Manufactured homes, once known as mobile homes, provide a more affordable alternative to site-built houses. Two of the biggest names in manufactured housing are Oak Creek Homes and Clayton Homes.
Both companies offer a range of floor plans and customization options. But there are some key differences between these two brands that homebuyers should consider.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of Oak Creek Homes and Clayton Homes looking at factors like quality, cost, floor plans, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Oak Creek Homes | Clayton Homes |
| Overview | Mid-sized, family-owned company focused on custom homes | Largest manufactured home producer, owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway |
| Home Types | Single-section, multi-section, modular | Single-section, multi-section |
| Floor Plans | 80+ open concept plans from 500-3,200 sq. ft. | 100+ plans from 300-2,800 sq. ft. |
| Quality & Materials | Higher-end features and finishes standard | More budget-friendly standard features |
| Energy Efficiency | High performance insulation, windows, and HVAC systems | Decent insulation and equipment, meet HUD standards |
| Customization | Floor plans can be modified, wide selection of options | Some modifications available, more limited options |
| Delivery & Setup | Handled by independent retailers | Coordinated by Clayton directly |
| Warranty | 1-year builder warranty, component warranties | 1-year warranty, 10-year structural warranty |
| Price Range | $60,000 – $150,000 | $30,000 – $120,000 |
Key Differences Between Oak Creek And Clayton Homes
Now let’s take a more detailed look at how Oak Creek and Clayton compare across some of the most important categories for homebuyers.
- Home Quality and Materials
One area where Oak Creek Homes distinguishes itself is in the quality of materials and finishes used. Oak Creek uses higher-end appliances, fixtures, flooring, and hardware for a more upscale look and feel.
Granite countertops, hardwood floors, and full tiling for baths and kitchens are typical standard features. Clayton Homes uses more budget-friendly standard features like laminate counters, vinyl floors, and partial tiling.
For durability, Oak Creek constructs homes with thick fiber cement siding that holds up better than vinyl siding over time. Clayton uses cheaper vinyl siding on most models.
When it comes to insulation and windows, Oak Creek opts for spray foam, rigid foam sheathing, and Low-E windows to create an energy efficient, quiet interior. Clayton meets HUD standards for insulation and windows, but does not exceed them.
Overall, Oak Creek prioritizes quality construction and materials while Clayton focuses more on affordability. An Oak Creek home will have higher-end finishes, but Clayton offers decent quality for the lower prices.
- Floor Plans and Design
Both Clayton and Oak Creek offer a wide selection of floor plans to accommodate all kinds of homeowners. Oak Creek has over 80 open concept plans ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 3,200 sq. ft.
The designs feel light and airy with large windows, high ceilings, and minimal interior walls. Clayton’s 100+ plans span 300 to 2,800 sq. ft. The layouts provide good livability but have a more traditional manufactured home look.
For multi-section homes, Oak Creek plans incorporate creative use of space like hallway laundry rooms or combo laundry/pantries. Clayton’s multi-section floor plans tend to have a more typical layout. Oak Creek also has more innovative designs like a two-story Arts and Craft style home.
Overall, Oak Creek offers more diversity and customization in their floor plans compared to the more formulaic Clayton designs.
- Customization Options
One of the nice things about factory built homes is the ability to customize the design.
Both Oak Creek and Clayton allow for modifications to their floor plans, but Oak Creek provides more flexibility.
Homebuyers can tweak Oak Creek’s plans to optimize the layout or transform a design completely with a custom home.
Clayton permits some changes like rearranging or removing walls, but won’t do major alterations.
Beyond the floor plan, Oak Creek lets buyers select premium features and finishes. You can upgrade to higher end appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and more. Clayton offers upgrades too, but only has pre-set package options to choose from.
For the exterior, Oak Creek provides numerous siding, roofing and trim choices while Clayton limits you to their standard color schemes. Overall, Oak Creek gives buyers much more freedom to create their ideal home.
- Delivery and Setup
The process for having your manufactured home delivered and installed differs between the two brands. Oak Creek works with independent retailers who coordinate permitting, transportation, foundation work and hooking up utilities. Having an experienced local dealer handle everything streamlines the process.
With Clayton, you buy directly from the company who delivers the home and handles all site work themselves. This gives Clayton more control but can be less efficient dealing with various jurisdictions.
For the setup, Oak Creek retailers use professional installation teams with extensive training. Clayton employs its own setup crews as well who go through a certification program. Both companies take care to properly install homes, but the independent dealers may have more experience with local requirements and conditions.
- Warranties and Support
Oak Creek and Clayton both provide initial warranties plus programs for continued support. Oak Creek offers a 1-year builder’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Appliances, systems and components come with individual warranties from the manufacturers too, typically 1 to 5 years.
Clayton has a 1-year limited warranty and a 10-year structural warranty administered through an insurance company.
The structural warranty covers major components like floors, walls and roofs against defects.
Oak Creek retailers also frequently offer their own supplemental warranties.
For customer service, Oak Creek homeowners work directly with their independent dealer who can quickly handle any issues. Clayton provides support by phone and online rather than through a local representative.
In general, having a nearby Oak Creek dealer tends to provide more attentive and convenient support.
Also Read: Comparison of Ryan Homes And Stanley Martin Homes.
- Costs
There is some overlap, but Oak Creek Homes prices tend to run higher than Clayton Homes. Oak Creek’s homes range from $60,000 on the low end for a single section to $150,000 or more for a large custom home. The more standard models typically cost between $80,000 to $120,000.
Clayton’s prices start around $30,000 for basic single section homes but go up to $120,000 range for the higher end multi-section homes.
You’ll pay more for the premium features and quality construction from Oak Creek versus the value pricing of Clayton. But there are affordable options from both companies.
Financing is available through both brands as well. Oak Creek works with a variety of lenders to get buyers the best rates. Clayton has its own financing arm, Vanderbilt Mortgage, that services most of their loans.
This can provide convenience but some buyers may prefer shopping on the open market.
Pros and Cons of Oak Creek And Clayton Homes
To summarize the key positives and potential drawbacks of each brand:
Oak Creek Homes
Pros:
- Higher quality materials and finishes
- Customizable floor plans
- Wide selection of premium features
- Independent dealers provide expertise
Cons:
- More expensive than Clayton
- Less inventory than a mega retailer
Clayton Homes
Pros:
- Lower prices and minimum budgets
- Massive selection from nation’s biggest builder
- Streamlined purchasing and setup
Cons:
- More limited customization options
- Lower quality standard features
- Can feel impersonal dealing with big company
So in choosing between the two, Oak Creek is the way to go if you want customization and higher-end features while Clayton appeals if you seek maximum value and simplicity.
Also Read: Comparison of Pulte Homes And Lombardo Homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Oak Creek Homes is known for making premium manufactured homes. They use higher-end materials and construction methods that create very durable, energy-efficient homes.
Clayton Homes is the nation’s largest manufactured home builder. They produce over 50,000 homes per year through dozens of factories across the country.
Yes, Cavco is one of the leading manufactured home brands. They build high-quality homes and have an excellent reputation. Cavco produces homes under brands like Cavco, Fleetwood, and Palm Harbor.
Palm Harbor homes are built by Cavco Industries. Palm Harbor is one of their brand names. Cavco is based in Arizona and makes manufactured and modular homes.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to manufactured homes, Oak Creek and Clayton are two of the leading national brands. Both companies offer quality construction and great floor plans. Oak Creek distinguishes itself through its focus on customization and premium materials for a high-end experience.
Clayton wins on affordability and simplicity as the nation’s largest manufactured home producer.
For shoppers, weighing your priorities in terms of budget, features and customization will determine which brand is the best fit. Oak Creek lets you create your dream home but costs more. Clayton provides reliable value along with the buying power of a large company.
Either way, factory built homes provide an affordable path to homeownership. With their outstanding reputations and wide range of options, Oak Creek Homes and Clayton Homes both deliver solutions that can meet your needs.