Delivery and Installation
Taking Your House Home
You've finally found the house of your dreams. Now all you have to do is transport
your new home to its final destination.
But like a young plant being transplanted into new soil, uprooting a factory-built
home from the retailer's lot carries risks. Those risks can be largely eliminated by
careful planning and preparation.
Here's how the process works. At the center, your retailer uses a checklist to make
sure your home arrives undamaged from the factory. If it does get damaged, usually
your home will be repaired before delivery to your home site.
Transport from the retailer to your site is a different story. Now, you have to
assume some responsibility. Homes are inspected once before they leave the retailer's
lot, but it's the bumps and grinds along the way that can cause your home to arrive
in less-than-perfect condition. Therefore, check for damage as soon as your home
is delivered. If, for example, you find any loosening of the seams, nicks or other
problems, contact the transport company immediately.
But if a company that does not provide an adequate transportation warranty transports
your home, it may be difficult to cover the costs of repairs or ask that others
assume reasonable liability. So before you purchase your home, make certain that
transport is protected by a written warranty and that you clearly understand its
provisions.
Installation-The Installment Plan
You've completed these steps toward settling in your new home: You've chosen the
retailer and decided on your dream home; complied with local building and zoning
requirements; obtained the necessary state inspections; prepared your site and
purchased adequate warranty protection. Good job. Now, you're ready to have your
home installed.
Most often, the seller installs the home or contracts for its installation. However,
some buyers choose to install their own home or contract for it themselves. If you
choose the latter option, you need to know that a proper foundation - especially
with full perimeter support - is essential to the long-term durability and performance
of your home. That's why it's vitally important that the installation is
done right.
The manufacturer might provide instructions, but not assume responsibility for
installation. An installer must be both reputable and competent to install and
anchor your new home, so it's vital that you check to see if the installer is
licensed. Then, check with your State Administrative Agency, the Better Business
Bureau, and local consumer protection agencies to see if there are any complaints.
No federal or state laws require installers to meet adequate standards related to a
proper foundation. (Less than half the states even license installers.) Further, if the
foundation is not laid properly, these installers don't have to assume liability for
any damage that results from faulty installation.
However, that situation may be about to change. On April 7, 2000, The Manufactured
Home Improvement Act (H.R. 1776) was passed by the House of Representatives. The
Senate version of this bill, S. 1452 is making its way through the Senate. This new
law would give the 50 states five years to establish an installation program
consisting of standards, training, and licensing of installers and an inspection
program.
If you don't feel completely comfortable with the installer you've found, hire a
home inspector. Sure, you might have to cough up a few hundred dollars for a
licensed engineer to supervise the placement of your home on its site, but this
wise move could save you thousands of dollars down the road. If a problem does
arise from a factory-built home, it's usually because of faulty installation.
Remember, the manufacturer's written warranty will not cover problems that are
caused by improper installation.
Regardless of who installs your home, you should follow several guidelines.
- Discuss with the contractor the steps involved in installation so you
understand them.
- Have the contractor write these steps into the contract.
- Ask if there's a written warranty covering your home's installation. If not,
ask to have all details specified and agreed to in writing.
If you follow these guidelines you'll know exactly what you're paying for.
It is equally important that you know specifically what kind of warranty
protection covers each step, and how to check your home to see that the work
has been done properly.
Six Steps to Seamless Installation
Make sure the following six steps for installation are included in a written,
itemized list before you sign the purchase contract.
- Solidly on the Move
The manufacturer is usually responsible for the transport of homes from the
factory to the retailer. Most often, the retailer or its contracted transporter
is responsible for delivery of a home to your site. If roads are inadequate or
there are other obstacles, your retailer may not accept responsibility for delivery.
Have the transporter thoroughly check out routes beforehand to avoid problems.
- Firm Footing
Your home must have a foundation. In addition to the manufacturer's instructions
and compliance with local codes, ask the institution financing your home or your
rental community if there are other special requirements.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Administration (VA), and the
Rural Housing Service (RHS) also have special foundation requirements for homes
that they finance. Remind your retailer of the kind of financing you're using so
that all applicable requirements will be met.
If you place your home on your own property, you can choose from a number of
foundation types: concrete block, metal or treated wood piers, a concrete slab,
or a full basement. A professional installer will know which local building codes
apply. Ask the installer to obtain required building permits and inspections.
- Leveling Your Home
Your home must be leveled to meet the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Otherwise, its weight will be unevenly distributed. This can cause floors and walls
to buckle and prevent doors and windows from opening and closing smoothly. The
manufacturer's warranty will not cover repairs resulting from improper leveling;
however, this can be covered in the installer's written warranty.
Insist on a comprehensive walk-through before the installer leaves. Check for signs
that your home is not level. You'll need to do periodic checks after that, since
foundation supports might settle unevenly. The first check to see if your home has
remained level should be done 60 to 90 days after installation, and then once every
year.
- Foundational Security
Make sure your home is anchored to the ground or secured with concrete footers.
Anchoring must comply with the manufacturer's instructions or as required by local
codes. This is not a "do-it-yourself" project. Ask your retailer for
more information.
- Finishing Touches
Your home may need finishing work, such as an enclosure around the crawl space.
The enclosure must provide adequate ventilation openings at all four corners of
the home. If you have a multi-section home, finishing work may include molding
and joining carpet on the interior, and siding and roofing work on the exterior.
- Getting Connected
Installation should include connections to water, electricity, gas and sewer. If
connections aren't included in the installation price, you'll have to contract
for them separately. Your retailer can help you with the arrangements, or you can
contact local authorities for more information.
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