2K views
1 comment

Folks, we all know buying a house can be a little stressful. That's no secret. However, what would be worse is the price you pay down the road if you fail to protect yourself.

I recently signed a contract to have a house built. Price was great. Location was where I wanted. I went with little options because they are WAY overpriced. I knew I could do the upgrades for a fifth of what the builder was charging. That's the first mistake folks make. Do not pay upfront for upgrades...period. More on this later. Like I said, I was fine with the contract the way it was structured.

Let's move on the start of the build. I was able to spend quite a bit of time observing what was happening. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed, at all. The quality of the workmanship was horrible. One issue after another. Now, these weren't cosmetic issues. They were structural issues. I addressed the issues through proper channels and I was told "They will be taken care of". So, I remained patient...and observed. Most issues were ignored. If it was a five minute fix it was done. However, any issues that would have slowed down the process were simply hidden and covered up. Ever wonder why there are so many "after move-in" complaints? Hmmmmm, makes you wonder huh. Roofing not installed properly. Siding not installed properly. Interior walls crooked. The list goes on. Now mind you, I hired an inspector to provide a pre-drywall inspection which identified these issues. Yet, the builder tried to sidestep the issues with excuses of "tolerances" and "it was inspected". Folks, this is pure rubbish.

Lets talk tolerances. A wall is either crooked or it's straight. there are no tolerances that cannot be overcome with the simple use of a chalk line. A 10 year old can pop a chalk line.

Inspections seem to be the most used tactic with us. Hey Mr. Buyer, don't worry, we have a 3rd party inspector to check on things for you. Well, lets break this down to lowest common denominator. Builder hires a "3rd party" inspector. Builder pays 3rd party inspector. Builder put meat and potatos on said 3rd party inspectors table. Do you really think this 3rd party inspector is going to burn that bridge? Just won't happen.

Oh, wait Mr Buyer, the city has to inspect also. Folks, if a city inspector spends more than 10 minutes doing nay inspecting you will be lucky.

The bottom line with this nonsense about inspections is this. Minimum code. Say that 10 times over and over. What minimum code means is that the house "shouldn't" fall down on you as you're walking around. Minimum code means NOTHING about quality. These codes have NOTHING to due with quality workmanship. Please do not confuse the issue here. The builder WILL use these excuses against you EVERY time you address serious issues

So, back to upgrades. First and foremost, you are being ripped off. If you don't absolutely, 100%, need this frivolous upgrade, just pass on it. Why? Because when you hand over your hard-earned cash, upfront, you just gave away your way out. You will not get it back if you bail on the house. That's the sucker bet they toss at you. You are now locked into buying or losing your down payment.

Quality. This should be your first concern. If it isn't you're doomed. Do not buy a house you have no chance at reselling. For the most part, these are "throw away' houses. Kind of like buying a Yugo car. Do you have access to the foreman or Superintendent building your house? If not, run. Does the foreman return your calls? If not, run. Do you make spot checks on the build a couple times a week? If not, run from yourself...lol. Not making spotchecks is foolish. Did you have the foundation inspected before the pour? If not, you're being foolish. Did you have the framing and pre-drywall inspected by YOUR inspector? If not, don't come here complaining. Folks, this is your house and your money. Don't foolishly give it away.

This applies equally to those buying an inventory house, meaning complete. You need to do your homework and hire an independent inspector that has at least 20 years in the NEW HOME inspection business. Remember, you weren't around when the builder had all the unskilled, low paid, picked up in the morning at the Home Depot parking lot, workers building you dream house.

Wow, this guy is still typing. Yes, I am. it's important that you folks read and heed. You are at a huge disadvantage. You don't have the money for a down payment. You don't have the money for closing costs. You're tired of the apartment life. You are just like me. Unfortunately, the builders know this and WILL prey on you. They know you're broke. They know you're desperate. They know you will jump all over this "0 Down Move In" ***. That's how they make their money....your money. So, do you succumb to this or do you buy wisely? That choice is yours, and only yours.

Here are my top five red flags that should make you keep your hand OUT of your pocket and think before you leap. these are not in any specific order, but all should apply.

1) Do not give more earnest money than you can afford to lose. This is where the trap begins.

2) If you're building from the ground up: At the first sign of low bidder workmanship consider seriously about running. Some builders will man up and work with you. Some won't. Poor quality workmanship should be a deal breaker. See #1.

2a) If you're buying an inventory house DO NOT close until every discrepency on the punch list is complete AND reinspected. This where you MUST hire an inspector knowledgable with new home construction. Read the after sale complaints here. See #1.

3) Does the builder fix all the inspection items that were identified? This is a yes or no question. If the builder is working in your best interest they will work with you. If not, run. Paying 200K for house that is worth 80K is, well, you fill the blank. Paying 200K for a house that you can only sell for 120K is, well, you fill in the blank. You DID have your realtor run comps before you signed up for all this fun, right? Please say YES!

4) How much access do you have to the foreman? He is the good reason or the bad reason for your house. It is HIS responsibility to make sure the quality is there. if you're not talking to him weekly....run! If he refuses to meet with you at the site...run!

5) Follow your gut instinct. It will never let you down. Just because you're broke doesn't mean you need to get screwed around. there are good builders out there. Do your homework and find them.

Needless to say, I cancelled. I just couldn't swallow the idea of getting screwed over. True, I don't have money to throw at closing costs or down payments. But, that's not a valis reason to allow myself to be preyed upon. I will find another builder, maybe even the same builder. Like I said, the foreman is the critical element the this process. One that truly cares will sleep well at night. The others might still sleep well but it will be at your expense. It's up to you to find the right mix.

Part 2 to follow......

Location: Austin, Texas

Do You Have Something To Say ?
Write a review

Comments

chat-icon

Please avoid publishing any personal information and promotional content

You will be automatically registered on our site. Username and password will be sent to you via email.
Post Comment
Guest

Wow please heed to his advice here is right

Dr Horton Reviews

  1. 244 reviews
  2. 73 reviews
  3. 23 reviews
  4. 5 reviews
  5. 10 reviews
Dr Horton reviews