[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Use goldwingnut to video. He knows the ropes

Don Wiley is great! I already had him video and photograph the construction of my home, including the poorly skilled tile installer. Don pointed out some of the subpar tilework, LVP flooring, stucco, and a crooked wall during construction. The entire LVP floor was replaced before closing. At closing it was found to be badly scratched across all the main walking areas. I have consulted with Don when I had warranty troubles and he agrees that warranty has switched to an "ignore them and they'll go away policy." He said to threaten legal action, but he did not have a lawyer referral for me.

[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Just my opinion, but $30K sounds way too high.

They are large showers, one is 8'4" long by 3'5". The other is L shaped 7'2" by 5'10" and needs new glass panel. I have two similar estimates. It's actually $26K for the two showers and $6K for the tub bath so $32K for all three. The tub bath has been worked on several times after we accepted the sixth replacement tub with a flaw we thought wasn't too bad. The tub bath tile is probably now mostly within tolerance with the exception of the horrible grout job.

Word of advice, check the depth of garden areas for drainage issues so you are aware of issues (not that developer would fix them though). They put many inches of pine needles down so it is easy to overlook how the storm water will run off. Villas in particular can be a problem once all the "dust settles".

The pine needles are good for more than one year if you are not too picky so you may miss issues.

Warrenty only covers your lawn for 30 days. You may want to make sure you check run off (course if there is no rain you are out of luck... do a rain dance). I just had to raise up a garden bed to avoid standing water. 29 bags of top soil in an 8 x 4' area. Issue was covered with pine needles when I first moved in. No gutters on my neighbors house so all run off ends up against my house. No proper contouring to have rain water go equally between the houses. Wish I had known to watch for that within the 30 days. What water I did see stand the TV said they only address standing water lasting 48 hours. Problem is water doesn't "stand" for 48 but soil never fully dries out. Zone 2 sprinklers keep drout out of front yard and at the same time over waters side shaded yard contributing to the constant dampness issues.

In a perfect world the developer should have had full sun on one zone and shade side yard on another. Not sure they would even address a basic sprinkler design issue while under the 30 day yard warranty... very doubtful.

[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by Nucky

What a way to ruin your retirement. Having to chase an issue like this is just wrong and out of line with what I've alway's thought about the way things work around these here parts. I am shocked.

I tried to take a nap before, the most important part of the day other than waking up. I couldn't sleep. I had to go back downstairs and read the entire thread and LOOK AT THOSE PICTURES AGAIN!

You need my N.J. lawyer, he would put his suit of armor on and rip the lungs out of any part of Boss Hog's cover-up, run, lie and deny crew. Unfortunately, he gave up his rights to practice law in Florida & Georgia. The lawyer I have for you comes with no promises other than they seem to be on the ball. Millhorn & Shanawany 13696 US-441 Suite #200 The Villages. 352-205-4707

We met these lawyers during our estate planning but have used them for a few situations similar to yours but not as severe as yours money-wise.

I still think there must be a way for a Knight In Shinning Armor from The Villages to Come Thru For You. Someone, step up with your contacts and knowledge and help this person. Just do it, it will feel great if she prevails.

We are rooting for you. First time I've heard my wife curse since we moved here 6 years ago. She was going from English to Spanish to I don't know what language and I was expecting the bed to levitate. She was like a cross between the chick in the Exorcist and Ricky Ricardo.

Thanks so much for the lawyer info - I'll check them out.

I also gratefully appreciate the empathy. I don't dare show you all of my photos as I don't think you'd survive that. You should have seen the before photos! We had over 400 cabinet defects. I heard a rumor someone reported 1,000.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

This too shall pass………..

Can't you give a helpful comment (or none at all) instead of being snarky when someone has a problem and is asking for advice???

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by kingofbeer

Purchased a new home in Maxwell Villas all the way out on Monument Way. The closing is coming up real soon. Not very happy about the condition of the streets leading into Maxwell Villas. The streets leading up are littered with nails, sand completely covering the street, and construction debris.Not really safe to drive your car through construction debris. Also, if we find and point out problems with hanging lights and things like that in the house during the walk-through. Is the builder required to fix or replace them? Any idea why the brand new concrete driveways do not always look the same color throughout? Is this a quality control issue with the contractor?

As many others have suggested, I would have Frank D'Angelo do an inspection for you if you are able to get an appointment with him. His son works with him and if you're lucky, they can fit you in. He's usually pretty booked up with appointments. Make sure you tell him you want him to list cosmetics things as well as functional ones.

I don't blame you for your concern, especially after reading all the other comments. The Villages' contracts are tight and they leave you no room for anything. Forget about those who have said, "this too shall pass." While that may be true, every time you look at something that's bothered you, it will be like a thorn in your side! Just to be safe, I think you might consider speaking about your concerns to an attorney. It would be money well spent and if it turns out that you end up with serious problems, you would need legal help anyway. Good luck!

[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

As many others have suggested, I would have Frank D'Angelo do an inspection for you if you are able to get an appointment with him. His son works with him and if you're lucky, they can fit you in. He's usually pretty booked up with appointments. Make sure you tell him you want him to list cosmetics things as well as functional ones.

I don't blame you for your concern, especially after reading all the other comments. The Villages' contracts are tight and they leave you no room for anything. Forget about those who have said, "this too shall pass." While that may be true, every time you look at something that's bothered you, it will be like a thorn in your side! Just to be safe, I think you might consider speaking about your concerns to an attorney. It would be money well spent and if it turns out that you end up with serious problems, you would need legal help anyway. Good luck!

Frank D"Angelo doesn't regularly do the inspection himself anymore, his two sons do. They will not report cosmetic issues unless you are having the inspection the first seven days. In fact, they will tell you they focus on reporting what they know the villages will fix, it's a builder-grade house, and you're paying for the lifestyle.
Good luck finding a lawyer to take on the villages. I found a great one - let me know if you want to pay his $20,000 retainer and $600/hr fee and I'll give you his name.

[MidWestIA]

Oh yeah maybe take your walk on you street & pick them up. I think I had 4 nails in tires when new housing in our area

[Stu from NYC]

Wow always thought they were better than this

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Can't you give a helpful comment (or none at all) instead of being snarky when someone has a problem and is asking for advice???

Your criticism is duly noted.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by SusanStCatherine

Thanks so much for the lawyer info - I'll check them out.

I also gratefully appreciate the empathy. I don't dare show you all of my photos as I don't think you'd survive that. You should have seen the before photos! We had over 400 cabinet defects. I heard a rumor someone reported 1,000.

What a sad situation to be faced with in your best retirement days. We never had to deal with that quality workmanship north of 466A and I have to admit, we would buy a preowned in this area before we would ever consider the “new” builds. We wish you luck in managing all the issues with your house… it hardly sounds like a home at this point.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by SusanStCatherine

Frank D"Angelo doesn't regularly do the inspection himself anymore, his two sons do. They will not report cosmetic issues unless you are having the inspection the first seven days. In fact, they will tell you they focus on reporting what they know the villages will fix, it's a builder-grade house, and you're paying for the lifestyle.
Good luck finding a lawyer to take on the villages. I found a great one - let me know if you want to pay his $20,000 retainer and $600/hr fee and I'll give you his name.

The OP should be walking through the house now making notes of things he sees that need attention, even though they may be taken care of before closing. It is not up to anyone who does inspections to "focus" on what they "think" The Villages will fix. Remember YOU are paying them for a report and if you want certain types of information, that is what you are paying them for.

I assume you are kidding regarding an attorney charging a $20,000 retainer fee and $600 an hour. Those are rape figures and Morgan & Morgan doesn't even charge that much! However, judging by what the OP said, it sounds as though he certainly does need some legal advice even if he doesn't engage with an attorney for a legal issue.

[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

The OP should be walking through the house now making notes of things he sees that need attention, even though they may be taken care of before closing. It is not up to anyone who does inspections to "focus" on what they "think" The Villages will fix. Remember YOU are paying them for a report and if you want certain types of information, that is what you are paying them for.

I assume you are kidding regarding an attorney charging a $20,000 retainer fee and $600 an hour. Those are rape figures and Morgan & Morgan doesn't even charge that much! However, judging by what the OP said, it sounds as though he certainly does need some legal advice even if he doesn't engage with an attorney for a legal issue.

It doesn't matter. I got a good second inspection report and the warranty department ignored that as well.

I contacted Morgan & Morgan and they took forever to contact me back and then they put me in the same survey I already filled out. I called them back and the person barely spoke English so I hung up. I was warned against using them.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by SusanStCatherine

They are large showers, one is 8'4" long by 3'5". The other is L shaped 7'2" by 5'10" and needs new glass panel. I have two similar estimates. It's actually $26K for the two showers and $6K for the tub bath so $32K for all three. The tub bath has been worked on several times after we accepted the sixth replacement tub with a flaw we thought wasn't too bad. The tub bath tile is probably now mostly within tolerance with the exception of the horrible grout job.

If you do decide to hire a contractor to redo the tiles, you may want to consider a different type of wall and floor surface, such as solid panels. It may even be possible to install wall panels over the existing tile. Personally, I have never liked ceramic tile in a shower.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by SusanStCatherine

It doesn't matter. I got a good second inspection report and the warranty department ignored that as well.

I contacted Morgan & Morgan and they took forever to contact me back and then they put me in the same survey I already filled out. I called them back and the person barely spoke English so I hung up. I was warned against using them.

The Villages warranty people would have given you a reason why they didn't act on the problems you had. Was that the end of it or didn't you follow up?

Just as an FYI . . . Morgan & Morgan are injury attorneys. They would not have helped you with a Villages problem.