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Champion Homes - Hawks Mobile Homes ripoff Conway Arkansas
I have a problem with my recently purchased manufactured home, here in Arkansas. I was warned not to buy from Hawks' Mobile Homes, but I didn't listen. I figured that homes built buy Champion homes were worthy and proceeded from there. I didn't buy a small, inexpensive home. Mine cost over $100,000.00. From the time I gave Hawks the required $10,000 deposit, I have been jerked around. To start with the house is not as I designed or custom ordered it. There are walls in the wrong place, the appliances don't work and for the most part, it is falling apart. The third work crew just finished their attempt at half assed fixing the problems.
Kevin Hawks told me that even though I made note of the fact that a wall was in the wrong place in the beginning, since I accepted delivery, that it was too bad and that if I sued him he would sue me. I was charged $10.000 extra for having the master bedroom and utility room enlarged. When the house came on the lot at Hawks, I told the salesman that it wasn't right, the utility room wasn't big enough and that I wanted a different house, per my custom order.
Mr. James Underwood, my salesman, told me that if I refused the house with the problem being something cosmetic that could be fixed (the moving of the wall is considered cosmetic), that I would loose my deposit. Maybe you can loose $10, 000, but I can't. I also had my previous home waiting to be occupied by the buyers and was in a jam.
Incidentally, I lost my buyers and have since forth had to forfeit the deed on my previous property. From the start, when I asked the price on the home I was given one price then when it came in it was another. Seems that the seller forgot to mention the four thousand dollars in sales tax. I was borrowing on a construction loan and this really cost me. I know in Arkansas that manufactured homes are taxed as real property if put on a permanent foundation. Mine is.
When the house was delivered, it sat for six days before the set up crew even started. The idiot on the set up crew couldn't see the concrete pad. The foundation was installed per Hawks & Champions direction except it was made a whole lot stronger. There are 33 yards of concrete under this home. It seems as if the delivery/set up crew must have dropped the house at some point since every piece of sheetrock was broke. I do know that they had five flat tires bringing it up from Alabama.
Late July, Champion sent in a contractor (Mr. Jessie Henderson) who worked on the house for three weeks. It took until mid August for the contractor to install the HVAC. The heat portion was never completed until October. Some of the initial problems were that the house did not have an electrical outlet for the cook top igniter and the gas regulator for the cook top leaked. Neither the convection oven or dishwasher were wired. Once I finally got to move in, the 10th of September, I had to remove the drawers under the cook top and turn the gas on and off at the shutoff valve in order to cook. While I was cooking there was gas leaking into the house. This was not repaired until December when the second contractor (Tony) went to his brother's house and took the regulator he had on his cook top. I didn't get a new one, but one from someone else's house.
I was informed by the Champion home service reps supervisor (Tina) that even though the brick lining in the fireplace cracked, that it was ok to use and that they could replace it a dozen times, it would still crack and that it would not be replaced. Tina also informed me that the wall was my problem, not Champion's.
The house was delivered without a front storm door (it was bent when delivered to the dealer and was just removed), and there wasn't a screen or anything (curtains, blinds) on the master bath window, (but it is covered in some sort of gunk). The entire sliding door would fall out if you pushed on it (the entire unit, not just the door), a hot water heater that caught on fire and wasn't replaced until April 16th, a kitchen faucet that doesn't work, phone lines that do not work, and in the back bedroom the house was never 'married' right and you can still see to the outside. The light for the utility room, where you come in is behind the door, not accessible when you come in through the outside door. There is now a soft spot in the kitchen floor where the floor sinks. When the last round of repairs were made and a section of the wallboard was removed, there was only insulation in half of the area. I paid for the Northern package for extra insulation. The house is suppose to be sealed underneath, yet the set up crew tore up so much of the plastic that I have mice in the house. These are just some of the smaller defects, aside from the wall out that is out of place.
At first, I asked the Champion rep (Rodney) when the whole thing was going to be fixed and I was asked to live in the house for a while and then send the list, since the repairing was a one shot deal. I sent a six page list on Jan 6th to Misty, Rodney's replacement. I have since had to deal with Tammie and am now on Kim. Mr. Kevin Hawks told me that the house was almost a year old and just about out of warranty. Seems funny, the deal started when they delivered, yet the house was not habitable until September and all that time counted. Mr. Hawks indicated that it was not the dealer's problem that I couldn't occupy the house until four months after delivery, even though it was their people that couldn't perform their jobs.
Eddie Hawks advertises on the TV that Hawks will build your custom home to your specifications. Yeah right, if it is convenient for them. Once they have the money, you're screwed.
I have a VA loan on my home, as I am a Viet Nam Vet. When the house was delivered to the dealership, I was at that time and not prior, informed that it had to be totally paid for before it would be delivered. Even though the idiot's at Hawks knew it was a VA loan and I would not be given money until the home was set up and passed the VA appraisal. This ended up costing me another $4000 in closing and interest for a second construction loan. The VA appraiser said that he knew where not to go buy a manufactured home through, since they (Hawk's) demonstrated what "a bunch of crooks they are." The VA appraisal came in lower than anticipated due to the many faults, including the wall out of place. See the floor plan that was sent to VA showed the room two and a half feet wider than it is.
I am hoping VA will give my lawyer backing in having this home removed, since it is truly not up to specifications, nor is it what I ordered. Scalding water from a defective water heater should help in demonstrating the many code violations and latent defects in this home. If VA would refuse to finance Champion homes and/or those in Arkansas sold by unscrupulous dealers like Hawks, then maybe the manufactured home business would further loose some of the bad rap it has had for years.
It was my responsibility to deal with appliance manufactures, dealers, manufactures, etc. for finding a cure to the faults. I feel that as the customer that I shouldn't have to deal with appliance manufactures, dealers, set up crews, etc., etc. There should be one POC that I can deal with and it gets done. Unfortunately, I now know that in the Arkansas Manufactured Home Arena, that you are on your own. I invite you to come and see this home.
It is a beautiful home and it was my dream home. Now it is a nightmare and I want it removed. I will go to a reputable dealer and purchase a home that the dealer and manufacture will stand behind. I will communicate with who ever and what ever necessary to right this unjust wrong. If I can keep one customer from purchasing from Hawks and/or Champion homes, I will. I don't think that people that work hard for their money, especially single female parents should have to endure this type of false advertising, lies and abuse. I do not blame any of the reputable dealers and manufactures. I just want the public to be aware that scum like Hawk's just waits to prey on the weak.
As of today, several other things have gone wrong. There is a spot in the the kitchen floor that is falling through. Not the flooring, but the floor. You sink in the flooring. The front door is falling off. The kitchen faucet hammers everytime it is used. The sliding door lets air pour through it, the kitchen tile is tearing where the nail was coming up through it. The walls have never been completely repaired, water pours down the front of the fireplace and through the blower when it rains, the phones still don't work, and the siding is falling off the outside, just for few more problems. Hawk's attorney's wrote the AR AG and told them I threatened to hurt everyone and that I cussed and screamed while I was there, funny my son doesn't remember it. I was told that they have more money than I do, so go ahead and hire my attorney.
Sandra
LONOKE, Arkansas
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
give it back if you can and run run run
#6Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 09, 2006
I will tell you what GOD knows. If you can give it back. No matter what you do. if you sue, get mad,call the state ect. ect. even if the company fixes it. You still end up with a big pile of crap.
If you start with a pile of crap.And then you stir it up and move it around here and there .You still end up with a pile of crap know matter what you do.
I bought a new modular home from homes of merit. Yes homes of merit is owned by Champion homes. Champion homes owns a bunch of other modular home company. Maybe six or seven not sure.
Spent about $100,000 and it turned out to big a big pile of garbage. floors sag in the living room in the kitchen bedrooms ect. the roof was well it looked like a roller coaster. All plumbing has leaked.Mold growing in cabinets. doors mounted crooked tillting. Looked like you were in a fun house.
I have heard you talk about alot of things wrong with your house. But did not hear you talk about your roof. You really should check the roof.Mine had lots of soft spots. High and low spots.nails and staples poping up. Shingles not placed right.
In my state florida, Modulars fall under the department of community of affairs or dca.they over see how the homes are built.I have not had much help from theme. Dca did have homes of merit /champion homes come out and chack my floors soft spots. The manufacture reported back to florida dca. And said there was nothing wrong with my floos. of course they are going to say that. kind of like the fox watching the coupe
you can read my stories they are listed with rip off.com under homes of merit or champion homes or central mobile homes.
Just think of how your home is built and the things you cant see. Like behind the walls under the floors up in the roof
let me tell you how stupid these idiots are.The factory, I have a walkin closet in the bedroom 4ft.x8ft. the doors for the closet are sliding mirrored doors the size of the doors are about 7ft tall by 6ft wide.When they built the opening for the closet doors to fit into.The opening 6 ft wide by 3 ft tall.how in the hell do you walk into a closet or install doors when its only 3 ft tall?
when you get into your home and live in it for awhile.You really see how cheap it is.every thing is cheap cheap cheap rug, plumbing,door knobs,windows. I mean every thing.
You know you can read all of this stuff that iam saying and its all true. And dont know if any of it will help you. hope so. be carefull the attorneys dont get all of your money.
I dont know what the solution is .my state florida is not of much help
you sounded like the va may not .if you get a chance take your money and run run run
Dont know about your state but in florida. The insurance companys home owners ins. Dont want to insure this junk. It is very hard to get insurance on modulars. If you can get it, It cost alot. Im paying over $2,000 a year just for the home.I have $20,000 worth of screended rooms wont cover. Ins co.said you will have to go to loyds of london ins for screened rooms awnings ect.
Homes of merit in Bartow florida has been sued alot
In florida citizens insurance will only insure a modular home for a maximum of $100,000 even if you pay $200,000 for it the way these things are sold.they have it all worked out to there side.The factory blames it on the dealer ,the dealer blames it on the factory. lets not leave out the construction co.and on and on and on
hpe you get your money back
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
give it back if you can and run run run
#6Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 09, 2006
I will tell you what GOD knows. If you can give it back. No matter what you do. if you sue, get mad,call the state ect. ect. even if the company fixes it. You still end up with a big pile of crap.
If you start with a pile of crap.And then you stir it up and move it around here and there .You still end up with a pile of crap know matter what you do.
I bought a new modular home from homes of merit. Yes homes of merit is owned by Champion homes. Champion homes owns a bunch of other modular home company. Maybe six or seven not sure.
Spent about $100,000 and it turned out to big a big pile of garbage. floors sag in the living room in the kitchen bedrooms ect. the roof was well it looked like a roller coaster. All plumbing has leaked.Mold growing in cabinets. doors mounted crooked tillting. Looked like you were in a fun house.
I have heard you talk about alot of things wrong with your house. But did not hear you talk about your roof. You really should check the roof.Mine had lots of soft spots. High and low spots.nails and staples poping up. Shingles not placed right.
In my state florida, Modulars fall under the department of community of affairs or dca.they over see how the homes are built.I have not had much help from theme. Dca did have homes of merit /champion homes come out and chack my floors soft spots. The manufacture reported back to florida dca. And said there was nothing wrong with my floos. of course they are going to say that. kind of like the fox watching the coupe
you can read my stories they are listed with rip off.com under homes of merit or champion homes or central mobile homes.
Just think of how your home is built and the things you cant see. Like behind the walls under the floors up in the roof
let me tell you how stupid these idiots are.The factory, I have a walkin closet in the bedroom 4ft.x8ft. the doors for the closet are sliding mirrored doors the size of the doors are about 7ft tall by 6ft wide.When they built the opening for the closet doors to fit into.The opening 6 ft wide by 3 ft tall.how in the hell do you walk into a closet or install doors when its only 3 ft tall?
when you get into your home and live in it for awhile.You really see how cheap it is.every thing is cheap cheap cheap rug, plumbing,door knobs,windows. I mean every thing.
You know you can read all of this stuff that iam saying and its all true. And dont know if any of it will help you. hope so. be carefull the attorneys dont get all of your money.
I dont know what the solution is .my state florida is not of much help
you sounded like the va may not .if you get a chance take your money and run run run
Dont know about your state but in florida. The insurance companys home owners ins. Dont want to insure this junk. It is very hard to get insurance on modulars. If you can get it, It cost alot. Im paying over $2,000 a year just for the home.I have $20,000 worth of screended rooms wont cover. Ins co.said you will have to go to loyds of london ins for screened rooms awnings ect.
Homes of merit in Bartow florida has been sued alot
In florida citizens insurance will only insure a modular home for a maximum of $100,000 even if you pay $200,000 for it the way these things are sold.they have it all worked out to there side.The factory blames it on the dealer ,the dealer blames it on the factory. lets not leave out the construction co.and on and on and on
hpe you get your money back
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
give it back if you can and run run run
#6Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 09, 2006
I will tell you what GOD knows. If you can give it back. No matter what you do. if you sue, get mad,call the state ect. ect. even if the company fixes it. You still end up with a big pile of crap.
If you start with a pile of crap.And then you stir it up and move it around here and there .You still end up with a pile of crap know matter what you do.
I bought a new modular home from homes of merit. Yes homes of merit is owned by Champion homes. Champion homes owns a bunch of other modular home company. Maybe six or seven not sure.
Spent about $100,000 and it turned out to big a big pile of garbage. floors sag in the living room in the kitchen bedrooms ect. the roof was well it looked like a roller coaster. All plumbing has leaked.Mold growing in cabinets. doors mounted crooked tillting. Looked like you were in a fun house.
I have heard you talk about alot of things wrong with your house. But did not hear you talk about your roof. You really should check the roof.Mine had lots of soft spots. High and low spots.nails and staples poping up. Shingles not placed right.
In my state florida, Modulars fall under the department of community of affairs or dca.they over see how the homes are built.I have not had much help from theme. Dca did have homes of merit /champion homes come out and chack my floors soft spots. The manufacture reported back to florida dca. And said there was nothing wrong with my floos. of course they are going to say that. kind of like the fox watching the coupe
you can read my stories they are listed with rip off.com under homes of merit or champion homes or central mobile homes.
Just think of how your home is built and the things you cant see. Like behind the walls under the floors up in the roof
let me tell you how stupid these idiots are.The factory, I have a walkin closet in the bedroom 4ft.x8ft. the doors for the closet are sliding mirrored doors the size of the doors are about 7ft tall by 6ft wide.When they built the opening for the closet doors to fit into.The opening 6 ft wide by 3 ft tall.how in the hell do you walk into a closet or install doors when its only 3 ft tall?
when you get into your home and live in it for awhile.You really see how cheap it is.every thing is cheap cheap cheap rug, plumbing,door knobs,windows. I mean every thing.
You know you can read all of this stuff that iam saying and its all true. And dont know if any of it will help you. hope so. be carefull the attorneys dont get all of your money.
I dont know what the solution is .my state florida is not of much help
you sounded like the va may not .if you get a chance take your money and run run run
Dont know about your state but in florida. The insurance companys home owners ins. Dont want to insure this junk. It is very hard to get insurance on modulars. If you can get it, It cost alot. Im paying over $2,000 a year just for the home.I have $20,000 worth of screended rooms wont cover. Ins co.said you will have to go to loyds of london ins for screened rooms awnings ect.
Homes of merit in Bartow florida has been sued alot
In florida citizens insurance will only insure a modular home for a maximum of $100,000 even if you pay $200,000 for it the way these things are sold.they have it all worked out to there side.The factory blames it on the dealer ,the dealer blames it on the factory. lets not leave out the construction co.and on and on and on
hpe you get your money back
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
give it back if you can and run run run
#6Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 09, 2006
I will tell you what GOD knows. If you can give it back. No matter what you do. if you sue, get mad,call the state ect. ect. even if the company fixes it. You still end up with a big pile of crap.
If you start with a pile of crap.And then you stir it up and move it around here and there .You still end up with a pile of crap know matter what you do.
I bought a new modular home from homes of merit. Yes homes of merit is owned by Champion homes. Champion homes owns a bunch of other modular home company. Maybe six or seven not sure.
Spent about $100,000 and it turned out to big a big pile of garbage. floors sag in the living room in the kitchen bedrooms ect. the roof was well it looked like a roller coaster. All plumbing has leaked.Mold growing in cabinets. doors mounted crooked tillting. Looked like you were in a fun house.
I have heard you talk about alot of things wrong with your house. But did not hear you talk about your roof. You really should check the roof.Mine had lots of soft spots. High and low spots.nails and staples poping up. Shingles not placed right.
In my state florida, Modulars fall under the department of community of affairs or dca.they over see how the homes are built.I have not had much help from theme. Dca did have homes of merit /champion homes come out and chack my floors soft spots. The manufacture reported back to florida dca. And said there was nothing wrong with my floos. of course they are going to say that. kind of like the fox watching the coupe
you can read my stories they are listed with rip off.com under homes of merit or champion homes or central mobile homes.
Just think of how your home is built and the things you cant see. Like behind the walls under the floors up in the roof
let me tell you how stupid these idiots are.The factory, I have a walkin closet in the bedroom 4ft.x8ft. the doors for the closet are sliding mirrored doors the size of the doors are about 7ft tall by 6ft wide.When they built the opening for the closet doors to fit into.The opening 6 ft wide by 3 ft tall.how in the hell do you walk into a closet or install doors when its only 3 ft tall?
when you get into your home and live in it for awhile.You really see how cheap it is.every thing is cheap cheap cheap rug, plumbing,door knobs,windows. I mean every thing.
You know you can read all of this stuff that iam saying and its all true. And dont know if any of it will help you. hope so. be carefull the attorneys dont get all of your money.
I dont know what the solution is .my state florida is not of much help
you sounded like the va may not .if you get a chance take your money and run run run
Dont know about your state but in florida. The insurance companys home owners ins. Dont want to insure this junk. It is very hard to get insurance on modulars. If you can get it, It cost alot. Im paying over $2,000 a year just for the home.I have $20,000 worth of screended rooms wont cover. Ins co.said you will have to go to loyds of london ins for screened rooms awnings ect.
Homes of merit in Bartow florida has been sued alot
In florida citizens insurance will only insure a modular home for a maximum of $100,000 even if you pay $200,000 for it the way these things are sold.they have it all worked out to there side.The factory blames it on the dealer ,the dealer blames it on the factory. lets not leave out the construction co.and on and on and on
hpe you get your money back
Scott
Cusseta,Georgia,
U.S.A.
I can appreciate your position.
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, June 06, 2006
I, too, am a veteran and in the midst of a battle with Champion to get my home fixed. Like you, I custom ordered and designed the home; however, my family took occupancy approx. 3 yrs ago and still have yet to have our home fixed properly after approx. 16 contractors and numerous visits. They even inflicted additional damages to the home.
I noticed the service manager you spoke with was named Tina, I'm willing to bet she is the same person who lied to me also several times, if you are dealing with the Champion outfit from Guin, AL.
I would suggest getting your State involved as much as possible and the VA. A lawyer couldn't hurt either. I believe Arkansas and Federal law allows you to record your telephone conversations with Champion, which you can share with the AR AG. I believe the law says only one party to the conversation needs to give consent, which since you placed the call you're a party to the conversation. Since you are currently having service troubles, I'm sure my attorney would like to talk to you and possibly get an affidavit from you regarding how Champion operates.