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Send a Tip → OnYourSide@wbrz.comState officials investigate mobile home installation after homeowners report mold, foundation issues
ST. AMANT - On Thursday, people representing the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office and multiple companies met at a property in St. Amant to discuss reported issues with the installation of the mobile home.
Last month, Scooter and Blue Reed reached out to 2 On Your Side for help. They have mold, warping and foundation issues in their new mobile home.
"We've got moisture in the home in several different places," Scooter Reed said.
They purchased the mobile home from Atchafalaya Homes. It was manufactured by Clayton Homes. Both parties were in attendance at the meeting, in addition to the home installer.
The Reeds gave a tour of their home, pointing out all the problems. In one area of the house, when it's raining outside, it's raining inside too.
"It's been so stressful, it's got us both wrecked, the stress is just unbelievable," said Scooter Reed.
The Reeds say they saw problems even before they moved in last October.
"The ground is soft; they did not compact the soil," said Scooter Reed.
The concerns are showing up inside the house. State oversight, including installations and consumer complaints for mobile home owners, is handled by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office. Former State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams, who now serves as Principal Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, says the SFM is now taking a closer look.
"We found some serious issues with the home that should be corrected, and we're going to make sure that happens," said Adams.
After last week's visit, the SFM will compile a report. Once that report is ready, the parties involved will be notified. The SFM says all parties involved will be subpoenaed to appear before the Manufactured Housing Commission for a hearing.
The Reeds hope things will get better.
"I don't want to breathe mold," said Blue Reed.
They don't think they should have to, since their house is so new.
Both Atchafalaya Homes and Clayton Homes say they are waiting on the final report from the SFM to determine who is responsible for the repairs.
A spokesperson for Atchafalaya Homes says the company has been open for 28 years and strives to keep all of our customers happy. Although Atchafalaya Homes did not build or deliver the home, it's using all of its resources along with these other parties to get this resolved for the Reeds.
