QUESTION
How much compensation for builder's mistake in new home?
Asked on Jan 04th, 2014 on Residential Real Estate - Virginia
More details to this question:
My builder put a wrong grout color between the bricks. I have bricks in front elevation and base (5-7 layers in base all four sides). Builder has agreed his mistake and tells me that redoing brick is not possible unless we rebuild it. They want me to tell him what compensation do I need? Total house sq ft is 3375 and price is $390k. What is the right amount to ask as a compensation in this case?
1 ANSWER
That's a very tough question-no judge will make him re-do it all just for the color but you are entitled to reasonable compensation for the mistake. It's really a personal call but it's unlikely it would be worth spending a lot of money on a lawyer to have a Court decide.
Were it me, I'd try something like this: I'd ask for some amount of money, plus perhaps an extended warranty on the house. The statutory warranty is 1 year on the house and 5 on the foundation, perhaps ask for $5000 and the warranty extended to 5 years on the house.
It's all a matter of negotiation and if you can't agree, it would be an excellent case for mediation. Good luck.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2014 at 9:16 AM