Manufactured Housing has matured over the past several years from a temporary or low end product to a main stream resolution to the American home ownership dream. Our homes are better built, some would say, in may cases even better than site built, more energy efficient, and even better able to withstand the worst threats of nature.
"There's an advantage to factory-constructed homes over site-built homes: precision. The result is a strong, durable, quality-crafted home with easy-care exterior materials. Factory-constructed manufactured homes are built to a tough Federal code. These homes are crafted to rigid standards of fit and finish by skilled workers using all the finest materials, brand-name fixtures appliances." (BuiltStronger.com)
Most builders have shifted their attention from the dealer to the end user. Manufacturers have increased quality control and warranty programs to satisfy homeowners. Yet once in a while there is a problem for the homeowner that can fall between the cracks and go unsatisfied.
All residential manufactured homes (mobile homes) must comply with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Since June 15, 1976, manufacturers have confirmed compliance with the Standards by attaching a red label to the back of each transportable section of a home produced.
The extent to which the federal HUD agency can help a homeowner resolve a complaint depends on the seriousness of the problem. In cases where safety-related defects in homes create an unreasonable risk of injury to the occupants, manufacturers must correct the defect in a short period. HUD cannot require correction unless the defects were introduced into the home during the manufacturing process. The on-site installation of a manufactured home is not regulated by HUD.
If a problem arises with a manufactured home, the first contact should be the retailer. Most problems can be eliminated quickly. If the retailer cannot help, the second contact should be the manufacturer. Manufacturers, for the most part, are quick to respond to consumers.
It is important to put a complaint in writing. Also, make a copy to keep with your records. The letter should include the serial number of the home with a list of the problems. List any known factors that contributed to the problem. Also list any secondary issues related to the problem.
It is important to provide the following information if you want to file a complaint:
First write a numbered list of all the problems. After you have listed each problem then list the dates and names of the people at the dealership and the manufacturer that you spoke to about the problems. Then list the dates that service men came to your home and what they did during that visit.
Also be sure to include:
-1- Your name, address and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day
-2- The name of the manufacturer
-3- The serial number and model number of your home
-4- The HUD label number (the red tag on the back of the home)
-5- The date purchased
-6- The name of the retail business who sold you the home.
-7- Copies of any correspondence or contacts with the retailer and the manufacturer to resolve the problem.
Make copies of this letter. Keep one and send a copy by Certified Mail Return Receipt to:
-1- The Dealership where you purchased the home
-2- The Manufacturer of the home. Factory Addresses
-3- The Agency that regulates manufactured housing in your state. You can find the contact information for that agency below.
If the retailer and the manufacturer do not resolve your concerns, there are offices within most state governments with staff that are knowledgeable about manufactured housing construction and related issues. There are 37 States participating with HUD in a State and Federal partnership to regulate and enforce the Federal manufactured housing program in their state. Many state governments regulate all, or part, of the manufactured housing industry in the state. Some areas that may be regulated in your state are retailers, transporters and installers.
To find the contact for your state, use the select menu below and highlight your state and click the Search button.
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State Administrative Agencies
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Every problem is not necessarily a factory or installer defect. All structures regardless of where they are located, what they are used for or how they were built require maintenance and repairs from time to time. See the list of resources below that will help you resolve maintenance and repair issues that are homeowner responsibility
Manufactured Housing Repair
On-Line
The MH
Parts Store On-Line MH Parts may not be very pretty... but when
you need them you just can't do with out them. Don't run all over town to
assemble the things you need for that home renovation or repair. Order from our on-line parts store. Everything you need is
here from doors, windows, screens, plumbing and electric parts, bath and kitchen
fixtures, roof and ceiling components, and more.... even set-up materials, The
Part Store's Owner/Managers, keep it simple, they just provide you with the best
possible products available.
The Manual for Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade
If your looking for a book that covers all
facets of manufactured home repair, you've found it! This is the only book of
its type, available to the public, that we have been able to find. As you would
expect from the title, The repair and upgrade
techniques described in this manual are specific to manufactured homes. This
book will answer almost every question on manufactured home repair that we have
ever heard. Not only does this book show you how to repair and maintain your
home, but also great methods for upgrading it.
The
Manufactured Home Repair & Renovation Forum An open
discussion group where all are welcome to participate. No registration
necessary! Discussion threads covering a wide range of questions, answers, and
relating of personal experiences involving MH Repairs. Moderated by Tracy L.
Mason of MB-Quality Contractors, from Greeley, CO. Ask our experienced
manufactured home repair and renovation contractor about your home repair needs!
Basic home fix-it techniques to trade secrets.
Advanced Foundation
Systems Designed and engineered for manufactued homes, These foundation
systems add a high level of strutural stability and
have proven most cost-effective for the manufactured home, buyer. Advanced
Foundation Systems meet or exceed industry standards, and have been proven safer
under adverse conditions. Advanced Foundation Systems offer you the best
foundation technology available for your manufactured home...plus added safety
and stability...at a lower cost.
Finance Your MH Renovation/Repair There are many
loan programs available to MH Owners. Secure the money you need to renovate,
upgrade, or even expand your MH. One stop shopping.
select your loan preferences and we will forward your
request for loan information to as many as a dozen participating manufactured
housing finance offices.
Skirting For The 21 Century
Manufactured Home System-1 is what skirting should be- 100% solid
concrete. System-1 is not an imitation or a look alike – it is the original
concrete skirting system that resists the elements from the summer heat of
Texas to the harsh winters of
Minnesota. System-1 is built to last and is
designed to stay put for years of dependable service. Stop chasing your skirting down the street and look at just some of the
benefits System-1 concrete skirting provides you.
5 Part Site Preparation & Home Installation Video
Series We are proud to offer the most effective way ever to learn
about the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured
home; A new five-part video series with George Porter, the industry's most
respected installation specialist. After viewing all five videos you will have
what it takes to tackle your site preparation with confidence and peace of mind.
Even if you're not planning on doing the work yourself, this information will
help you understand the entire process. This will give you an edge when choosing
sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation is done properly.
Manufactured Housing Yellow Pages / SERVICE COMPANIES
The Yellow Pages is an ever expanding data base that is growing into one
of the richest resources in the world for locating and contacting companies that
participate in, or offer services to, the manufactured housing industry.
The Mobile Home Expert
The business of installing and servicing manufactured homes is
rapidly moving away from the world of the one pick-up, one jack, local set up
and repair guys and into the world of certified tradesmen, and licensed
contractors. The modern manufactured home is greeted with stiff compliance codes
regulating construction, warranty and installation. As more and more local
agencies get involved in the inspection of installations it gets more and more
difficult to know what the rules of the game are, especially if your operating in more than one jurisdiction. Consult with R.T. Bonney, who has participated in all phases of the
industry over the past 30 Years He can provide solutions for the modern problems
of operating most types of manufactured housing business.
Floor Repair Info Kit includes a 25 minute VHS
video about repairing the floor underneath your toilet, and a booklet on floor
repair. Price:$25.95 - Shipping & Handling:$3.90
Painting and Texturing Paneled Walls By
following the steps in this 20 minute video, your paneled walls will look darn
near like textured sheetrock. Works on both wood paneling and
vinyl-covered paneling or sheetrock. Price:$19.95 Shipping & Handling:$3.90
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