2x8 vs 2x6 floor joists?

[Dave C.]

My wife and I have narrowed our search to a new Homes Of Merit Lake City, Fl. that comes standard with 2x6 floor joist that are 16 in O.C. It is 32x60 and comes with the steal floor extensions that run to the outer walls. We are upgrading to 3/4 in tongue and groove plywood, but we wonder if upgrading to 2x8 floors are worth the extra thousand dollars.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Dave

[rmurray]

Most homes in this size will use 2x8...seems you are well on the way to a very nice home...the plywood option is a good idea...

Call the plant engineer and ask him why they are not standard..Then ask him is he was buying one for himself..would he spend the extra money..Good Luck with your new home..

[jgn]

It would be a thousand dollars well spent and I would assume that could be a negotiating item.

[Mark]

The 2x8's should be standard IMO, I wouldn't build anything with 2x6's as the foundation, they just aren't strong enough unless you support them every 2-3 feet.

[Nick]

Dave, either you get a floor with 2x6 or 2x8, the home has to perform, period. Manufacturer's can use any product they want, it just has to perform to the HUD Code.

I live in a northern state, and I have been in homes with 2x6 floor joists. Since the home was properly supported according to the manufacturer's installations methods, and with a major amount of snow on the roof, there were no problems with the floors.

Just wanted to let you know, hopefully to save you some $$$$$$.

[trmimo]

The difference is steel.
Northern homes have more and stronger steel outriggers than the type used by Homes of Merit.
You may want to consider a different series from Homes of Merit. Many of their homes have 2 by 8's and plywood standard. And you would get some other upgrades as well. A change in series is usually cheaper than adding a few expensive options like plywood and 2 by 8's.