There are many differences besides quality of materials. Also sizing, insulation, egress regs, fire rating etc. The site below hits on some of the construction differences.

Rod

http://www.schroederamericanhomes.com/faq.asp

Gary, That's good that its not with a bank and wont be reported to the credit bureau. My question is this, does the land contract have a stipulation that you can just walk away at any time? If so great. If not will the seller give you a release?... and let you out of the contract. I'm not sure about...

Gary, Just turning it over to the bank will wreck your credit. Its just a voluntary foreclosure. The $400 you think your saving will cost you, here's how. If you have no mortgage you will loose your interest deduction and your property tax deduction. If you let the house go it will stop you from get...

The Feds have increased the the tax credits big time. 30% of improvement cost in almost all cases. The link below will take you to there site. Anyone considering a home improvement with Windows, Doors, Heating & Cooling, Insulation, Water Heaters, Roofing or anything to do with Energy should loo...

The kit roofs are nice, especially with the 3" insulation. We've installed many. There are several companies around the country that market these. Sunhaven, Roof King etc. The draw back is price, and unless you live near one of the distributors the shipping can be pricey because of the length o...

Hello! Not sure what your codes are up there, but you should check with your local building dept. Here in the states HUD code requires an engineers approval w/stamped plans. When installing a peak roof on top of a MH all the weight is bearing on the outside walls. The exterior walls have minimal sup...

Yanita is certainly correct, repair any damage first. I thought it would go without saying but I re-read your post and caulking the holes is probably not enough. I hope for your sake its just the rim joist AKA band board. If its also in the sill than you will have it in the floor decking and possibl...

Vinyl windows are always good way to help save on energy. Pella has the Thermatar line available at most lowes I believe. I have installed these on numerous jobs and have had no problems. 2 others to look at. Silverline (all vinyl product built by anderson) I installed them on a rental building we o...

Hello, I've seen this problem many times and 99% of the time it is on homes with metal or wood/t-111 type siding. There is nothing to stop the water from getting behind the top track backer plate and weeping into the nail holes. This is usually not as much of an issue with vinyl sided homes as you c...

Hello! There are a lot of things to consider. Yanita hit on a lot of good tips for reducing heat loss. Your old vent free heaters were most likely 99% efficient models as I believe most are since there is no exhaust. What is the efficiency rating of the new furnace. If its 80% than 20% going out the...

Harry, I'm sure if you search aroud you might find another company that offers that high profile you are after. Just for a price comparison atleast. I know the local vendors here offer some higher profile standing seam products, but I dont think I've seen 3". Maybe on commercial applications. I...

Harry, There are some other companies to look at and get quotes from. Sunshine Systems Sunhaven Roof King If you cant find them let me know & I'll get the web addresses. Also you can do a roof over with material bought from you local supply store. Probably for less $ Mark also has an article on ...

The local lumber store says it's hard to get 36" shingles since they've all gone to metric a few years ago 36" Shingles can be found at Lowes (Owens Corning) and also found a Home Depot (GAF) and many other suppliers. 36" Will be available in both standard 3-Tab & Architectural. ...

Is the piece of siding the very top piece?

Is it on the Gable end or or on the long wall?

I know it been said but pictures would help.

Tami, If Greg is correct an the headers are rotted or on their way then it really wouldn't be that much extra work to re frame for a different size because you have to do the work anyway. If the headers are rotted than most likely so are your studs & sills. Water infiltration will not single out...