Foreclosure’s building problem (Poor construction adding to the woes)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20393984/ ^ | 8-22-07 | Maya Roney

[woodbutcher1963]

This happens EVERY time there is a building boom. People build houses and become contractors/developers without much if any experience. When the boom becomes a bust they get out of the industry.

Same thing happens with real estate agents.

That is why in many markets prefabricated homes (ie built in a factory with quality control measures) are now in alot of cases better quality than homes built on the jobsite.

The Lumber Broker

[LoneStarGI]

‘Horror stories’ like these are common throughout the entire building market. I don’t deny that things like this happen, and I sympathize with anyone who has to go through the headache of a badly built house. However, most of the time when I come across a story like this, I constantly ask myself, “how often did these people visit their property while it was being built?” “Once, twice, never?” It’s not a guarantee of anything, but I think that alot of these things can be avoided if the buyer takes a little time and goes to look at their home as it’s being built and make sure that they don’t miss anything, and if they do, document it, photograph it, and report it to the home seller immediately. That kind of info arms you for later if they try to make you close on the house when problems exist.

My first house was built about 3 years ago, and I was out there looking at it and taking pics two to three times a week from the time they cleared the land till they put up the last brick. There was one issue that concerned me and I reported it and it got fixed the next day. I haven’t had a single problem with the house since moving in.

[4yearlurker]

I worked construction in the mid 80s and I can honestly say that I saw more bad construction than good. I subbed trim and kitchen cabinets. I can’t tell how many times I heard:”hurry up! But make it look good” I used to ask the contractor (my boss) which do you want? Quick work or good work?”

[Hydroshock]

There are still a few wout there like that, but they are getting few and far between. Most homes built now are done by big builders who just throw them up there.

[Malacoda]

(Acknowledging that the plural of anecdote is not data:)

That first night in the new house, the dining room ceiling collapsed. Bob had pulled the plug in the Jacuzzi tub upstairs, and 100 gallons of water came crashing through the ceiling downstairs because the plumbing drains were not connected.

This exact same thing happened to a close friend in April. They moved in to their new town home, and the first night, she took a bath. The jets were not attached properly, and the living room ceiling caved in.

Didn't a plumbing inspector check out the house? Was there a final inspection?

In their case, because it was a development of forty town homes, the inspector went through ONE, saw everything was OK, and rubber-stamped the others as OK, too. They'll be tied up in court for years over this.

[NavyCanDo]

The stuff I see going up is all particle board construction. Here I am in Washington the Evergreen State, where lumber was once King, and their gluing wood chips together to build homes. Sure, slap on the siding, trim and some paint and they may look nice from the street – but I guarantee you that in 40 years they will not be nearly as structurally sound as my 1968 home, which will be a ripe 80 years old by then.

[ontap]

Most people don’t buy custom houses. They buy tract housing and are not around when the house was built.

[sweet_diane]

"Certainly there are fly-by-night builders who make a quick buck and leave town, but this is not representative of 99.99% of the building industry."

You get what you pay for. An honest contractor has a right to earn a fair living as much as anyone.

Hubby helps people overcome their inate distrust of contractors by being totally transparent. If your contractor isn't willing to show you exactly where all the money is going, including their own salary, then they are hiding something from you for a reason.

[sweet_diane]

"The question is; does Houston even have a building code?"

I would think every state, county and city would have building codes. I'll have to ask Hubby when he gets home. Doesn't each state have a Licensure Board?

[cinives]

You need to pick and choose wisely if you do. If you buy a house in good shape after 5 or so years, and get a good builder/plumber/electrician to inspect your home before purchase, you will do fine.

I bought a 7 yo house which was designed, built, owned and lived in by the builder, and it’s outstanding in its construction. 2x6s and extra insulation frame the walls, the exterior is double brick, windows are all top-notch Marvin, and there’s lots of steel supports and joists in the basement. If you jump on a floor anywhere in the house, nothing moves.

I couldn’t buy a 100 yo house in better shape than this one.

[sweet_diane]

"In their case, because it was a development of forty town homes, the inspector went through ONE, saw everything was OK, and rubber-stamped the others as OK, too."

Wow...that's just asking for trouble! I had no idea.

Hubby has a good relationship with the local inspectors, they've seen enough of his work to know how he operates. He'll do his own inspection of the sub contractors work before paying them so he doesn't have any surprises come inspection time. If it's not done right, the sub doesn't get paid, simple as that.

After reading this thread I'm beginning to think Hubby doesn't charge near as much as he's worth!

[goldstategop]

No honest contractor will object to an independent inspection of the property. After all he wants to sell it and should be able to stand by his work. My condo in Colorado had a problem with drainage on the pathway that made it a walking hazard in the winter due to slippery ice. That was noted in the inspector's report in February before I considered buying it since I liked it. I contacted the Realtor and he told me the problem would addressed. So I bought the place and earlier this summer it was finally corrected by having the drainage gutter go underground. So basically, give the contractor a chance first. Only if they leave you unsatisfied, then take action to protect your rights.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

You would think things like this would be noted by a professional home inspector. They know where to look for problems. Every home buyer SHOULD hire one before they make an offer. A few hundred dollars a reputable home inspector charges isn't a lot for peace of mind on what is arguably the biggest purchase most people will make in their life. My view is that if the report turns up lots of problems - just walk away no matter how tempting it might be. Such a report can save you from acquiring the home in hell. And if it does check out, get a one year home warranty in writing for added peace of mind.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[metesky]

I would think every state, county and city would have building codes.

Unfortunately that's not always true. As late as 2001 many towns in Maine had not adopted a code and there was no state-wide requirement. We built a monster house in Winterport in '01 and the town fathers who we invited down fore a look were flabbergasted that we built it so well when we didn't have to.

Doesn't each state have a Licensure Board?

Yes, but each state doesn't license contractors. They're to busy making sure no one braids hair without the proper credentials. Massachusetts does license contractors and there is supposed to be a licensed person with a copy of the code book on site at all times.

[goldstategop]

They do but its up to the buyer to order an inspection done. Caveat emptor. Don't rely on the Realtor's or contractor's assurances about the property. Get the fact-finding done first before you buy. And if the problems that do turn up don't deter you from buying the place, you can use that to your advantage by getting the price of the place reduced by getting a credit for any repairs that might need to be peformed. That's the difference between smart buyers and those who just buy a property sight unseen.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Tribune7]

ping

[Theo]

I concur. I bought a new home 2 years ago and had it inspected twice — prior to signing and prior to the 1-year warranty. They found “things” I never would have noticed.

[Roccus]

I understand, the buyer has his own responsibilities. My thought however is that since the house is collateral for the loan, wouldn’t the bank/lender be interested in whether or not the house is worthy of the loan. It seems from the article as if it’s the bank taking the big hit on this.

[lastchance]

Many times my husband who is a glazier has to explain a homeowner that it is not the mirrors that are crooked but the walls. In the years I did inspections I only saw one builder string the corners of the foundation. And just trying explaining A2 x B2 = C2. No wonder so many houses are out of square.

And I have a news flash for buyers of real expensive homes. The contractor of your 500K + house uses the same immigrant labor as the contractor on the 100K house. Plus he most likely uses the same construction material. You are paying for upgrades in such things as cabinets, plumbing fixtures, carpets and paint. Not for quality of the construction.

[lastchance]

NOt always. Check your state law regarding construction leins. It was very common for the banks to release the 3rd draw before the walls were even up. In Florida if a contractor does not pay the subcontractor the homeowner is hit with the bill. Even if he relied on a bank not paying till the appropriate stage of construction was completed and inspected. You can imagine the nightmare that creates for homeowners who are left holding the bag. Unless it can be proven the contractor committed deliberate fraud or other criminal acts he is pretty much off the hook.

A favorite ploy used to be, dont’ pay the subs, declare bankruptcy, agree to pay owners back at 50.00 or less per month, start a new company and get back in business. Lather, rinse, repeat.