Complaint Review: Pulte Homes - Raleigh North Carolina

This a letter of complaint against Pulte Homes, Inc. for the unprofessional and faulty construction process used in the building of my home and driveway and surrounding support on the slopping property. It appears that in some types of home constructions, Pulte Home Builders are willing to violate building codes in the construction of these homes. My house was built on a slope in the Northwoods Subdivision in Cary in 1989, Challenges in construction necessitated an engineering plan in keeping with building codes set forth by the state of North Carolina. Pulte Home Builders were willing to pass these developing structural problems onto the "unknowing" consumer. In addition, these problems may not be detected with a normal inspection DUE TO THE HIDDEN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS USED.

In September 2007, I contacted Pulte Homes and described my problems to them and indicated that my driveway was sinking to the point that I could not get my car into my garage. I was told that Pulte Homes only insures the driveway for 2 years. I asked that someone from Pulte Homes come out and look at the problem and was told that would not happen. I subsequently hired an engineer to look into all the problems associated with Pulte Home Builders' faulty construction and the engineers have revealed many unsafe and costly building errors that have been found in the home other than the driveway issue. In addition, the Town of Cary hired independent engineering firm to review the problems and they have concurred with the initial report of improprieties in building my house.

Pulte seems to go into areas and purchase at relatively low cost land that they build on underdeveloped and basically unsuitable for homes to be built on and label these homes high dollar houses. They install inferior products such as Polybutylene pipes, busted Garden tub, backwards outlet for washer and dryer. These are just a few of the unprofessional and certainly unethical home building practices utilized by Pulte Homes.

I have allowed Pulte Homes approximately one year to respond to my concerns and I have also enlisted the help of the Town of Cary City Planners and Engineers , who after careful review, are planning steps to hold Pulte Homes, Inc. accountable for unethical building practices and faulty building techniques that do not meet any existing or preexisting building codes.

Pulte homes did willingly and knowingly construct my driveway and garage front wall foundation using used railroad ties instead of reinforced concrete (see engineers report). These used railroad ties were hidden and invisible and virtually undetectable because they were covered with concrete. Several problems have arisen from this faulty construction:

1. Used Railroad ties against the house pose a substantial termite infestation risk that leads to home termite infestations and further destruction of the foundation.

2. Used railroad ties deteriorate and cause sinking to construction associated with the use of these used railroad ties, the root cause of subsequent disorders within the home including faulty foundation, inadequate exterior walls and support for the sloping property.

3. Shifts in the foundation have caused cracks in concrete garage floor, front porch and shifts in the overall foundation which have led to deck shifting and swaying. The house will eventually be in the creek that is used as drainage in the back of the property.

It is doubtful that my house is the only house built in this manner. I am seeking a resolution to these issues associated with the faulty, unprofessional and dangerous building practices of this Pulte built house. As a result of this practice I am under an extreme amount of stress in determining the safety of my home and garage. The financial distress and expense of enduring water pipe damage due to faulty pipe work (polybutylene) in the home and in addition, not being able to utilize my garage and driveway. My family and I have endured undue and unbearable stress and I am seeking restitution from Pulte Homes, Inc.

I am seeking a full and complete reimbursement for expenses incurred in replacing, repairing and refurbishing the faulty construction. All repairs needed in order for me to live in the home currently. I am seeking payment for all necessary repairs in bringing this house up to code (exterior including the walls that should support the property all around), and additionally I am seeking punitive damages resulting from damage to my cars and loss of use of my garage and basement area of my home.

A full list of all repairs needed can be made available upon request.

Trl 8-28-2008

Traumatized

Cary, North Carolina

U.S.A.

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