Manufactured Homes

Bob and Susie Jones purchased a Manufactured Home (Chico Series) from Factory Expo.

Their exceptionally accomplished Sales Associate was Mary-Ann J. Barr.

Bob and Susie were so very excited about having their new home moved to Rim Crest (near the city of Show Low, AZ) that they asked a friend (Harry M Smith) to accompany them and take pictures of the adventure.

Talk about an adventure, this was absolutely an awesome experience. I've seen Manufactured Homes moving down the highway on many occasions, and they are accompanied by a pilot car and "oversize load" signs. And I've assumed that the job of installing these homes is a potentially hazardous operation.

I had no idea what I was about to experience. Bob and Susie's home was installed by Jon Heikens, owner of Mountain Home Setters, out of Show Low Arizona. The work he and his crew accomplished was nothing short of miraculous. The home was initially pulled by a Volvo truck, and then pushed into position using a remote-control crawler.

In the accompanying photos, you will see the Remote-Trax Tugger/Puller, and if you look closely, you will see one of the crew members holding the remote-control unit. The Layton Remote-Trax is a Remote control Mobile Home mover. It comes with 2 sets of tracks (street and mud) and is great for off road and tight locations.

You should have seen these guys put that house into place. Keep in mind that the Chico series home is 15' 2" wide and 40' long, and probably one of the largest homes moved into the Rim Crest Park. This move required the removal of a light pole, the moving of a fence, lifting of telephone wires, trimming of pine trees, and even the use of a come-along to inch the house into position.

Most people have never seen the process of getting the manufactured home off the street and onto its foundation. This step is the single most unique on-site activity which distinguishes manufactured homes from site-built homes. It is also the most potentially hazardous phase of construction, to the safety of both the home and to the people installing the home. This should be done with experienced contractors. The most commonly used methods are:

> Backing the home or pulling the home into place (drive on);

> Using roller systems to move the house into place; or

> Placing the home with a crane.

Any single-section manufactured home may be installed by any of these three methods, so the selection of which method to use will normally be governed by:
> The site;
> The foundation; or
> The contractor.

Obviously a level location with unlimited access will permit you to use any installation process.
However, if there is a substantial amount of terrain, or if there are structures blocking access to the foundation, you may be forced to use a crane to pick up the homes and place them.

1. Shop around for a good retailer.
Consumers Union found that buyers who shopped at more than three dealerships paid 9.1 percent less than buyers who didn't. Ask retailers for names and addresses of former customers. Shun retailers who avoid quoting the overall cost of the home but instead stress that you can buy a home for so many dollars a month.

2. Seek out independent financing.
It's okay to consider the financing options offered by retailers, but it's important to investigate other loan sources such as commercial finance companies, banks and credit unions. You'll likely be in a better negotiating position if you've lined up financing with an outside lender or can pay with cash. The Federal Housing Administration or the Veterans Administration may back a low-interest loan for your home.

3. Don't let yourself be overly dazzled.
It's easy to be seduced by eye-catching floor plans. The durability of your future home and a solid foundation are much more important than visual appeal and cosmetic touches.

4. Count all the costs.
Your home's price will not include the cost of renting or buying a site for it. Additional costs include utilities, property taxes, insurance, financing charges and service fees. Make sure the price includes the cost of transporting your home to your site..

5. Borrow as little as possible.
Because interest rates on manufactured-home loans can be quite high, try hard not to wrap every single cost associated with your home purchase into your loan.

6. Visit several communities.
This will make it possible for you to compare services and costs. Examine each community's rules and take the time to speak with residents of different communities and get their input and advice.

7. Brace yourself for extras.
Many communities require anchors, steps with handrails for every outside door and skirting to protect the foundation structure. Such extras can add 15 percent to the cost of your home.

8. Demand good warranty protection.
Find out which warranties are offered by the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer and the appliance manufacturers. Make sure you understand the differences between the manufacturer's and the retailer's responsibilities in setting up and servicing your home.

9. Beware of unexpected rent increases.
After using low rental fees to fill up a new community, owners sometimes sell the property to a management company that substantially raises the rent. To avoid this, look for a long-established community or one that is being developed by a company for long-term investment purposes.

10. Ask plenty of questions.
Find out if there are any requirements or restrictions when you sell your home, and ask about provisions to protect you if the community owner sells the property for another purpose.

Mary-Ann Barr can be reached at: 800-326-7062

Jon Heikens (of Mountain Home Setters) 928-537-1337

Factory Expo (Home Centers) 480-893-5024

To get a closer look at the Floor Plan of the Chico Classic Series by Champion/Redman Homes, go to: Arizona Champion