Where can I find ratings for mobile/manufactured homes?
Manufactured Homes July 21st, 2009My husband & I are looking to buy a new mobile/manufactured home (single-wide). I can’t find ANYTHING on the internet that rates the different brands/makers. The only thing I could find was for a book that you had to order. We have found a Fleetwood that we just love, but we wanted to check the ratings on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
July 21st, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I was doing alot of research and I have a print-out that rated the Manufactured homes (HUD) and the on-frame modulars. I can’t remember which website I got it from. I think it might have been http://www.modularhomesnetwork.com It had info about manufactured homes too.This report cost money but had ALOT of facts. Also, a great checklist was found on http://www.consumersunion.org. This checklist consolidated all the features available in manufactured homes and had categories which showed what was the high-end feature and what was the minimal standard. This checklist was a great benefit to me and it’s free. Consumers Union is part of Consumers Report. Also Grissoms Guide to Buying a manufactured home contained everything you need to know from start to finish (installation of your home). These 3 sources will help you look beyond the surface beauty of your home. One thing I remember is, some manufactured home sellers use water-based primer as paint on the walls. this means when you wash the wall for fingerprints, etc., the paint will come off. Ask what kind of paint, not just name brand and if it is waterbased. Consumer’s Union website will show you a diagram of the important structural aspects of the home. 2 x 6 walls are very important. Also, ask what the upgraded price is to get a windzone 2 home, even if you live in a windzone 1. Windzone 2 manufactured homes have more bracing around the windows, stronger roof trusses, and an even more secure tie down system. One report strongly suggest NEVER BUYING a home that is on the lot. The owners know they have to sell the demos at a lower cost and therefore order the home with cheaper upgrades in the structure of the home — things you cannot see, like the insulation & 2 x 4 walls. They also put the cheaper carpet. Ask to see the level of carpet grades available. Your home should have R38 insulation in the roof, R19 in the walls and R22 in the floor. Anything less is not top end. I think all of them have to have double paned windows by now. The chart I have shows Oak Creek 1st, Palm Harbor, then Patriot. Fleetwood is #12 on a list of 23. Consumers Union saids Fleetwood is the second largest manufactured home builder. Enjoy your choices. If I had to do it all over, I would ask for a print out of the list of available upgrades – this will tell you the overall quality of the home you are looking at compared to the BEST home they build. Things like exterior floodlights are available, it cost more to have towel rings and toilet tissue holders, 6 panel interior doors REALLY add elegance. Some have bullnose corners which also adds a touch of class. The builders prefer to sell off the lot to reduce inventory but please custom pick and build your new home. OSB flooring is not as good as plywood. Get plywood. Exterior sheathing on the home should be OSB, nothing less. (ext. sheathing is an insulator for moisture between the exterior siding and inner walls. Exterior siding should be hardi plank or cement. OSB exterior siding is good but does not hold up as well. Resale value is higher with cement siding. All this is on the checklist for consumer’s union.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I know what you mean. Tough search. All I could suggest is to contact the motor vehicle department in the state you are purchasing your home. As far as I know the manufacturer has to be licensed to sell through the DMV and the DMV should at least guide you in the right direction in obtaining the history and track record of the manufacturer.