A new home is supposed to be a fresh start, but for Laci Booker and her family in Seguin, Texas, their dream house quickly turned into a distressing ordeal. Since moving into their newly-built home in April 2023, they’ve faced a series of issues that have left them feeling betrayed and frustrated.
From the moment they settled in, Booker noticed that something was off.
Despite the house looking fine from the outside, she soon realized the problems ran deep. “I feel very disappointed, I’m angry,” she told News 4 San Antonio, reflecting her growing frustration. Her home inspector uncovered nearly 80 issues, with inadequate wall braces being one of the major concerns.
“What that does is make the house more vulnerable to racking to the wind loads,” explained Mark Eberwine, the inspector.
The initial problems, such as crooked walls making doors hard to open, led to a deeper investigation.
The issues multiplied as the warranty team got involved.
What was once a new home became a hazardous construction zone, with drywall removed and beams exposed. “You walk in and you’re greeted by studs and drywall cut out,” Booker described.
Ongoing Repairs and Temporary Housing
As the repairs grew more extensive, Pulte Homes of Texas offered temporary housing to ensure the family’s safety.
They agreed to fix the issues and let the family return after the winter holidays.
However, repairs are still ongoing, and the home remains in disarray. “The kitchen is still ripped apart and covered in dust,” Booker said, noting that her living room is now a constant construction site.
Disputed Repairs and Legal Action
Pulte Homes has confirmed that work began in January and has addressed the issues identified in the city’s inspection.
They also acknowledged ongoing repairs based on Eberwine’s report. Despite this, Eberwine suspects there are additional underlying problems, suggesting the repairs are dragging on because of hidden structural issues.
Pulte claims that the Bookers didn’t always allow repair crews in, a point the Bookers dispute.
As the situation worsened, Booker involved lawyers, which led to a halt in repairs and a standstill between both parties. “I just want the company to take the house back and let me get far, far away from them,” Booker said.
A Broader Problem
Booker’s experience echoes issues faced by other homeowners in Texas.
A few years ago, eight families in Converse sued PulteGroup Inc, citing numerous construction defects and damage that rendered their homes unsafe and unsanitary. The lawsuits included claims of fraud, negligent construction, and breach of warranties.
Pulte Homes has stated they are committed to delivering quality and are reviewing these claims, although they also argue that they are not liable for normal wear and tear or damage caused by a lack of maintenance.
The situation underscores the importance of thorough inspections and prompt repairs in new construction, as well as the need for builders to uphold their warranties and address issues effectively.
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