The manufactured housing industry has grown significantly in recent years as more people look for affordable housing alternatives. Two of the biggest names in manufactured homes today are Live Oak Homes and Clayton Homes.
But how exactly do these two industry giants compare?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the key differences and similarities between Live Oak Homes and Clayton Homes when it comes to models offered, customization, quality, warranties, financing, and more.
Whether you’re looking to buy a manufactured home or just want to learn about two of the top manufacturers, read on for an in-depth comparison.
At A Glance Comparison
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of how Live Oak and Clayton stack up:
| Aspects | Live Oak Homes | Clayton Homes |
| Models Offered | Single and multi-section homes | Single, multi-section, modular, tiny homes |
| Customization | Custom home design available | Offers design center customization |
| Quality | High-end features and materials | Affordable with some premium options |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty | Varies by model and location |
| Financing | In-house lending available | Offers financing programs |
| Buyer Experience | Focus on custom design | Emphasis on affordability |
Key Differences Between Live Oak Homes And Clayton Homes
Now let’s explore each of these factors more in depth.
- Models Offered
Live Oak Homes specializes in building high-quality, single and multi-section manufactured homes.
Their model range includes everything from cozy one bedroom cottages to spacious 5+ bedroom family homes.
You can choose from standard or custom floor plans to perfectly suit your needs.
Clayton Homes has a wider range of models and types available.
Like Live Oak, they offer single and multi-section manufactured homes in various floor plans. But they also build modular homes, tiny homes, mobile homes, park models, and more.
So if you’re looking for an alternative housing solution, Clayton likely has an option.
Both companies will work with you to find the right home layout and size based on factors like lot restrictions, family size, and budget. Live Oak focuses specifically on manufactured houses while Clayton serves a broader range of factory-built homes.
- Customization Options
A major advantage of Live Oak Homes is the ability to fully customize your new manufactured home. Their design consultants will work one-on-one with you through every step of the design process to create your ideal custom home.
You can select from hundreds of floor plans or start from scratch. Choose custom cabinets, countertops, fixtures, interior finishes, exterior materials, and more. Live Oak builds each home to your personalized specifications so you get the high-end custom home you want.
Clayton Homes also offers customization, but through their design centers rather than full custom home building. You can tour model homes to view available options and then select floor plans, finishes, fixtures and features to customize off their line of model homes. Their design studios allow you to tailor a home to your style.
So Live Oak provides a more personalized custom home experience while Clayton offers model home customization. Both give you flexibility, just through different approaches.
- Quality Craftsmanship
When comparing quality, Live Oak Homes excels at high-end fit and finish with luxury features and materials. As a custom home builder, they use real wood cabinetry, granite countertops, high-end fixtures and finishes. This gives their homes a truly custom feel.
Clayton Homes offers more affordable manufactured housing. While not always luxury, they provide good quality and options for upgrading appliances, floors, fixtures and more. So you can get premium touches on a budget. Some models even include modern farmhouse or craftsman inspired details.
Overall Live Oak aims for that custom home high-end quality while Clayton focuses more on budget-friendly affordability and value. But both build durable, energy-efficient homes that can last over 30 years when properly maintained.
- Warranties
Live Oak Homes provides a standard limited 1 year warranty on defects in materials and workmanship.
As a custom home builder, their warranty is comparable to typical site-built housing.
They aim to deliver a high-quality custom product.
Clayton Homes warranty terms can vary more widely since they offer more models across different home types.
Entry level mobile homes may have a 6 month material and workmanship warranty while premium manufactured houses include 1 year limited warranties.
In some cases, appliances, systems and components may also include additional manufacturer warranties.
So for both manufacturers, carefully review what warranty coverage comes standard with the model you choose. Understand what’s covered and for how long so you can factor that into your purchase decision.
- Financing Options
When it comes to financing, both Live Oak and Clayton provide in-house lending options to help buyers afford the new manufactured home of their choice.
Live Oak works with a preferred lender to offer financing programs specific to their custom-built homes. This “one stop shop” approach simplifies securing financing through their lender partnership.
Clayton actually owns and operates multiple manufactured housing lending companies, the largest being Vanderbilt Mortgage. This gives them even more financing resources and options for affordable loans and terms.
So home buyers can likely secure competitive financing directly through either builder and their respective lending providers. That convenience can be attractive if you want simplified financing. However, it’s still smart to compare their rates and terms to outside lenders as well.
- Overall Buyer Experience
The buyer experience can vary quite a bit between these two manufacturing giants based on their differing approaches.
Live Oak Homes offers a highly personalized custom home experience. You get your own design consultant guiding you through every step – from initial design, through selecting plans and materials, all the way to installation. Their focus is on delivering your dream home.
Clayton Homes emphasizes value, affordability and choice more in their buyer experience. Their huge dealer network and design studios provide lots of options to browse and select from.
You can tour model homes, choose from preset plans and optional upgrades through their design centers. The focus is providing quality manufactured housing at the most affordable price point.
So Live Oak excels at custom design flexibility while Clayton shines when it comes to budget-friendly value. Define your top priorities first to determine which buyer experience matches your goals.
Pros and Cons of Each Company
To recap the key points, here are the main pros and cons of each manufacturer:
Live Oak Homes
Pros:
- Fully customized homes
- Luxury quality materials and finishes
- Coordinated design experience
- Available lending programs
Cons:
- Smaller model selection
- Higher average pricing
- Limited mostly to manufactured houses
Clayton Homes
Pros:
- Broad model and style selection
- Affordable pricing and financing
- Huge dealer and design center network
- Can serve a wider market with various home types
Cons:
- Less full customization available
- Quality varies more across large model range
- Experience will differ across retailers
Which Manufacturer Is Right For You?
So which of these leading brands – Live Oak or Clayton – is ultimately better for your manufactured home purchase? There’s no universally “superior” option since each company offers different strengths.
The right manufacturer for you depends on:
- Home type needed – manufactured, modular or mobile
- Customization required – full custom or model upgrades only
- Budget – affordable pricing or premium finishes
- Quality standards – high-end or cost-conscious
- Buying experience – personalized or mass retailer
Defining your priorities around these factors will point you towards the company that best fits your manufactured home needs.
Live Oak excels at customization and quality while Clayton shines with broad options and value pricing.
Do your research to decide which priorities matter most before choosing a manufacturer. Visit model homes, speak with builders, and learn your financing options to make the right decision.
With the information above as a guide, you’ll be able to find the ideal home from either of these top companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Live Oak Homes, Clayton Homes, and manufactured housing in general:
While quality can vary based on the model, some of the most recognized high-end manufactured home brands include Palm Harbor Homes, Nationwide Custom Homes, Golden West Homes, Excel Homes, and Karsten Homes. High-end manufacturers focus on luxury features, finishes, fixtures and often provide extensive customization.
Some of Clayton Homes largest manufactured housing competitors include: Skyline Champion, Cavco Industries, Palm Harbor Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Nobility Homes.
As the industry’s largest homebuilder, Clayton has many competitors but remains a top brand. Other major players like Skyline and Cavco compete with Clayton across similar budget-friendly price points and model ranges.
Experts recommend installing manufactured homes on a permanent foundation rather than leave them on wheels. Some top options include:
1. Poured Concrete – Most durable but higher cost
2. Concrete Block – Allows for basement and meets building codes
3. Piers – Concrete or anchored steel piers elevate home and prevent sagging
4. Perimeter Wall – Concrete footer and crawl space meets HUD standards
Consult local regulations and an engineer to determine the optimal foundation type for your particular mobile home and climate.
The main differences between modular and manufactured homes are:
Construction – Modular are prefabricated in sections at a facility while manufactured are built directly on a chassis with wheels.
Transport – Modular sections are trucked to the site while manufactured homes can be towed.
Assembly – Modular sections are craned and assembled on site. Manufactured are completed in the factory.
Foundation – Modular requires a permanent foundation built on site. Manufactured can use perimeter foundations or piers.
While construction happens offsite for both, modular homes must meet all local building codes. Manufactured homes only need to comply with federal codes from HUD. Modular homes feel almost indistinguishable from site-built when completed.
Wrapping Up
In summary, both Live Oak Homes and Clayton Homes deliver quality manufactured housing options, though with differing approaches. Live Oak brings full custom home building with luxury finishes. Clayton offers affordability and choice through a large model and floor plan selection.
Evaluating your priorities around customization, budget, features and buying experience will determine which manufacturer is the best fit. Both companies provide great options to consider in the manufactured housing market.
Do your research to decide if the personalized approach of Live Oak Homes or the budget-friendly value of Clayton Homes better suits your needs.
With this comprehensive comparison as a guide, you can shop confidently and find a great manufactured home from either of these top national brands. Best of luck with your new quality factory-built home!