Builder Blues

Well, yesterday we went back to the house to do a walk-through with our builder, real estate agent, and broker. It’s where you go back through and make a list of things you want taken care of before you close. We had an inspection on Friday and some things came up regarding the roof and some electrical issues, not to mention there needed to be some touch ups done on the paint.
So we addressed these things to the builder and he got offended and said he felt ganged up on. I think he has a lot of personal issues in this house since he did a lot of the work himself and gets offended easily if we want something changed. But WE are the ones who are going to be living here and paying on the mortgage so I don’t think we were being unreasonable! As the day came to a close he sort of calmed down a bit and we compromised on some issues. We go back Thursday to check the progress….but man that was a doozy and I hate to hurt people’s feeling…but this is OUR house! Anyways…just be praying that everything works out in the coming week and we can close on this house soon!

15 thoughts on “Builder Blues

  1. Bless your heart, Becky! I understand all too well – been there, done that and bought the tshirt! HA! We had an awful experience when we bought our house here in NJ last September – but it was with the owners who had lived there for 38 years – they were a NIGHTMARE! (even to the point they kicked us off their property on the day of closing during the final walk-through as they didn’t like what our inspector had to say about things not being fixed properly) UGH! I do hope the final inspection goes better for you! Big hugs! :o)

  2. Becky,

    I’m visiting from Kelly’s blog … but when I saw this post, I just HAD to respond!

    As much any one of us hates to burden another, this is one situation where you really need to stand your ground. This is a business transation, not a personal one. I tell you this simply because my husband and I have been there, and we’re paying exponentially for it three years later! When we moved to Louisville, KY a few years ago and built, our original walk-thru punch list was scrutinized by the builder and all of his people. We were told everything would be taken care of. That list never got addressed. Then our one-year punch list came due and it always magically never arrived at the builder’s office, his mailbox, his secretary, etc. It also never was addressed. The saddest part is that they claim to be a Christian builder. As the one on the receiving end, and the one paying the bills weekly to have contractors repair her home, I can tell you … I’m not feeling the Christian love. It has been the biggest nightmare for us. Unfortunately for the builder, things have come full circle in that they are now on the brink of bankruptcy. I guess greed will do that to a person!

    Remember … it’s business. And whatever you do, please do NOT hand them a dime of your money until everything is in writing and notarized or repaired.

    Best of luck to you!

  3. Love the new header!
    Good luck with that..I say stand your ground, it’s hard to hurt peoples feelings but your the one going to be paying on this house in the long run.

  4. I’d probably feel the same way as you Becky – I hate hurting people’s feelings but at the same time this is going to be YOUR home, you want things taken care of! Stick to your guns!

  5. Ugh. Don’t feel bad. I seriously doubt any of you were rude, he was probably over reacting.

    We had a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE time closing our house in CO – it was delayed so many times we actually had to move into a hotel and put our entire house into storage for a week while the builder fixed things. Luckily we were buying from a huge builder, so no feelings were hurt and they paid for all the delays, but I understand what a nightmare it can be.

    Good luck and hold your ground because as soon as you give them your money and move into the house, you’ll have to fight ten times harder to get them to do anything.

    (Side note – how funny is it that my security word to comment is ‘fight’?)

  6. Ooh, tricky situation. My hubby is a GC and built custom and spec homes for years before finally deciding that commercial was a better avenue to be on. I will say this, most “home builders” have a real ego about them. They think they are big time stuff, and most all of the residential home builders we come into contact with on a day to day basis, especially the ones who do a lot of their own labor, tend to be a bit somewhat emotional ;). Sadly, finding good quality (and clean) construction labor is SO hard these days, more guys are finding themselves with the brunt of the work if they’re going to make any money. However, they need to do it right! You’re the one paying for it, and it needs to be done right. I saw the pics below, everything is looking awesome! I love the fridge you picked, and your lighting is really trendy yet warm and homey. Love it!

  7. Ooh, tricky situation. My hubby is a GC and built custom and spec homes for years before finally deciding that commercial was a better avenue to be on. I will say this, most “home builders” have a real ego about them. They think they are big time stuff, and most all of the residential home builders we come into contact with on a day to day basis, especially the ones who do a lot of their own labor, tend to be a bit somewhat emotional ;). Sadly, finding good quality (and clean) construction labor is SO hard these days, more guys are finding themselves with the brunt of the work if they’re going to make any money. However, they need to do it right! You’re the one paying for it, and it needs to be done right. I saw the pics below, everything is looking awesome! I love the fridge you picked, and your lighting is really trendy yet warm and homey. Love it!

  8. Ugh. Don’t feel bad. I seriously doubt any of you were rude, he was probably over reacting.

    We had a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE time closing our house in CO – it was delayed so many times we actually had to move into a hotel and put our entire house into storage for a week while the builder fixed things. Luckily we were buying from a huge builder, so no feelings were hurt and they paid for all the delays, but I understand what a nightmare it can be.

    Good luck and hold your ground because as soon as you give them your money and move into the house, you’ll have to fight ten times harder to get them to do anything.

    (Side note – how funny is it that my security word to comment is ‘fight’?)

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