QUESTION
Builder not fixing repairs as promised
Asked on Sep 02nd, 2014 on Residential Real Estate - Virginia
More details to this question:
I have few items that my builder is not fixing. They responded that they would fix few items and did not provide me a response why they would not fix rest. They are forcing me to sign a document stating that I agree to them fixing only few items and not the rest. Then only they would fix those that they agree to. They also want me to send an email that I cannot ask any other issues to be fixed ever in future Please help and provide guidance. I have proof that everything that everything on my list has been agreed as legitimate by builder's associates.
1 ANSWER
If this is a new home, there is a statutory warranty which covers the house for 1 year from the date of closing, and the foundation for 5 years. You aren't required to sign anything in order for the contractor to honor the warranty. Everything was to have been built in a workmanlike manner-which basically means good quality construction. You can file a complaint with the State Contractor's Board and that may get the builder's attention. Perhaps you can threaten to file the complaint first and if the repairs aren't made, then file it. If you are getting close to the end of the 1 year period, take dated photographs of all problems and document as well as possible that the issues arose before the year was up. The contractor is required to come within a "reasonable time" to make the repairs...whatever "reasonable" means-generally quicker if it's a major thing like a leaky roof, slower if it's a minor thing like a nail pop.
Answered on Sep 02nd, 2014 at 1:38 PM