Modular Home Scams

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Favorite Links:

consumeraffairs.com | crimcheck.com | HADD |

January 29, 2007
"Because Builders Owe a Duty Beyond Cashing Your Checks"
Sign this petition...
Request for a Congressional hearing concerning accountability of the home builders

November 29, 2006:
MUST READ STORY!
This story is ALL too familiar! READ THIS BEFORE you spend another DIME!
Don't get RIPPED OFF!
http://www.findarticles.com

Before you pay for plans,
READ THIS!: Do not assume that when you pay for plans that they will actually come directly from the manufacturer. They may come from the dealer and be very vague. Many modular homes may be "pre approved" for a dealer and his "cookie cutter" homes. The plans since "pre-approved" may be very vague since the home is supposed to be to spec. for a previously approved design.

The dealer may not give you copies and try to avoid letting you see the plans he will have given to your local zoning.

The main problem w/ pre-approved plans is the house may not be inspected and held to the standards you are thinking they should be to protect you. Certificate of occupancy will be given, you will move (if you get that far) then the problems start. Then you will have a long expensive fight trying to get your house fixed.


Google


What we've learned:

Your local inspector is only responsible for inspection of the foundation, septic and electrical hookup to the pole. The federal government is responsible for setting the standards for modular homes. Your local inspector is not responsible for inspecting your home according to local building standards, as he/she cannot see into walls that are already put together, or an attic that is sealed off. This would explain the demand a builder may have for payment in full before delivery, after deposits have already been given. This puts the customer in a serious bind. Buyer BEWARE!

To sue for your deposit money back will cost about as much as the deposit itself. The final outcome would be that you just spent more money to get a house you now know would be sub-par.

Informative Links

The Modular Home Book Resource Site – A comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of modular home building and design. If you are a dealer, contractor, or new home customer looking to buy or build a modular house or addition, this book is a great resource.

BCA Construction Scams – ALERT ! How to Avoid Falling Prey to the Con Artist Contractor or Builder

ownerbuilder.com – Our goal is to inform, enlighten and educate both consumers and the businesses they frequent about their mutual problems and concerns.

ripoffreport.com – Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the rip-off report! A service of badbusinessbureau.com.

www.crimecheck.com – Unfortunately, fraud exists, but you can protect yourself. These warning signs indicate that a contractor may be running a scam.

Contractor Scams and Fraud – Contractor Scams - Avoiding Contractor Scams & Fraud

FEMA – Beware of Contractor Fraud

New York State Consumer Protection Board. – File a consumer complaint...

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries – File a complaint with L&l about a contractor, plumber or electrician

State of Delaware Department of Fraud – Fraud/Consumer Protection Division: Advice to Avoid Being Taken Advantage of by a Contractor

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/mo_mobile_homes.html