Bielinski Homes Bielinski Will not refund Earnest Money WATCH OUT. Waukesha, Wisconsin

We contracted with Bielinski Homes to build our home in 2007. We were relocating to Wisconsin from Chicago, Illinois and after an exhausting search of exsiting homes for sale in the area, we decided to build a new home (our first time building after owning 7 previous homes). We were fortunate to have gotten Melissa Story for our Sales Rep - she was attentive to our wish list and walked us through the contract process so at the time we signed our purchase contract we were completely aware of what was required from us and what we were to expect from Bielinski Homes.

Regarding the complaint that have been posted, there are 2 points to consider.

First, without knowledge of who was the Sales Rep, there should have been clarification (crystal clear) of what money was needed to proceed with the contract, what this money was to be used for, and when the money was due to be paid as the building process progressed. Included in this clarification should have been the "penalty" if the money was not paid as outlined in the purchase contract, or if there was a default by the purchaser prior to excavation for the foundation.

Second, with our contract with Bielinski Homes we were reqiured to give them deposit $1000 at signing and $4000 when we went through the "Design Center", finalizing the colors, cabinetry, sink fixtures, etc. It was made clear to us that the $1000 would not be refundable because it was to be used to purchase permits, having a final survey done, and fees that were required prior to digging for the pouring of the foundation. Again. this was made perfectly clear to us BEFORE we signed our copy of the offer to purchase. The $4000 was a "pro-rated" refundable deposit which was refundable only up to the date the foundation was poured. It is notable to point out that Bielinski Homes only required a total deposit of $5000 to begin construction of a $285,000 home.

Not being present with the writer of the complaint at the time he was given his presentation by the Sales Rep, I couldn't possibly say whether or not he was as thoroughly briefed on the process as we were. If he was not, I can see where he would have had expectaions that were not made. In the end, the final responsibility to resolve this rests with Bielinski Homes (Tom Bielinski) as they are responsible for what is said or not said by their Sales Reps. I can only vouch for our situation and in our case we were completely satisfied with the entire building process with Bielinski Homes. From the day we first met with Melissa to the move-in date, we knew in advance what to expect from us and what to expect from Bielinski Homes. Our Site Supervisor (Darryl) was meticulious in watching over the construction of our home, and kept us regularly updated as the construction progressed.

The building of a new home is inheritedly a complex process. It is therefore the responsibility of the purchaser to ask as many questions as possible and to be perfectly clear of the expectations of both parties prior to any signing of contracts or exchange of money. It is equally the responsibility of the builder to make every effort to make the purchaser aware of what their responsibilities are and what the builder will or won't do to acieve the purchaser's expectations. In our situation, Bielinski Homes performed flawlessly - including the walk through and repair of any issue that arose in the first 12 months after we had moved into our new home.