We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

kris3432 wrote in news:1177956070.698478.59740
@y5g2000hsa.googlegroups.com:

We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

Depending on your contract, is really IS no big deal: You tell them to
fix it and they do what you say. They didn't build the house according
to the plan, so they don't have much choice. Also, depending on your
contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Call your representative NOW!

On Apr 30, 2:01 pm, kris3432 wrote:
We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

There is the possibility that the picture is a bit deceiving depending
on the angle and position it was taken. If you think there is a
problem you should absolutely go see the house and inspect it. 8
hours is a long way but I'm sure it's a considerable investment and if
you think there is a problem with the construction you should see for
yourself and consult the builder face to face on the property and
explain your concerns. New construction certainly comes with a set of
building & architectural plans which would easily tell if the window
is in the correct location or not so there really shouldn't be any
argument. The plan measurements are what they are; there is no
"wiggle" room. But if it's not in the right spot, you are certainly
entitled to have the problem rectified. If on site with the builder,
he/she can walk you through the plans. If it is a window location
issue, although it would take time, should be able to be moved to the
correct spot without much problem particularly since it is on the
front of the house and there should be nothing behind those walls
blocking the move such as pipes. The builder will definitely have to
take into consideration the electric wiring, etc that may be behind
the wall, but this should not be a problem to move if needed since the
sheetrock will come down and expose the area and any adjustments will
be made at that point. Of course if the builder gives you problems
you do have the new construction plans, etc, so you do have legal
remedies, but hopefully it won't come to that. One thing though, it
is possible the window is in the correct spot and built according to
plan and it was just something you didn't focus on when you originally
looked at and approved the design. Remember, they need to build it
according to the plans, if they are wrong, they MUST fix it
irrespective of the cost & time to them. Hope it all goes well for
you.

"kris3432" wrote in message
ps.com...


The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.


Is it possible they centered the window on the inside wall, and not on the outside
wall? What did the blueprints show?

On Apr 30, 1:23 pm, Steve wrote:
kris3432 wrote in news:1177956070.698478.59740
@y5g2000hsa.googlegroups.com:





We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

Depending on your contract, is really IS no big deal: You tell them to
fix it and they do what you say. They didn't build the house according
to the plan, so they don't have much choice.


Yeah, right. They don't have much choice. Except maybe to keep the
deposit
and tell you to get lost. What planet are you on?

First, what evidence, other than the buyer saying so, is there that
the window
is in the "wrong" place? And even if a window is off from where it's
shown on
some document, how much are you willing to spend to try to prove it on
the chance
that you might win?

Don;t get me wrong. If the window is substantially off from where
it's supposed to
be, the buyer has a valid issue and it should be fixed. However,
anyone saying
it's no big deal is an idiot.



Also, depending on your
contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

LOL, what does the contract have to do with how much trouble it is to
get the job done on time? Does it say if we screw up and it's a lot
of
trouble, we have 6 mths, but if it's less trouble we have 1 mth? And
wha
t does any of that have to do with the questions at hand?




If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Oh, so you're not even sure you understand the description, but you
know it's no
problem?




Call your representative NOW!-


There is no record of what was said on a phone call. You should call
the builder AND send the builder via mail with a return receipt a
letter stating your issue.

wrote

Yeah, right. They don't have much choice. Except maybe to keep the
deposit
and tell you to get lost. What planet are you on?

In which case, you simply don't pay them the final installment until it's
right, and if they won't make it right, you call the contractor's board, and
they arbitrate. If they find in your favor, they have the contractor do it
right, or hire another, and tack it against his surety bond.



First, what evidence, other than the buyer saying so, is there that
the window
is in the "wrong" place? And even if a window is off from where it's
shown on
some document, how much are you willing to spend to try to prove it on
the chance
that you might win?

Blueprints are actually pretty simple. If the window goes 16'8" from the
left corner, and it's not there, it's WRONG.



Don;t get me wrong. If the window is substantially off from where
it's supposed to
be, the buyer has a valid issue and it should be fixed. However,
anyone saying
it's no big deal is an idiot.

For a couple of guys to move a window at this stage IS NO BIG DEAL. Anyone
who thinks it is doesn't know anything about construction. It's done all
the time. They built the whole friggin house, I'll bet a dollar they can
move a window.




Also, depending on your
contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

LOL, what does the contract have to do with how much trouble it is to
get the job done on time? Does it say if we screw up and it's a lot
of
trouble, we have 6 mths, but if it's less trouble we have 1 mth? And
wha
t does any of that have to do with the questions at hand?




If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Oh, so you're not even sure you understand the description, but you
know it's no
problem?




Call your representative NOW!-


There is no record of what was said on a phone call. You should call
the builder AND send the builder via mail with a return receipt a
letter stating your issue.



I can see you don't have a lot of experience with this, do you?

Steve

On 30 Apr 2007 11:01:10 -0700, kris3432 wrote:

We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

Off-the-cuff; I wouldn't just accept this. I would call the builder
and ask him to check your plans and the actual measurements.

He can correct one window early , if in fact it is wrong. Better for
him to fix it now than to find out you won't close on the house
because the window is wrong.

--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:04:13 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:

For a couple of guys to move a window at this stage IS NO BIG DEAL. Anyone
who thinks it is doesn't know anything about construction. It's done all
the time. They built the whole friggin house, I'll bet a dollar they can
move a window.

Exactly. We have called back framers to fix and RO, so we could set
the right window.

I'd like the builders take from the OP.

--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:20:00 -0700, Oren wrote:

On 30 Apr 2007 11:01:10 -0700, kris3432 wrote:

We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

Off-the-cuff; I wouldn't just accept this. I would call the builder
and ask him to check your plans and the actual measurements.

I like Oren's style. Let them check the plans and the house, and they
may well say, It's wrong. Do you want us to move it?, and you will
say, "Yes, please. Thank you.".

But read my other post, further down, ready in a minute or two.

He can correct one window early , if in fact it is wrong. Better for
him to fix it now than to find out you won't close on the house
because the window is wrong.

On 30 Apr 2007 11:01:10 -0700, kris3432 wrote:


I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

I don't think it is possible to tell if this means: "It's nothing you
should be bothered about so why are you bothering us? It doesn't
require any fixing." OR
"It's no bother for us to fix it and we will, so don't let it
bother you."

What is the builder's attitude?

Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...housefront.jpg

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...t=DCP_0952.jpg

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

kris3432 wrote:
Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...housefront.jpg

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...t=DCP_0952.jpg

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

If the plans are (and it appears it should be) for the window to be
centered on the outside, then there should be no question and I'd
demand it be made to match the plans if that's what you want. It's
enough out of symmetry that it could be an issue on a resale, I'll
agree.

As an aside, the arrangement seems absurd, but if you're somehow
contractually obligated to deal that way, then I guess it's so. I
would make the phone call but follow it up w/ written (and not e-mail
written, but snail-mail written w/ delivery confirmation to both that
the window location doesn't meet the specifications of the plans and
you expect it to be corrected. As someone else said, if the plans are
clear and it's not where they say it belongs, then it's wrong -- end
of story, what they say is/isn't a "big deal" has no bearing
whatsoever on the discussion. Don't let them sidetrack the issue --
"it's wrong, fix it"

"But, it's only a few inches."

"It's wrong, fix it."

"Nobody will pay any attention but you."

"It's wrong, fix it."

....etc., etc., etc., ...

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

On Apr 30, 11:22 pm, dpb wrote:
kris3432 wrote:
Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

I intended to make one more point and noticed this little comment that
I thought worth a brief response to, also...

The only thing you've mentioned so far I agree with the realtor/
builder on is the first of these -- if you didn't get a change order,
then despite an agreement verbally, there is no recourse. OTOH, if the
plans show the door hung the other way from which it was hung it is
just like the window position -- unless you agree (again in writing),
the plans are the controlling document. If it really should swing the
other way based on traffic flow or even if you only want it the other
way, it's his responsibility to make it so according to the plans. If
the plans were "wrong", then they should be changed, but they can't be
changed unless you approve.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. ...

Actually, it's very easy to say what the builder's attitude is--it
sucks, and he's hiding behind this facade and letting the realtor do
his dirty work for him. The realtor is just as bad and in cahoots as
they have a sweetheart deal going here. Which leads into my main
point I intended to raise earlier...

In addition to the formal notification to the realtor and builder, I
would recommend a cc: to the lawyer who reviewed the contract(s) for
you before you signed them. (You _DID_ get them reviewed by somebody
on _YOUR_ nickel, right?) You're not intending to sue or anything, of
course, but it serves to notify them you're serious and are tired of
the BS excuses. And, if you did go into this w/o somebody, I suggest
it's past time to get there as it gets closer to completion the
details are going to become harder to ensure are completed to your
satisfaction and you just might need it.

Lastly, despite the distance, you really do need to make the time to
get over there and walk through and ensure things are as supposed to
be. And, in the end, remember when they're running you through hoops,
it is, in the end, your money they're spending.

On Apr 30, 11:22 pm, dpb wrote:
kris3432 wrote:
....
The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.
....

As noted elsewhere, I agree it the plans show it that way, that's the
way it should be and my other responses point that out.

_BUT_, I must note that the pictures show the house nearing completion
so I'm not too surprised the builder really doesn't want to move it at
this point. The time you should have noticed this was when the
framing was completed and the window openings placed. By not taking
the time to make a thorough verification/check then, and waiting until
now, you have definitely increased the level of complexity in making
the fix by an ofer of magnitude as the exterior siding will have to be
replaced/repaired as well as the interior and it looks like it could
possibly be far enough along that the interior trim work has been
completed as well, even...

So, in some ways you're reaping the rewards of not being proactive
enough earlier.

But, in the end, it should meet the plans. He may want some
compensation if he moves it at this point in time. If it is to the
point interior trimwork is done, I'd suspect he may have a point
although that could be argued undoubtedly. Depends partly on whether
there are any identified checkpoints during construction where "no
comment/complaint" equals acceptance...

On Apr 30, 2:04 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
wrote

Yeah, right. They don't have much choice. Except maybe to keep the
deposit
and tell you to get lost. What planet are you on?

In which case, you simply don't pay them the final installment until it's
right, and if they won't make it right, you call the contractor's board, and
they arbitrate. If they find in your favor, they have the contractor do it
right, or hire another, and tack it against his surety bond.

So, you're familiar with the laws governing builders in the OP's
state? And you're sure
it's a slam dunk she;s gonna win arbitration, provided it's even
provided for under
the local laws and contract? And the OP hasn't even stated what, if
any, evidence she
has that the window is in the wrong place to begin with. We don;t
know what the building
plans show or that she ever saw them. We don't know what any sales
materials she relied
on show. We don't know what the model, if there is one, looks like.
And we don;t know
if there are any other homes of that model and where their widnows
are. BTW, most people
wouldn't say withholding payment, likely delaying your move-in, and
having to go to arbitration
is "no big deal."





First, what evidence, other than the buyer saying so, is there that
the window
is in the "wrong" place? And even if a window is off from where it's
shown on
some document, how much are you willing to spend to try to prove it on
the chance
that you might win?

Blueprints are actually pretty simple. If the window goes 16'8" from the
left corner, and it's not there, it's WRONG.


So, you've seen the blueprints BEFORE telling her it's no big deal?
And you know
the contract doesn't have a clause that talks about what deviations
the builder is
allowed and for what reasons?






Don;t get me wrong. If the window is substantially off from where
it's supposed to
be, the buyer has a valid issue and it should be fixed. However,
anyone saying
it's no big deal is an idiot.

For a couple of guys to move a window at this stage IS NO BIG DEAL. Anyone
who thinks it is doesn't know anything about construction. It's done all
the time. They built the whole friggin house, I'll bet a dollar they can
move a window.

At this stage? The window is in, the siding is done, the drywall is
done. Except for
paint, it's complete. Sure they can tear it apart and redo it. But
the OP already told you
that the builder has been unreponsive on other issues, that are very
likely a lot less
cost and trouble to fix than this.



Also, depending on your
contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

LOL, what does the contract have to do with how much trouble it is to
get the job done on time? Does it say if we screw up and it's a lot
of
trouble, we have 6 mths, but if it's less trouble we have 1 mth? And
wha
t does any of that have to do with the questions at hand?

If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Oh, so you're not even sure you understand the description, but you
know it's no
problem?

Call your representative NOW!-

There is no record of what was said on a phone call. You should call
the builder AND send the builder via mail with a return receipt a
letter stating your issue.

I can see you don't have a lot of experience with this, do you?



I have enough experience to know that it's wrong to tell someone that
it's no big deal
that a window has been framed, installed, sided,and drywalled in what
they think
is the wrong place. Especially when it wasn't even stated what basis
there is that the
window is in the wrong place, other thand the buyer's opinion.

Now, again, a disclaimer. I wouldn't want a window that is clearly in
the wrong place either.
But, before I assumed it's no big deal, I'd find out what all the
relevant facts are. .

wrote in message
oups.com...
On Apr 30, 2:04 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
wrote

Yeah, right. They don't have much choice. Except maybe to keep the
deposit
and tell you to get lost. What planet are you on?

In which case, you simply don't pay them the final installment until it's
right, and if they won't make it right, you call the contractor's board,
and
they arbitrate. If they find in your favor, they have the contractor do
it
right, or hire another, and tack it against his surety bond.

So, you're familiar with the laws governing builders in the OP's
state? And you're sure
it's a slam dunk she;s gonna win arbitration, provided it's even
provided for under
the local laws and contract? And the OP hasn't even stated what, if
any, evidence she
has that the window is in the wrong place to begin with. We don;t
know what the building
plans show or that she ever saw them. We don't know what any sales
materials she relied
on show. We don't know what the model, if there is one, looks like.
And we don;t know
if there are any other homes of that model and where their widnows
are. BTW, most people
wouldn't say withholding payment, likely delaying your move-in, and
having to go to arbitration
is "no big deal."





First, what evidence, other than the buyer saying so, is there that
the window
is in the "wrong" place? And even if a window is off from where it's
shown on
some document, how much are you willing to spend to try to prove it on
the chance
that you might win?

Blueprints are actually pretty simple. If the window goes 16'8" from the
left corner, and it's not there, it's WRONG.


So, you've seen the blueprints BEFORE telling her it's no big deal?
And you know
the contract doesn't have a clause that talks about what deviations
the builder is
allowed and for what reasons?






Don;t get me wrong. If the window is substantially off from where
it's supposed to
be, the buyer has a valid issue and it should be fixed. However,
anyone saying
it's no big deal is an idiot.

For a couple of guys to move a window at this stage IS NO BIG DEAL.
Anyone
who thinks it is doesn't know anything about construction. It's done all
the time. They built the whole friggin house, I'll bet a dollar they can
move a window.

At this stage? The window is in, the siding is done, the drywall is
done. Except for
paint, it's complete. Sure they can tear it apart and redo it. But
the OP already told you
that the builder has been unreponsive on other issues, that are very
likely a lot less
cost and trouble to fix than this.



Also, depending on your
contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

LOL, what does the contract have to do with how much trouble it is to
get the job done on time? Does it say if we screw up and it's a lot
of
trouble, we have 6 mths, but if it's less trouble we have 1 mth? And
wha
t does any of that have to do with the questions at hand?

If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Oh, so you're not even sure you understand the description, but you
know it's no
problem?

Call your representative NOW!-

There is no record of what was said on a phone call. You should call
the builder AND send the builder via mail with a return receipt a
letter stating your issue.

I can see you don't have a lot of experience with this, do you?



I have enough experience to know that it's wrong to tell someone that
it's no big deal
that a window has been framed, installed, sided,and drywalled in what
they think
is the wrong place. Especially when it wasn't even stated what basis
there is that the
window is in the wrong place, other thand the buyer's opinion.

Now, again, a disclaimer. I wouldn't want a window that is clearly in
the wrong place either.
But, before I assumed it's no big deal, I'd find out what all the
relevant facts are. .


I really don't have to know ANYTHING. Since you know EVERYTHING, I have you
to do it.

Steve

On 30 Apr 2007 20:54:08 -0700, kris3432 wrote:

Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...housefront.jpg

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...t=DCP_0952.jpg

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

Sounds like your realtor has her loyalties mixed up. She does work for
you and is obligated to look out for your best interest. Maybe she
needs to be reminded of this. If she is being brow-beat by the builder
and his agent you need another agent.

The window is wrong; now a door, and you don't like it.

Are you going to "close" on the house?

--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

On May 1, 11:00 am, Oren wrote:
On 30 Apr 2007 20:54:08 -0700, kris3432 wrote:





Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...?action=view¤t...

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...?action=view¤t...

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

Sounds like your realtor has her loyalties mixed up. She does work for
you and is obligated to look out for your best interest. Maybe she
needs to be reminded of this. If she is being brow-beat by the builder
and his agent you need another agent.


What makes you think she isn't just dealing with the builder's real
estate agent,
who represents the builder, not her? If you see a new development and
just walk
into the model, that's usually the case.





The window is wrong; now a door, and you don't like it.

Are you going to "close" on the house?

--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:59:06 -0400, mm
wrote:

On 30 Apr 2007 11:01:10 -0700, kris3432 wrote:


I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

I don't think it is possible to tell if this means: "It's nothing you
should be bothered about so why are you bothering us? It doesn't
require any fixing." OR
"It's no bother for us to fix it and we will, so don't let it
bother you."

My take is this: The buyer, buyer's agent, the builder and the
builder's agent cannot have a meeting of the minds :-/

Too many committees going on in everybody's head.

What is the builder's attitude?

What an arrangement he has; hide behind his agent...
--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

On May 1, 11:00 am, Oren wrote:
On 30 Apr 2007 20:54:08 -0700, kris3432 wrote:



Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...n=view&current...

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...n=view&current...

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

Sounds like your realtor has her loyalties mixed up. She does work for
you and is obligated to look out for your best interest. ...

That isn't necessarily so, depending on the contractual arrangement.
It does have to be revealed but often, unfortunately, the client
doesn't pay sufficient attention to such "minor" details and many are,
also unfortunately, more than happy to gloss over such delicacies...

Thank for all your comments. I called My realtor this morning, she
went out to the house and she thought the uncentered window "wasn't
that bad" and something "she would have never noticed." I insisted
she call the builder or the builder's agent and she did and got back
with me in an hour. Apparently the builder went out to the site and
says he is "quite embarrased" that he didn't catch the error
himselft. He said he would fix it ASAP.

I am a little bothered by how my realtor felt that it wasn't a big
enough deal to warrant attention, but one I told her I didn't care
what she thought that I wanted it fixed she took care of it.

My husband and I have decided to drive to the house this weekend to
see the house and make sure no other issues are hidden.

Thanks again.

On 1 May 2007 11:09:10 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 1, 11:00 am, Oren wrote:
On 30 Apr 2007 20:54:08 -0700, kris3432 wrote:



Sorry I wasn't clear. Anytime I call about an issue they act like my
issue isn't a big deal... nothing I should complain about. Like the
builder was going to move the laundry room wall another three feet
into the garage, and didn't do it. But, I was told by my realtor that
since he wasn't charging us for this change there was nothing I could
do about him not doing it. It was also a verbal agreement, and was
not in the contract... so it was a lesson learned for me. Also, he
placed a door opening in the opposite direction that the plans
showed... when I called about it and spoke to the realtor I was told
that the plans were just wrong.

It is hard to say what the builder's attitude is. Unfortunately I have
very little direct contact with the builder, since i am required to
field all questions through my realtor and she fields them through his
realtor. Every question I have had has been like a game of telephone.

The window not be centered, just bothers me. The plans show it
centered and that is the way I want it.

Here is a link to the picture of just the side of the window:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...n=view&current...

Link to picture that shows both front rooms/windows:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s...n=view&current...

Please let me know if you think I am being overally picky.

I plan to call my realtor in the morning.

Sounds like your realtor has her loyalties mixed up. She does work for
you and is obligated to look out for your best interest. ...

That isn't necessarily so, depending on the contractual arrangement.
It does have to be revealed but often, unfortunately, the client
doesn't pay sufficient attention to such "minor" details and many are,
also unfortunately, more than happy to gloss over such delicacies...

I made it necessary in past cases.

Someone told me recently they attended "office training" and the
Broker told the class to "stop lying to clients".

I have a nickel to say the buyer and buyer agent likely have a long
term contract.

They still will do a walk through wanting the buyer to gloss over
things like a wrongly placed window.
--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

On May 1, 2:02 pm, Oren wrote:
....
I have a nickel to say the buyer and buyer agent likely have a long
term contract.
....

If you meant to type "builder and buyer's agent" then I'm in full
agreement it is almost certainly true there is, at least, some
arrangement by which the buyer's agent gets some compensation from the
builder/builder's agent.

On May 1, 1:42 pm, kris3432 wrote:
Thank for all your comments. I called My realtor this morning, she
went out to the house and she thought the uncentered window "wasn't
that bad" and something "she would have never noticed." I insisted
she call the builder or the builder's agent and she did and got back
with me in an hour. Apparently the builder went out to the site and
says he is "quite embarrased" that he didn't catch the error
himselft. He said he would fix it ASAP.

I am a little bothered by how my realtor felt that it wasn't a big
enough deal to warrant attention, but one I told her I didn't care
what she thought that I wanted it fixed she took care of it.

My husband and I have decided to drive to the house this weekend to
see the house and make sure no other issues are hidden.

Thanks again.

Maybe the builder isn't such a scum after all... Probably most
unfortunate you couldn't have dealt with him directly all along--but,
if he's a large operator, I can understand how he would prefer to only
deal w/ one or a few rather than every individual.

OTOH, sounds like your agent is incompetent at best, duplicitous or in
(or trying to get in) cahoots w/ the builder (or more likely, the
builder's agent) at worst. Might be worth checking on the actual
details of the contract you have w/ him/her to see what it says about
source(s) of compensation and representation and conflict of
interest. If, indeed, it implies or states that she/he is indeed,
only on your nickel supposedly, I'd start documenting these things
fully and it might become worthy of a letter to your state board.

And, I'll repeat...you _do_ have counsel waiting in the wings, right?

On 1 May 2007 11:42:15 -0700, kris3432 wrote:

Thank for all your comments. I called My realtor this morning, she
went out to the house and she thought the uncentered window "wasn't
that bad" and something "she would have never noticed." I insisted
she call the builder or the builder's agent and she did and got back
with me in an hour. Apparently the builder went out to the site and
says he is "quite embarrased" that he didn't catch the error
himselft. He said he would fix it ASAP.

It really isn't complicated.

I am a little bothered by how my realtor felt that it wasn't a big
enough deal to warrant attention, but one I told her I didn't care
what she thought that I wanted it fixed she took care of it.

Your agent lacks taste.

My husband and I have decided to drive to the house this weekend to
see the house and make sure no other issues are hidden.

I think and this is just me; if the builder humbled-up and corrects
things early - ask that both realtors miss the walk around of the
home with the builder.

Thanks again.
--
Oren

"I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it."

On 1 May 2007 12:17:22 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 1, 2:02 pm, Oren wrote:
...
I have a nickel to say the buyer and buyer agent likely have a long
term contract.
...

If you meant to type "builder and buyer's agent" then I'm in full
agreement it is almost certainly true there is, at least, some
arrangement by which the buyer's agent gets some compensation from the
builder/builder's agent.

What I meant was the buyer has her agent.

(How long is that contract?).
--
Oren

"I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it."

Oren wrote:
On 1 May 2007 12:17:22 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 1, 2:02 pm, Oren wrote:
...
I have a nickel to say the buyer and buyer agent likely have a long
term contract.
...

If you meant to type "builder and buyer's agent" then I'm in full
agreement it is almost certainly true there is, at least, some
arrangement by which the buyer's agent gets some compensation from the
builder/builder's agent.

What I meant was the buyer has her agent.
....

I don't understand what that means with that combination of words in
sequence...

I think there's an above- (or maybe below-) board relationship between
the two agents that isn't fully obvious to the buyer. OP already
stated there are two agents involved, one obviously representing the
builder, the other purportedly representing the buyer -- what isn't
clear is the arrangement between the two, if any.

On 1 May 2007 10:41:27 -0700, wrote:

On May 1, 11:00 am, Oren wrote:
On 30 Apr 2007 20:54:08 -0700, kris3432 wrote:
Sounds like your realtor has her loyalties mixed up. She does work for
you and is obligated to look out for your best interest. Maybe she
needs to be reminded of this. If she is being brow-beat by the builder
and his agent you need another agent.


What makes you think she isn't just dealing with the builder's real
estate agent,
who represents the builder, not her? If you see a new development and
just walk
into the model, that's usually the case.

I don't think. I can spot a salesman, The builder saves by not needing
a Realtor. I win by avoiding both.

--
Oren

"I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it."

On 1 May 2007 11:42:15 -0700, kris3432 wrote:

Thank for all your comments. I called My realtor this morning, she
went out to the house and she thought the uncentered window "wasn't
that bad" and something "she would have never noticed." I insisted
she call the builder or the builder's agent and she did and got back
with me in an hour. Apparently the builder went out to the site and
says he is "quite embarrased" that he didn't catch the error
himselft. He said he would fix it ASAP.

I am a little bothered by how my realtor felt that it wasn't a big
enough deal to warrant attention, but one I told her I didn't care
what she thought that I wanted it fixed she took care of it.

My husband and I have decided to drive to the house this weekend to
see the house and make sure no other issues are hidden.

Thanks again.

I used to date a divorced girl who had, with her husband, had a home
built. They would go almost every day after work to look at the
house.

The builders did a lot of things wrong and he always wanted it done
right, while she for some reason never cared**.

The two that he mentioned when I met him included one like yours. They
put a door in so it swung the wrong way. Into the powder room, so
once you entered, you couldn't shut the door behind you and you
couldn't get to the sink or the toilet, I forget which.

Also, they started putting in the baseboards in the hall before the
tile was finished. So the baseboard was correct where the tile had
been installed, and it was too low where there was no tile yet. The
thickness of the tile and the adhesive.

The husband figued that the model they looked at at the entrance to
the street was built by good builders, and the other homes were built
by anyone they could find. This was a 20 lot street with several
sample blueprints that could be modified, like making the dining room
smaller and the kitchen bigger.

**She thinks the house is what ruined their marriage, but knowing her,
I think she was the problem. Maybe he was too, but not the house.

On Apr 30, 2:52 pm, wrote:
On Apr 30, 1:23 pm, Steve wrote:





kris3432 wrote in news:1177956070.698478.59740
@y5g2000hsa.googlegroups.com:

We are building a house long distance, about 8 hours away (military
move). Some friends of ours went to the house this past weekend to
take some pictures for us.

The house has a room on each side that comes out from the front of the
house. Each bedroom has a two connected windows on the front. Both
of the windows are supposed to be centered on the wall. On one side
the windows are centered the other is not. It looks like it is off-
center by at least two feet.

I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

The house has all the siding and drywall up. Although, the drywall
has not been finished yet.

What should I do? The un-centered window bothers me a lot. I guess I
could plant a tall bush on that side of the house to distract from the
error. We will only be living in the house about 4 years. I do not
want to do anything that will keep us from moving in the house on
time. (about 7 weeks).

Thanks for your help.

Depending on your contract, is really IS no big deal: You tell them to
fix it and they do what you say. They didn't build the house according
to the plan, so they don't have much choice.

Yeah, right. They don't have much choice. Except maybe to keep the
deposit
and tell you to get lost. What planet are you on?

First, what evidence, other than the buyer saying so, is there that
the window
is in the "wrong" place? And even if a window is off from where it's
shown on
some document, how much are you willing to spend to try to prove it on
the chance
that you might win?

Don;t get me wrong. If the window is substantially off from where
it's supposed to
be, the buyer has a valid issue and it should be fixed. However,
anyone saying
it's no big deal is an idiot.

Also, depending on your

contract, they shouldn't have any trouble getting it done on time --
they just have to hire extra workers.

LOL, what does the contract have to do with how much trouble it is to
get the job done on time? Does it say if we screw up and it's a lot
of
trouble, we have 6 mths, but if it's less trouble we have 1 mth? And
wha
t does any of that have to do with the questions at hand?



If I understand your description, your house will look unbalanced. You
might have trouble selling it.

Oh, so you're not even sure you understand the description, but you
know it's no
problem?



Call your representative NOW!-

There is no record of what was said on a phone call. You should call
the builder AND send the builder via mail with a return receipt a
letter stating your issue.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I said that moving a window is no big deal, particularly in new
construction, or in a 100 year old house for that matter. That's
insane to tell this gentlemen that anyone who thinks its no big deal
to move a window is an idiot. It happens countless times and any
contractor with half a brain and a couple of tools can do it. A smuck
and a duck can do it. What kind of contractor or builders do you
know...the lazy ******* types that are just looking for the money. We
can turn a 1200 sq. ft. cape home into Graceland in 1 week, but we
can't move an existing window...gimme a friggin break man. Kris, if
you want the window moved, it can be moved by any qualified
contractor.

On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:59:06 -0400, mm
wrote:

On 30 Apr 2007 11:01:10 -0700, kris3432 wrote:


I have contacted my realtor or the builder about this problem yet
because I am unsure how to go about it. Every issue that I have had
so far has been treated like "nothing to be bothered about."

I don't think it is possible to tell if this means: "It's nothing you
should be bothered about so why are you bothering us? It doesn't
require any fixing." OR
"It's no bother for us to fix it and we will, so don't let it
bother you."

Just a funny follow-up to myself. The first time I wrote my two
choices above, they came out like this:
"It's nothing you should be bothered about so why are you bothering
us?" OR
"It's no bother for us to fix it, so don't let it bother you."

I couldn't tell what either of them meant, nor could anyone else,
especially the first one, so I had to add a few words to each of them.
If I hadn't been correcting your lack of clarity, I might not have
noticed my own.

What is the builder's attitude?

On 1 May 2007 13:26:09 -0700, dpb wrote:


Oren wrote:
On 1 May 2007 12:17:22 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 1, 2:02 pm, Oren wrote:
...
I have a nickel to say the buyer and buyer agent likely have a long
term contract.
...

If you meant to type "builder and buyer's agent" then I'm in full
agreement it is almost certainly true there is, at least, some
arrangement by which the buyer's agent gets some compensation from the
builder/builder's agent.

What I meant was the buyer has her agent.
...

I don't understand what that means with that combination of words in
sequence...

I think there's an above- (or maybe below-) board relationship between
the two agents that isn't fully obvious to the buyer. OP already
stated there are two agents involved, one obviously representing the
builder, the other purportedly representing the buyer -- what isn't
clear is the arrangement between the two, if any.

I tend to use the term "agent" and "Realtor" to mean the same
sometimes, and maybe I shouldn't.

I bought a home from a builder in '95 using a Realtor. We visited the
models and sales office. The builder used commissioned sales "agents"
and not real estate agents.

From the point of view from the builder; my Realtor, might be
referred to as the "buyers agent".

I don't know why a builder would use a Realtor vs Sales Office.

Did I confuse us enough?

--
Oren

"I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it."