Homes of Merit was founded by Chuck Weeder in 1973. Chuck had a vision to create a company that produced quality HUD-code manufactured homes. In 1973, his company produced approximately 2.5 million dollars in sales. In 1984, Homes of Merit production capabilities had reached a maximum in the now 3 plants. Orders for homes were so strong they were not able to build the homes fast enough. The company expanded into Lake City, Florida and production began in 1985. Another plant was built in 1988 next to the existing plant in Lake City, Florida to keep up with sales. In 1996 in response to strong sales and the desire to move into a different product line, plant 3 was built. As a result of its growth, Homes of Merit has become the largest single location producer in the State of Florida. Because of tremendous success Homes of Merit was acquired by Champion Enterprises in January of 1999.
Modular Home Book Resources Popular Buying Guides for Modular Homebuyers
When trying to select a modular home the first place to start is at the factory level. Knowing which factories deliver to your area is the first step in understanding your options. The second and most important step is determining how the factories compare to each other in the areas of: Quality Construction, Design/Style, Appraised Value and Price.
The manufactured housing industry has made some serious improvements in recent years regarding quality construction and residential appeal. With modern day technology and assembly line techniques, the industry is overcoming the misconception that manufactured homes are poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes.
Knowing your financing options is the first step to securing a good deal. We have spoken with hundreds of modular home lenders and Mr. Eaton the author has gone through the process himself. Learn from his insight and you can avoid some common mistakes people make when financing their home.
On average 80% of homebuyers pay too much for their modular home. Not surprising with all the choices one must make from negotiating with your builder to purchasing property and site-improvements. This resource will reveal important negotiating secrets and dealer profit margins that will give you an edge when negotiating with your builder.
Most modular home builders have display models for potential home buyers to walk through. These models are professionally decorated to impress buyers with elaborate decorations, elegant furniture and dazzling floorplans. Aesthetics are important but would you purchase a modular home based on looks and compromise structural integrity? Don’t be fooled by appearances and miss what really matters; “Quality Construction.”
Manufactured Homes The term manufactured means many things to many people. It can describe homes built on site using panels, walls prefabricated and shipped directly from the factory to the job site. The phrase can also be used for the modular housing industry built as whole sections or modular units in a plant and then attached on a permanent foundation with the use of a crane. Finally, it can describe HUD code homes, also known as manufactured homes or sometimes referred to as mobile homes.
Systems Built Construction Proponents of modular homes have long maintained that the building system produces homes that are much stronger than traditional site built structures. For example, the modual sections are well built to withstand the stresses of highway travel, containing up to 30 percent more building materials than a comparable site built home.
Modular Homes Colorado A manufactured home is built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD and is classified as a Manufactured Home. These homes are constructed to meet the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, which has been in effect since June 15, 1976. The Federal standards regulate, manufactured housing design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems.
