We chose our floorplan and lot in a subdivision in knoxville tn. During planning, I stressed the issue that we wanted our home to have steps going up to the front porch. We also made sure the home would have crawl space for our future wiring needs, so we would not have to drill on the exterior of our home. My husband also denied building on to our STANDARD DECK that came with the home, that he would build on his seld. The contract states that we would have a treated wooden deck, and crawl space. Our home is done and we just drove from VA to TN (my husband is military) to see the home for the first time. We arrive and the home has one HIGH step going to the front porch, is a slab foundation "no crawl space" and our "wooden deck" is nothing more than a block of cement. I have spoke with many contractors who say that slab homes are cheaper to build. But we were charged full price.. and we also do not have a deck, nor is our house higher off the ground then we wanted. What would you do?
2006-08-17 08:40:41 · 11 answers · asked by GoogleMeBiotCH 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Since my husband is military we have already closed on the home. Yes, all the specs were written down prior to construction.
2006-08-17 08:59:25 · update #1
I would tell them that you won't pay for it. Do you have documentation? If they argue more after that I would get a lawyer because for one you should get what you paid for. They should fix their mistake or give you ALL your money back because this may be something that can't be quite fixed!
2006-08-17 08:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by jessigirl00781 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read, Read, Read, your contract. If you have difficulty understanding your contract get a lawyer if its affordable. If not network with friends and neighbors or utilize any other resources you have to locate a paralegal or someone who can explain the contract. The only thing you have to cover you is your contract. Verbal agreements don't hold much weight in court. If your contract states that these items were included in the terms of your agreement than educate yourself on the terms of the home warranty that came with your home. If you are still covered by the written warranty for your home, make a list of the items you feel deviate from the contract and notify the builder. Do this while you are still covered by the warranty and do it in writing. If the builder does not agree to meet the contractual obligations then file a complaint with the builders board. If the builder does not honor the contractual agreement you may have to file a lawsuit against the builder and attach his bond to afford to have another builder remedy the problem. However, its important to remember that anytime you enter into a legal battle its expensive and the results are never guaranteed. The best way to get what you want from your builder is to be understanding of his issues and work out a reasonable agreement that is acceptable to both parties. Its not easy buying a home and its not easy being a contractor either. I suggest, get together and work it out.
2006-08-17 09:14:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you have all paperwork and contracts handy and find a lawyer. If the work is complete the contractor is going to come after you for the money. You'll need representation NOW. After you've secured a lawyer THEN you'll want to talk to the contractor. If the contractor miraculously agrees to certain compromises or discounts, write down everything you've both said, make a copy for each of you and let him know that your lawyer will have a copy as well. Consult with the lawyer so that he/she can help make these stipulations binding.
2006-08-17 08:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by Eric C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely need a lawyer now if you are wanting to decline the entire purchase, not just compromise and negotiate a lower asking price.
Go line by line with your contracts with the builder and your mortgage provider. If this is financing provided by the builder, you may find things are less in your favor.
"Custom Built" has evolved over the years into nothing resembling owner-preferred. There probably isn't a new home buyer out there that can't relate to your story.
Good luck....
2006-08-17 08:59:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for a builder and if you have all your issues in writing you will have a point. If they are verbal, there isnt much you can do, but contact the builder in writing and explain your disappointment. My builder doesnt intentionally make mistakes, but sales people, subcontractors, suppliers sometimes do and the word of extras/amendments does not get to the builder. He may try to satisfy you, he may let you out of the deal, he may give you a discount. You have to think how happy you will be with the house.
2006-08-17 09:12:44 · answer #5 · answered by hirebookkeeper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would send the contractor a formal letter telling him that the work is not up to your expectations. Include a copy of the contract with the violated sections highlighted. See what he says. If you get a negative response, threaten to contact a lawyer, but be sure to follow through if nothing happens.
2006-08-17 08:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think you can still contest it and they should either take some money off or upgrade something else. Don't take the keys and fight for what you paid for :) good luck and try not to stress too bad .
2006-08-17 08:50:38 · answer #7 · answered by jenn03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
builders always do that, my home was done like that, point out the prob, and ask for a discount, and mention your lawyer
2006-08-17 08:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by chrisp972000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. contact lawyer
2. hold off on any payment
did you have your specs in writing before construction started?
2006-08-17 08:50:08 · answer #9 · answered by mp3tocd_man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you can sue becaus eit sounds like you have a valid case
2006-08-17 08:45:49 · answer #10 · answered by iceprincess097 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋