What do you think is missing in the renovation industry?

Here's something to look into Paragon:  We have a manufactured home, which in my opinion, is built better than a lot of the stamped out stick built homes I've crawled around in.  2x6 construction, in a controlled environment, etc.  However, it does have its drawbacks.  You'll remember my post about wanting to do stone tile floor, and since it's a raised floor, we didn't know if it would have too much flex.  My latest issue is heat.  We have floor vents(all ducting is under house) and vaulted ceilings throughout.  This last winter I think we turned the heater on twice, and this summer, the air will run A LOT.  I can't seem to find a whole house fan that will work on a vaulted ceiling, probably for obvious weathtight issues.  I guess my post is about general support for manufactured homes.  I can tell you that 75% of the homes in our "neighborhood" (smallest lot is 10 acres) are manufactured, and it seems like when any of our neighbors hire a renovator, they have to get a "specialist".  What do you think?

Max,

First of all thank you for your input!

Your concern is very interesting and I know that the manufactured home market is exploding so I thank you for your insight.  I am curious to know what kind of "general support" you would be referring to.  Are you thinking of a company offering a place to call into to get answers for problems associated with manufactured homes or are you thinking of a company that spcializes in manufactured home knowledge. 

I always look at what the market needs and I know that many people that encounter problems ask "hey why doesn't someone offer this kind of a service"  Thanks again and I will keep tuned for your response!

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden

Owner/ Paragon Renovations 

The general support I am reffering to is like the question I asked a few months back where I was looking at doing stone tile floors.  I called several flooring places, and they all stopped me cold when I said the place was manufactured.  I had to turn here for a solid answer(from you might I add!).  So yes, a co. that I can call and they say that the fact that I have a manufactured home is no problem.

One other thing I can offer to the discussion, is that Americans these days enjoy the one stop shop/finance method of doing things.  Home Depot is a success for that reason.  Most people like convenience over price (except for refurbers!).  As a little guy, I can't do it all, nor can I wait 2 years to get paid.  Just food for thought.

On a different note, I own and operate an alarm/CCTV/access control company here in northern California, and one thing I have noticed recently, besides the explosion of CCTV systems, is that more and more jurisdictions are requiring fire sprinklers in homes.  Hence, they require fire sprinkler minitoring, which is where I come in.  I thought I'd never live(at 33) to see the day when homes were sprinklered, but here we are.   Something for home builders and renovators to get ready to handle.