HOLIDAY BUILDERS DISHONEST I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THINGS IN MY NEW HOME THAT THEY DONT WANT TO HERE ABOUT PORT CHARLOTTE Florida

Hi Michael,

I'm sorry to hear about you having trouble with your builder. We ran into some problems along the way with a few builders. Some lessons were hard learned. Maybe some of what I know will help.

Contracts: Obviously this stage is over, but go over it with a fine tooth comb, what kind of warranty do you have and how long has it been after you've closed? Many times there are remedies *that you should not have to pay for* stipulated in the contract. Many times you will get a blanket "home warranty". Do keep in mind some minor things like nail pops, etc aren't going to be covered. But your roof... that's in there if you have a warranty.

Punch List: Did you make a copy of your punch list? If so, did they ever have you "sign off for me showing up today" when they came to fix something and it wasn't done to your satisfaction? Check the paperwork you've received and make sure you haven't signed your rights away. If you have contact a lawyer. Today. If things weren't fixed to your satisfaction, what is their grievance proceedure, and did you follow it? If you did, it's time to call in the County Building Inspector. When a company builds a home (especially a community) they usually have to file for a bond with the county. After they're done building, in our state you have 6 months to file against the bond or the County gives it back. Make them aware of the problem NOW. The building inspector can also help you get an opinion on your roof. (aka: Is it safe? Is it up to code, etc)

The pool: don't sweat that. I know it wasn't completed like you wanted, but you you also didn't pay for it at closing. You can now hire a different company to put in your pool. Hopefully someone who will do a better job. DOn't go with the cheap bid, or the high bid. Take the one in the middle. Learn about pools and be excruciatingly clear about what you want from the get go and have the contractors submit bids on what you want right from the start. Ask to see the line item bid sheet. That will tell you how much concrete, labor, paint, etc is costing you.

My biggest piece of advice is to involve the county. Talk to your neighbors, or others they have built homes for. Find out if this is a track record or if it's just you. The more people complain about shoddy workmanship, the more serious the county will take it. If the violations are severe, not only will you get some type of remediation, it is possible you can get the builder's license pulled at least in your county, sparing anyone else the heart ache. Get the county involved... your tax dollars at work. Don't expect them to be sympathetic with paint colors or nail pops. But serious issues like drainage and having a roof and sprinkler system up to code are serious. (At least where I come from)

Hope this helps. I wish you the best.