I bought this townhome about 3 years ago and this has been going on since then. I noticed when it rains hard with some wind there is water leaking down from my large picture window in the back of my room. It is kind of random however when it only leaks when it rains hard and a bit windy. I've had the builder come out here at least 12 times since then and everytime they claim they think they fixed it only to find out it really isn't fixed because it keeps leaking! They keep saying they taped the windows up and it should be ok. I'm growing very tired of this and I'm wondering what are my alternatives? They tell me they can't figure out whats causing the leak.. I find that disturbing considering toll brothers is a luxury home builder and if they can't figure it out who can? Do I have any legal recourse on this? If I let this keep going they'll just keep comming back over and over and but not actually fixing a thing.
2006-10-27 12:28:27 · 6 answers · asked by unhappy 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'm not asking how do I fix it, I'm asking how do I get toll brothers to go beyond just taping my window? This is really legal advice I'm looking for.
2006-10-27 12:49:43 · update #1
Water leaks can be nearly impossible to track. The leak at the window may be coming from a flashing at the window or from some flashing many feet away.(70% of leaks happen at flashings)
Basically it requires inspection of the roof, the attic and possibly removal of the drywall above the window in order to get an idea what direction and ultimately where the leak is coming from.
The builder does not want to pay his man for the number of hours and work required to find that leak. They just want to throw in some silicone caulking here or there and hope for the best.
Good luck. The project may mean you do some intrusive investigation on your own. Keep track and document and MAYBE you just might recoup some of the cost from the builder.
REMEMBER: unrepaired leaks can cause SERIOUS mold issues which can make for health problems on top of structural issues.
2006-10-27 12:46:27 · answer #1 · answered by tmkng2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll tell you an experience of a neighbour with the same problem: they had a picture window, the bay type that juts out in a crescent, and the same thing happened. As it turned out, the roof had a steep slope with no eavestrough, and water would gush off to the point that the fascia would leak onto the soffit and allow water to trickle into the top of the window and inside the house. The solution: install eavestroughs. But make sure to keep them cleaned out, or they clog and the same thing would happen with the overflow. If your window is the same type, this kind is notorious for leaking from the top where it faces the elements. If it is flush to the house, then it could simply need proper caulking with the appropriate exterior window caulking. Make sure the surrounding area and the window are stable (not in need of repair or replacement) and dry first, or you'll be sealing in moisture and cause mould. If they have been there 12 times and can't figure out the problem, I think you need an independent opinion from someone in the know. Keep all receipts of payments over this problem, in case of legal action, which I would seek as a last resort. If you have it fixed independently, you might try having them pay the bill (assuming it was repaired properly by someone else); if the original builder refuses, then I would consult a lawyer. Document everything, from square one to the time of repair, if you go that route. And sue for additional expenses, such as legal fees and time off work. Why can't people just do things right in the first place, without forcing people's hand? Good luck!
2006-10-27 12:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by steviewag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a building inspector look at it. It may not be the window that's leaking. Could be that no one is looking any higher. Along the roofline it could be blowing in around the facia or up under some loose or old roofing and finding it's way down the beams to the window. I have seen leaks travel to the basement from a roof leak on the far end of the house.
2006-10-27 12:39:37 · answer #3 · answered by normy in garden city 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you may have to use every tool in the tool book for complainers.
Document everything you have done to date - all the problems, take pictures, copies of correspondence and/or notes of phone calls you've made to Toll Bros.
You might want to have the window manufacturer send out a field service technician to evaluate your window and offer suggestions. There is the possibility that the window had workmanship problems when it left the factory.
Send TB a demand letter to fix the leaking window, up to and including removal and replacement of the entire window. Send copies to your local newspaper or television 'action line' or consumer ombudsman. And send a copy to your county district attorney as well as your state department of consumer affairs. Include CC's on your letter to TB so they know you have notified the above named groups.
If the above steps do not get this resolved, then talk with a lawyer to discuss your options, and pay them to write you a letter to TB on your behalf.
You might have to take matters into your own hands and hire a window installation contractor to fix the problem (install a drip edge flashing, or even tear out the old window and install a new one with proper flashing.) Then you would have to sue TB to recover all your expenses.
Installing a window is not rocket science. Doing it right just takes paying attention to all the details.
2006-10-27 13:39:08 · answer #4 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would count on the State you reside in as to how long you should report a criticism against the Builder. In North Carolina, that's "a million" year after the remaining date. After that one and all issues inclusive of your place falls into your arms. as a techniques because of the fact the Cracks on your Ceilings and partitions, that sounds like the commencing place is settling and not lots you're able to do approximately that. Mine is 6 years previous and that i've got had to repair Cracks that run from my ceiling down my partitions in my mattress room, two times already. Leaky taps are gonna take place, you merely ought to bypass purchase New washers for the taps and restore them. as a techniques because of the fact the rain blowing under your door, bypass to Lowes and purchase the Rubber Stripping that is going all around your Door to renounce the Rain from coming in; this will additionally keep on your electric powered bill. each and every of the flaws you're describing, are "Do It your self Jobs" and not that high priced to repair. i'm single and lady and if i will do it, so are you able to...Welcome to the international of possessing your individual homestead...
2016-12-08 22:45:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the BBB. I can offer some solutions to fix this. I have worked in the business for a while. I suspect it is the window itself.
There are a few questions that I need answered if you are looking to fix this.
2006-10-27 14:50:52 · answer #6 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋