Modular Home Scams

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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.

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.

Photos

Well, we found it! As you can see, ours is not the only house residing at this "house cemetary". None of the houses shown here are properly protected from the elements and are all still on trailers. There is no support to keep the floors straight/level. They are not sealed to fend off water damage. Would you empty your bank account to be the owner of one of these homes? Click on the photo to view the full size photo.