construction quality

[Donna]

I recently checked out Palm Harbor and although I liked the home and the salesperson, they have two features that aren't clear from Randy's book.
First, the plumbing is something called P-Flex with brass fittings
Second, instead of exterior plywood sheathing, they use Thermo-sheet wrap under the siding.

Are these good or bad?

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Donna,

The P-Flex is common in the industry others call it polybutylene piping. The product is ok when brass fitting are used. If plastic fitting are used then you'll have major headaches with plumbing problems. The thermo-sheet wrapping is a down-grade from plywood or OSB. I am surprised they are using this product.

Randy Eaton

[Rose]

If this polybutulene is the same thing as "blue poly" don't buy the house. That piping was used in a lot of houses (site built, anyway) back in the 1980's and it's a nightmare! My site-built home had it and when it started springing leaks, the entire house had to be replumbed. Fortunately, there was a class action lawsuit which resulted in the manufacturer paying for all plumbing repairs, but it was a major headache. I find it hard to believe that anybody is still using this pipe, unless this is something different.

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Rose,

You don't know what you're talking about. The problem was not with the pipes. The problems is with the fittings. Manufacturers in the 1980's and early 1990's were using cheap plastic fittings that leaked all over the place. "It's The Fittings" That's way I dedicate a whole section in my book about the "Fittings" Be sure they are metal or brass.

Randy Eaton

[rmurray]

As with all multi plant organizations...Palm Harbor has different specs for each of its plants...Here in the SE the LaGrange GA plant builds a very basic home...far from the specs used by Palm Harbor in others of its plants..

You have to decide on the specs you want...and then find a manufacturer in your area that offers them..

[Rose]

Sir, you are not a gentleman! You may be an expert on manufactured housing, but you sure could use some lessons in etiquette. If I was mistaken in my statement about blue poly pipes, you could have been more diplomatic about it (i.e. "You don't know what you're talking about"). Furthermore, I think YOU are the one who is mistaken. When my house sprang the first 2 leaks, the plumber came out and showed me where the PIPE had SPLIT. It was NOT the fittings, which is why I had the house re-plumbed entirely with COPPER pipes. I'll go out tomorrow and buy you a copy of "Ms. Manners Guide to Good Etiquette, " which I urge you to read.

It's strange to me that you would respond to your "subscribers" and potential book buyers (customers) in such a crass way. I haven't bought your book yet and now I may EVER buy it.

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Rose,

What ever.

Randy Eaton

[Rose]

Your response is merely confirmation of my earlier statement.

You have no class, Mr. Eaton. No class.

[Randy Eaton]

Rose,

You were giving out wrong information. My early post was not that harsh but I am sorry you took it the wrong way. Please forgive me? At least I did not resort to calling names!

Randy Eaton

[Karen]

Randy,
I have been reading this message board for almost a year now. I read practically every post written and have gotten a huge education. But I have noticed that it seems to upset you when someone disagrees or has another opinion then yours. Remember Terry?? There are a lot us us out here that have a lot of useful information to share. You may be the host and the expert, but don't discount another opinion, please! Nobody can be right all of the time! Rose was only trying to be helpful and sharing her own experience. The "What ever" statement was correctly intrepreted as rude, and arrogance is never appealing.
Karen

P.S. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the service you are providing, and all in all you are doing a wonderful job!