they are. Easier for me to put in my own decorating, but we couldn't find a comparable floor plan. Thats why we went with Champion. Even though I have previoulsy owned a Palm Harbor, we did not consider them this time because of price. Same for a brand new Oak Creek. We feel the Champion is just as good of a home for a lot less money.

Have you look at all the dealers web-sites for floor plans? I looked at all of them, printed the ones we liked and then narrowed down to just a few. Took them to the dealers and looked at their homes, talked base price with our options and then made a final decision as to what home we wanted. As soon as we locate a land site that we like and sell our current home, we will be ready to purchase.

[angelnstix]

Susan you need to look into the paint/chips, its chips you put into your paint and roll it on. I have never done it but a friend did and her walls look EXACTLY like they are T & T!! I plan to do our home in the next few years. Its a lot cheaper than T & T. I was very impressed my friends home after she done it. Look into it, she claims it was very easy. That is definently what I will do just to save money. Go to Home Depot or Lowes, I am sure they can give you info on it. Good luck! angelnstix (Oh by the way, I was skeptic of her T & T look alike and I felt it and even tried to chip it off, it is really stuck on good!)

[Susan]

I would love to find out more info about this option, so if you have any idea of the actual name of the stuff, that would be great!!

[angelnstix]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes or any big store like them and ask. Many are using this as an alternative. Maybe even check online. I am sorry I do not know any brand names or exactly what it is called. I would think though that the stores would. Good luck.