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Fortune Homes, Champion Homes, Dutch Housing Thinking of buying a manufactured home? Read this first! Be an informed consumer! LaGrange Indiana
Thinking of purchasing a manufactured home? The following is the letter of complaint sent to the Service Manager of Fortune Homes, AKA Dutch Housing, Champion Enterprises:
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jon and Lori"
To: "Karen Zylman" ; "Melissa D. Taylor"
Cc: "Karen Stephens"
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: New damage
> Dear Ms. Zylman,
>
> In accordance with the requirements to file a complaint with the Michigan
> government in regards to our home, I submit to you the following complaint
> about my house.
>
> Model Year: 2001
> Mfg: Fortune Housing
> series: Signature
> Model Name: AHCF860E
> Serial #: 06082N
>
> Purchased from: Sunrise Homes Inc.
> 3500 Inwood Circle
> Kalkaska, MI, 49646
>
> Purchase Date: 10-23-2002
>
> History of Home: Numerous retailer contacts and repairs.
>
> Manufacturers Work/Service Order # 150204, 153648, 155094, 155776, 160064,
> 161035, 161695
>
> Initial problems with the home, and steps to correct (if any):
>
> *Door adjustments and door knob replacements (by retailer) safety concern as
> we were locked into rooms and unable to get out due to the doorknobs
> malfunctioning. Not one doorknob, but several throughout the home.
>
> Plumbing problems, water line leak (repaired), drain leaks (replaced), water
> in belly of home (drained), bathtub repair due to crack, bathtub replacement
> (master bath), kitchen sink leak (repaired) with water damage to lower shelf
> (replaced)
>
> Linoleum damage in kitchen (due to debris migrating through)- replaced
>
> Linoleum damage in bath one due to cuts during build- replaced X2 Still
> have floor damage due to water damage not addressed during repairs of leak
> or while replacing the lino.
>
> Counter top damage due to screw coming through - replaced
> Counter top damage due to failed repair of marriage line cabinets- replaced
>
> *Sagging of marriage line cabinets- failed repair, then replacement safety
> issue/falling hazard
>
> *6 window replacements due to cracked seals. safety issue. windows clouded,
> difficult to open, allowing weather in
>
> Exterior door replacement due to damage
>
> *Marriage wall lumber replacement due to twisting and broken lumber within.
> Safety issue, bowing, twisting and breakage due to roof failure.
>
> *Ceiling crack repairs throughout. Stub wall ceiling had large hole,
> ceiling repaired. (safety issue:caused by trusses migrating through the
> ceiling, roof failure. First complaint/repair done shortly after move in,
> second complaint made recently when the damage reappeared)
>
> *Furnace failure (repaired under warranty by furnace manufacturer)
> safety/comfort issue
>
> *Electrical ground wire failure resulting in melted outlet (homeowner called
> electrician and paid for repair ) This was a fire hazard that required
> immediate attention. safety issue
>
> *Thermostat wires found stapled through by factory during build (replaced by
> homeowner after complaints of heating problems were made to factory but
> cause was unable to be found by their contractors) safety/factory defect
> issue
>
> *Improperly labeled GFI outlet by kitchen sink (regular outlet with GFI
> label) safety issue
>
> Ongoing/current issues with home:
>
> **Complaints about roof. First complaint made to retailer at move in,
> several complaints made thereafter to manufacturer. We were first told that
> the dips and valleys so noticable were 'normal'. I was told that it was my
> imagination. Factory contractors were sent up to investigate and repair.
> Repair was substandard and resulted in re-occurance of damage in area
> repaired. Further investigation by roofing contractors found that the roof
> was failing, decking was soft. Factory 'inspector' (Mr. Oliver) told me
> that this was how roofs were supposed to be (the roof sinks noticably when
> walking on it) and that there were simply a few 'high' trusses. Further
> inspection indicated that there were several broken trusses, places where
> the trusses fail to meet the roof decking by an inch or more. The factory
> repairs made previously to the roof show improperly repaired trusses,
> further weakening the structure. safety/factory defect/structural issue
>
> *Secondary damage caused by the roof failure include crushed wallboard,
> bowing of door openings, and lumber bowing or twisting now pushing out the
> wallboard. Trim and battons are popping off throughout the interior of the
> home from the roof weight they have been subject to. Cracks have become
> apparent in the ceiling in 3 locations, and 'nail pops' are apparent in
> several rooms from the ceiling sagging below the trusses. The ceilings
> around the perimeter of the home 'roller coaster'. The window in bdrm 4 now
> screeches horribly and is becoming difficult to open. Ongoing damage yet to
> be determined and not addressed in this complaint due to unknown status.
> safety/manufacturer defect issue
>
> *Sliding glass door. Multiple attempts by retailer and factory to adjust
> the door to make it function properly. Further investigation reveals that
> the header above the door has failed and is bowed down. Door was not
> properly caulked during build, and allows water to seep in under and above
> it. Door was not installed level, creating additional problems in ingress
> and egress, as the door is so difficult to open and close, and the center
> support of door is cracked from roof weight. safety/defect issue
>
>
> Recent email indicates that you would like the name of the insurance agent
> (which I have supplied in the past) and the structural engineer (which I
> didn't have until last Friday), and indicates that I haven't 'honored' your
> request for the written report (which I've kept you updated on, and which is
> not yet available). The insurance agent is Greg MaGuire 1-800-262-3555.
> The structural engineer is Ross Ard (?? this last name is in question, but
> I believe this is what I was told). Mr. MaGuire has spoken to the
> structural engineer and received a briefing on his findings, which I've been
> told would be passed on to you via Mr. MaGuire.
>
> In keeping this as straight forward as possible, you have indicated that you
> are "willing to send up a crew to the home to repair the roof according to
> HUD code and our truss supplier's approved repair method." Due to our
> observations of previous repairs by factory contractors, we are leery of the
> quality of repairs, and need to bear in mind that we've been advised that
> due to the number of trusses in question, repairing the trusses will only
> add weight to a roof structure that is already compromised. I also feel the
> need to note that as of our last conversation, you had not as of yet been
> able to ascertain what the 'approved' method of repair might be, as you had
> not received a response from your supplier (Banks?). Please remember that
> you have already been advised that we currently have an opening in the
> ceiling that needs to remain open due to the fact that the insurance
> adjuster has advised us not to add more weight to trusses that have already
> failed, and that this opening is to remain until further notice. Proper
> repair would be to replace roof/ceiling and damage noted.
>
> It is our opinion based on the information that we have, that this home is a
> 'lemon' based on the previous and extensive repairs already done or
> attempted, and the ongoing issues that affect the safety and integrity of
> the home. We would like our home either a) properly repaired, back to the
> original new condition (including the roof structure and headers being
> adequate in design and integrity for the size of the home, as well as the
> proper repair of the secondary damage) or b) our home replaced with a new
> one at no cost to ourselves. We purchased our home based on assurances
> and representations made by the manufacturer (You demand the best, we build
> the best! The high quality of manufactured homes, unlike site-built homes,
> is regulated by the U.S. government under a national building and safety
> code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
> The national code means design, construction, durability, strength, fire
> resistance, energy efficiency, and more, are all federal matters. The homes
> are built well-Uncle Sam makes sure! Stringent Codes by Design. Manufactured
> homes are built to a set of standards as tough as those facing the
> site-built home builder.)
>
> These are found on your web site www.fortune-homes.com and we feel that the
> you should now live up to the reassurances and 'promises' that it
> advertises. The issues that we are making complaints about are not
> 'cosmetic' in nature but instead safety issues that need immediate attention
> to avoid a potential tragedy. Additional work required is a direct result
> of the roof failure, and needed to maintain the value of our home (if the
> roof failure had not occured, there would be no damage to be repaired,
> thereby it is a direct result whose cost should be absorbed by you.)
>
> Please respond within 10 days of receipt with a detailed response as to your
> intentions of satisfying the complaints detailed herein. I will be sending
> out a copy of this email, certified mail, for your records within 48 hours.
> As per a previous request, via email in care of Missy Taylor, on 5/18/2005,
> please send me the address and contact name to snail mail a letter in re: my
> home. I would like to assure that I have the correct information to direct
> my concerns to.
>
> Thank you for your time and effort expended in resolving this situation. I
> look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
>
> Lori A George
> 8187 Tower Rd NE
> Kalkaska, MI 49646
>
> 231.258.9690
>
> CC: Karen Stephens/ HADD representative/MI
> The Kalkaskian/Leader
> The Record Eagle
> Fox News
> www.ripoffreport.com
> Copy for homeowner file
> Copy for Michigan Building Codes/HUD complaint
BUYER BEWARE!! Know the difference between a modular home and a manufactured home. Check out the differences in building requirements. Check out whether the home you've chosen is adequately built for the area you're in. contact other buyers. In our case, the factory's 'inspector' for state complaints and lawsuits uses heavy handed tactics and veiled threats to make you back down (I have a copy of the letter of complaint about Mr. Oliver on file and available on request). Never ASSUME anything in regards to a companies reputation! As homeowners, we invite any interested parties to contact us, walk through our home (which still has the ceiling down so you can see the roof construction, 2X2 trusses, 24" on center for a 32X80' home).
If we had it to do over again, we'd save a bit longer and go stick built. Now, all we want is for the company to step up and provide us with what we THOUGHT we'd gotten to begin with... a safe home that has the value that we paid for.
Lori
Kalkaska, Michigan
U.S.A.
13 Updates & Rebuttals
Eric
Lyndon Station,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Also A Dutch Home Buyer (Sucker)
#14Consumer Suggestion
Mon, August 14, 2006
I've got you all beat! Here are some highlights!
1)Lied to repeatedly By M.Taylor (Calls were recorded), about anything and everything. After total frustration with Her I was told she was new! *A VERY BIG LIE* Actually had been there for many years!
2)Paid for Numerous UPGRADES, i.e. real ASH TRIM, idiots mixed plastic garbage with ASH.
3) Screen doors had sheet metal screws holding in glass! Was told by "MT" that had the manufactuer makes them. After much investigation and many "off the record" calls I was told that is what "Champion/Dutch" wanted. Kept the cost way down! Was told by the manufactuer that they wouldnever sell those doors retail "with their name on it" (Calls were recorded).
4) HERE IS THE BEST!!! The Morons CARPETED OVER a floor vent near the patio door. Long Story Short: Chair leg goes thru I now have Bum Shoulder. Do yourself a favor, save a little while longer for a stick home. These houses aren't worth the matches to torch them!
I'll send you audio which you won't believe!! (YES, it is legal in my state to record without the others knowledge and share with others!!)
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Please contact Hadd
#14Consumer Comment
Fri, March 10, 2006
In an effort to help you keep the story alive, and to let others know, as well as to try and help get things right for you, please file a complaint with Hadd at www.hadd.com . I dropped them a note asking if they had anyone in your area for support and advice, and they asked that you file a complaint with them so that they will have a means of contacting you directly. I truly encourage you to get in touch with them, they are wonderful (and the reason that I got as far as I did with my home!)
Don't give in, never give up, Norman. You PAID for a safe secure home, you DESERVE a safe and secure home! Please keep us updated on whats going on, we're wishing you the best of luck!!!!
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
the modular home from hell
#14Consumer Comment
Fri, March 10, 2006
Lori,
Thanks for the reply,I have tried to get a building engineneer in the ft.myers area but cant find one to come out. One guy said he would come out and take a look. But now he dont seem interested. There is not many to pick from.I know that sounds crazy but it true. there is not much in the phone book.And i cant afford to have one come out of miami or tampa florida.
The last time i spoke with anyone at Champion homes in Michigan was back in nov 04 it was the complaint dept five times about it taken a year to get in this home, That should have only taken 4 or 5 months. And the lady in Mich would allways say she would get back to me after she checked things out. But she never did get back to me. Five different times.
I was stuck sitting in a rental house for a whole year for rent and storage i lost $15,000 that i could have paid towards my home
Before i bought this pile of junk i called the factory.And asked them why i should buy from them the first thing they said was you can be in this home in 3 to4 months. NOT TRUE
I even went to the factory to look at the models. They were set up perect. No spongy floors no doors that close by themselfs no crooked walls. I sure hate to think of whats behind the walls that i cant see
I did call the county just before i moved in to look at the roof 8-1-04 and they said we dont inspect roofs on modular homes. but did send an inspector out as a favor. The first thing he said was it is a very very poor job. It had so many humps and bumps it wasnt funny.
The factory had to come out five different times.Its still not the best but its alot better than it was. I paid private roofer to come out before the factories five visits and he said if it were his home he would replace the whole roof it had lots of soft spots nail were poping up all over shingles wernt placed properly. This roofer was not looking for work. He did not even want to come out he did it as favor for the lady at the bank. He had all the work he could do after all the hurricaines
yes some of these things have been fixed. But not the structural problems soft floors cracking ceilings
Please keep in mind this home sits on a concrete stem wall all the way around the house and there is only about 2 feet of space under home to work very cramped an hard to work. So no one is in a hurry to get under there.
Homes of merit does not care for me since i took theme to court (small claims) for not installing moisture barrier wrap on out side of home. All wooding homes that i have seen in south florida had the wrap.
After they heard i filed in 5-5-05 they tried to stop doing warranty work i had only been in the home for five months. I thought i had the right to file a small claims in polk county florida. Thats how homes of merit is
If i stay in this home for a long period i think it will have lots of major problems. This is a lot of problems for a home that is a little over a year old
Iam just going to fix my home myself hire a contractor and pay for it myself. and keep my story going and hope it helps others. Get a attorney before you buy one of these homes. Check the company out with the court at there home town and see how many times they have been sued. I wish i had done that first.
I will call homes of merit 3-10-06 to let theme know about the electrical problems. Just in case my home burns down or someone is hurt
i am going to call it a night thanks for the reply Lori take care
Norm
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
There are things you can do
#14Author of original report
Thu, March 09, 2006
While time consuming, there are several things that you can do.
Contact several independant builders in your area for estimates on the damage and cost of repairs. Get the written estimates. It would be a good idea to have someone inspect the foundation and leveling of your home for problems, since as you noted, this is one of the first things that problems are blamed on. If your set up is solid, and the house level, then you can proceed from there having ruled it out as a cause of damage. If the home has settled, you may have to have it releveled.
Make sure that you get a written statement from the electrician as to the electrical problems found within your home. Again, he's an independant, which bolsters your claim. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Video if you have a recorder available is a wonderful tool, since you can add vocal observations to it. Follow up with the contact that said that it would be checked out. My initial contact was irate with my persistance, and I was bumped up to the general manager, which is when things started to happen. You seem to have quite an extensive list of service orders, pull those work orders and keep them in a file. You're going to need those, along with the estimates and documentation of correspondance. Just the sheer number of work orders indicates a problem that wasn't correctly fixed to start with.
I'm forwarding the link to this thread to HADD. They are wonderful people, and have a lot of resources that can help. Since I don't know what the specifics are in Florida in regards to oversight of the manufacturing and problem solving capabilities, I'm hoping they can give some more solid productive answers in regards to your current situation. In Michigan, structural defects, and safety matters (which would include leaks, windows not opening for emergency exit, and electrical issues) are high priority, and the state commission will follow up on complaints of same.
Your home is too new to be suffering the type of damage that you have, and you deserve to live in a safe home.Pull out your warranty and check the specifics that were to be covered, because it's simply not true that once a home is sold to a dealer the manufacturer is no longer liable for defects. The dealer is typically your first contact for minor repairs and adjustments, and the manufacturer normally steps in for issues beyond that. A year seems to be the standard time period for repairs without hassles, but since you brought these things to their attention prior to that time, the issues that you have should be repaired ASAP. Document any conversations (who, what, where, when and why), including emails and snail mails. Send your list of complaints to your representatives, senators, local media, ANYONE who you can get an address for. Don't give up, and don't give in. Your home is too large of an investment to let it go. In most cases, repairs aren't made because the companies think that once they tell you 'no', you'll give up and walk away. Those that are persistent and keep at them often find themselves getting the work done that should never have been needed in the first place had the home been build correctly in the first place.
Don't give up Norman. Remember in all correspondance and phone conversations to be polite, state the facts, reiterate that you expect the repairs to be done correctly and in a timely manner. In being firm and businesslike, it makes it much more difficult to put you off, once they understand that you won't be put off and you're willing to take a stand, quite often things just fall into place. Don't use the threat of an attorney unless you're willing to go that route, since quite often an attorney only drags things out. This should be a last resort (most often people get frustrated and attempt 'recission' of the contract. The problem that I found with that is that you'll never recover your cost). Be creative (I wanted to put up signs offering an open house to persons interested in purchasing one of these home, letting them see for themselves what they were purchasing, and thereby giving them the opportunity to truly be informed buyers). Look for other buyers in your area, and find out what kind of issues that they may have. And most importantly, keep the faith.
I'll be watching for more updates, and I'll update with any other information that I think might be helpful to you. Good Luck.
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
The modular home from helllllll
#14Consumer Comment
Thu, March 09, 2006
order home in jan 04 moved in jan 05 problems started soon after door mounted crooked windows dont work toilets leak sinks leak floors are still saging ceiling cracking.Just lost half of my electrical reciepticals paid $300 for electrician.He said it was the worst job he has seen loose wires wires shorting out.The electrician says i must check the whole home now
I was at each receiptical when he opened them up sparks came flying out of one ,Wire nuts alling off of other ones.He only worked on five switches.It took him two hours to find short.His reply i have NEVER seen any thing like it
Told factory five times i had brakers triping .They said they would fix. never happened the list is endless
I just wish i would wake up and homes of merit would have there home back.And i would have my money back.I will never like this home.I dont care what they do to it.Its kind of like a car that has been wrecked.And they pushed and pulled and twisted and slaped in 50 pounds of bondo into it.Do you know what i mean?
My home is a modular in florida it is controled by the department of community affairs they are in charge of how they are built and set up.I have called there office in tallahassee florida a number of times and spoke with mike ashcroft he cant help they wont come look at the home
DCA florida says its the foundation without looking.And the dealer that put the foundation in says its the home or the factories fault.And the factory says there is nothing wrong at all catch my drift. yes the factory has been out five times for the roof for the doors windows ect My main concern is the floors saging all through the house in turn the walls sitting on the floors are droping then the ceilings start cracking
Lee county florida THE county wants nothing to do with this home.They say it does not fall under ther jurisdiction.They only inspect elect.foundation,septic,well.NOT the structure of the home.they did say the county hates to have thes homes in ther county.There words they have so many problems with these types of homes
I could be wrong but i dont think hud has any thing to do with modular homes its a weird beast.And i wish i would have never seen the word modular
If you dont have alot of money you do what iam doing.Two things will take place i get some satisfaction.People will beware and maybe homes of merit might fix my home.
Yes i have sent letters to champion homes parent to homes of merit.all i heard was well check into it.You just get the run around
Homes of merit did say that once they sell the home to the dealer and the dealer sellst to me they are finished with the home.ITS a SCAM I bet they really screw the older folks cant see good dont know any better you know what i mean
After all said and done iam just glade this site is here.no matter what homes of merit does .I will never change these statements like i have seen some do. once a scum bag allways a scum bag.What a way to make money
The last i checked with the court house in bartow ,florida you can pull it up with ask jeeves just type polk county court florida and walk around the site and type homes of merit and you will see the long list of law suits going on.And the dealer too in labelle florida hendry county,florida type central mobile homes (dealer)
its late gotta go catch ya on the flip
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
More Details......
#14Consumer Comment
Mon, March 06, 2006
I'm really sorry for your experience. More details about your situation would be helpful in this case. When did you purchase your home? How did the setup go? What type of setup did you have? When did you notice problems, and what type of problems? Did you have service calls to your home by the retailer and or factory? What was the result?
There are other avenues that you can take, other persons that you can contact, especially in safety issues. Look up Hadd (homeowners against deficient dwellings) at hadd.com . This website gives you an opportunity to file a complaint letter, gives you other resources to pursue, and has a wonderful support staff. Have you contacted the CEO of Champion? I have the contact information for several of the individuals there that you can send a complaint to. The state of Florida should also have a contact for you to file a complaint with. By filing a complaint, the state will get involved and help to determine what needs to be done.
I feel your pain. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that you'll ever make, and making sure that it's safe, efficient and livable has to be top priority in your life. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how things are going, and wish you the best of luck.
Norman
Lehigh Acres,Florida,
U.S.A.
still just a hunk of junk
#14Consumer Comment
Mon, March 06, 2006
Glad you feel happy with your home now, And hope you have many good years there. I have the same problems with a $ 100,000 modular not counting improvements total 150,000 total built by homes of merit that is owned by champion homes of mich.
I wake up to this disaster of a home every day.Just like your home.My opinion is buy a block home or site built stick home .
I think in my state the problem is with the state inspector at the factory.building inspector i should say is a private company hired by the state to stay at the factory and inspect.Well they become friends with the company and the workers.And a lot of stuff slides.
the inspector probally goes fishing with the boss or employees
I called the head man in charge of modular homes in florida.And all he would say is call a lawyer.I cant afford that.So iam stuck
I can say that homes of merit/Champion homes with no guilt cares how they treat people.
Well good luck with your pile of junk dont mean to be rude but (if its a champion ITS JUNK)
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Fortune Homes Comes Through!!!!
#14Author of original report
Mon, October 17, 2005
After many months of trying to get home repairs done on our home, Champion Homes has come through! Last week, they sent up a WONDERFUL crew of contractors (J& J Mobile Home Service) run by Jerry Duford to do repairs. My roof was rebuilt, including rafters, decking and shingles, my ceilings were repaired, lino was laid, kitchen countertop and back splash. In addition, our heating issues were dealt with, all of our doors were resquared and door stop added, exterior doors (including headers!) were replaced, siding and facia replaced, bathroom floor was repaired, bowed studs were repaired and walls rehung. Every issue that we had with our home was addressed and we can now look forward to many years in our home.
Special thanks go out to Jay (general manager at Fortune) for getting things done quickly and with a minimum of disruption. This is a man who not only listens, but takes action! Thanks to Chris and Jim, who did such a nice roofing job, to Stan, who's finish work is beyond wonderful! Dave and Ron, thank you for treating my home as your own, the siding, floors and new doors are great! Jerry, you are a wonderful crew leader, and your extensive knowledge and commitment were most greatly appreciated!
Despite the rocky road that lead to our conclusion, we are very happy with the work that was performed, and extremely pleased with the 'A' Team that came in, both in quality of work as well as attitude. To all of those involved, we again extend our thanks, and will be more than happy to recommend a Dutch Home to anyone looking for a manufactured home. With any home there will be glitches, but unlike most companies, Fortune Homes stands behind their claims of customer service and quality.
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Engineers Report Received.......
#14Author of original report
Tue, August 30, 2005
Well, as of today, we've received the engineers report on our home. The report was commissioned by the insurance company, and was a local independent engineer. The letter we received from the insurance company states that the damage found and the causes were not covered by our insurance.
Let me tell you the high points of the report.....Michigan Residential Code calls for 52psf on roofs. HUD calls for 30psf. We were assured that this roof was adequate for the area that we live in, the structural engineer disagrees. Despite the fact that this practice may be legal, that doesn't make it MORALLY RIGHT!
Next. "A portion of the cathedral ceiling had been removed so that the roof trusses could be examined. The upper chords of the exposed wood trusses had bee repaired. Looking west of this opening in the ceiling showed a truss with a broken web. It alos showed additional repairs on the roof trusses. These repairs would have been completed while the house was being fabricated at the factory since they would not have been accessible once the cathedral ceiling was installed. Due to excessive sags in this roof, it is expected that additional damage will be discovered once the gypsum drywall is removed for truss repairs." This is directly from the engineers report.
Please note that the above states that THIS HOME WAS SHIPPED WITH DEFECTS, AND THE FACTORY KNEW IT!!! The fact that repairs were made prior to leaving the factory proves their knowledge of the defect. In addition to repairs that were attempted at the factory, additional repairs were made during the warranty period for the same problem, and even at this time the factory denied that there was a serious problem. Now the factory is willing to 'repair the broken trusses, using an approved repair method". Wonderful, after two FAILED repair attempts, and now documentation that we were correct, they want, once again, for us to put our home in their hands. The repair estimates for our home exceed the purchase price, and the repairs that the factory wants to attempt will only be a stop gap measure (they don't want to replace the roof, only repair the trusses that are currently in question...this will result in other damage being bypassed, and our home being in danger once again in a very short period of time).
Here's my take.... the factory sent me a home that was KNOWN to be defective. Despite numerous complaints that something was wrong, they've denied knowledge and culpability for the situation. The discovery was made by the home owner, who now has spent 100's of hours with contractors, adjusters, engineers, and phone calls/letter writing etc. Our home has had a hole in the ceiling measuring 4'X15' for the past 2 months (we were told not to have it repaired until a determination was made as to the status of our claim). I think that the factory owes me a NEW home, without defect, as well as reasonable compensation for the time that I've spent trying to get our home fixed, and the mental and physical anguish that our family has suffered throughout this ordeal. The FACTORY, in my opinion, perpetrated a fraud by selling a home that was defective. If you can REPAIR a truss while the home is being built, you could have REPLACED the truss. Your own 'inspector' said that the trusses were not set correctly, and that you (the factory) needed to address the '4 or 5 high trusses' (btw, couldn't this also be several dozen LOW trusses?????? Either way, it was done incorrectly, and their mistake is now causing damage in the tens of thousands of dollars.) Add this to the broken and improperly repaired trusses, and it all comes back to being your liabilty.
This company needs to be held accountable for it's actions. I didn't cause damage to be done to my home, THEY, through their poor building practices and deceit when questioned, did. All I want is a safe and healthy home to raise my children in. We teach them that to lie is wrong, imagine our dismay at trying to explain this one to them.
I'll keep you updated on further developements.
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Engineers Report Received.......
#14Author of original report
Tue, August 30, 2005
Well, as of today, we've received the engineers report on our home. The report was commissioned by the insurance company, and was a local independent engineer. The letter we received from the insurance company states that the damage found and the causes were not covered by our insurance.
Let me tell you the high points of the report.....Michigan Residential Code calls for 52psf on roofs. HUD calls for 30psf. We were assured that this roof was adequate for the area that we live in, the structural engineer disagrees. Despite the fact that this practice may be legal, that doesn't make it MORALLY RIGHT!
Next. "A portion of the cathedral ceiling had been removed so that the roof trusses could be examined. The upper chords of the exposed wood trusses had bee repaired. Looking west of this opening in the ceiling showed a truss with a broken web. It alos showed additional repairs on the roof trusses. These repairs would have been completed while the house was being fabricated at the factory since they would not have been accessible once the cathedral ceiling was installed. Due to excessive sags in this roof, it is expected that additional damage will be discovered once the gypsum drywall is removed for truss repairs." This is directly from the engineers report.
Please note that the above states that THIS HOME WAS SHIPPED WITH DEFECTS, AND THE FACTORY KNEW IT!!! The fact that repairs were made prior to leaving the factory proves their knowledge of the defect. In addition to repairs that were attempted at the factory, additional repairs were made during the warranty period for the same problem, and even at this time the factory denied that there was a serious problem. Now the factory is willing to 'repair the broken trusses, using an approved repair method". Wonderful, after two FAILED repair attempts, and now documentation that we were correct, they want, once again, for us to put our home in their hands. The repair estimates for our home exceed the purchase price, and the repairs that the factory wants to attempt will only be a stop gap measure (they don't want to replace the roof, only repair the trusses that are currently in question...this will result in other damage being bypassed, and our home being in danger once again in a very short period of time).
Here's my take.... the factory sent me a home that was KNOWN to be defective. Despite numerous complaints that something was wrong, they've denied knowledge and culpability for the situation. The discovery was made by the home owner, who now has spent 100's of hours with contractors, adjusters, engineers, and phone calls/letter writing etc. Our home has had a hole in the ceiling measuring 4'X15' for the past 2 months (we were told not to have it repaired until a determination was made as to the status of our claim). I think that the factory owes me a NEW home, without defect, as well as reasonable compensation for the time that I've spent trying to get our home fixed, and the mental and physical anguish that our family has suffered throughout this ordeal. The FACTORY, in my opinion, perpetrated a fraud by selling a home that was defective. If you can REPAIR a truss while the home is being built, you could have REPLACED the truss. Your own 'inspector' said that the trusses were not set correctly, and that you (the factory) needed to address the '4 or 5 high trusses' (btw, couldn't this also be several dozen LOW trusses?????? Either way, it was done incorrectly, and their mistake is now causing damage in the tens of thousands of dollars.) Add this to the broken and improperly repaired trusses, and it all comes back to being your liabilty.
This company needs to be held accountable for it's actions. I didn't cause damage to be done to my home, THEY, through their poor building practices and deceit when questioned, did. All I want is a safe and healthy home to raise my children in. We teach them that to lie is wrong, imagine our dismay at trying to explain this one to them.
I'll keep you updated on further developements.
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Engineers Report Received.......
#14Author of original report
Tue, August 30, 2005
Well, as of today, we've received the engineers report on our home. The report was commissioned by the insurance company, and was a local independent engineer. The letter we received from the insurance company states that the damage found and the causes were not covered by our insurance.
Let me tell you the high points of the report.....Michigan Residential Code calls for 52psf on roofs. HUD calls for 30psf. We were assured that this roof was adequate for the area that we live in, the structural engineer disagrees. Despite the fact that this practice may be legal, that doesn't make it MORALLY RIGHT!
Next. "A portion of the cathedral ceiling had been removed so that the roof trusses could be examined. The upper chords of the exposed wood trusses had bee repaired. Looking west of this opening in the ceiling showed a truss with a broken web. It alos showed additional repairs on the roof trusses. These repairs would have been completed while the house was being fabricated at the factory since they would not have been accessible once the cathedral ceiling was installed. Due to excessive sags in this roof, it is expected that additional damage will be discovered once the gypsum drywall is removed for truss repairs." This is directly from the engineers report.
Please note that the above states that THIS HOME WAS SHIPPED WITH DEFECTS, AND THE FACTORY KNEW IT!!! The fact that repairs were made prior to leaving the factory proves their knowledge of the defect. In addition to repairs that were attempted at the factory, additional repairs were made during the warranty period for the same problem, and even at this time the factory denied that there was a serious problem. Now the factory is willing to 'repair the broken trusses, using an approved repair method". Wonderful, after two FAILED repair attempts, and now documentation that we were correct, they want, once again, for us to put our home in their hands. The repair estimates for our home exceed the purchase price, and the repairs that the factory wants to attempt will only be a stop gap measure (they don't want to replace the roof, only repair the trusses that are currently in question...this will result in other damage being bypassed, and our home being in danger once again in a very short period of time).
Here's my take.... the factory sent me a home that was KNOWN to be defective. Despite numerous complaints that something was wrong, they've denied knowledge and culpability for the situation. The discovery was made by the home owner, who now has spent 100's of hours with contractors, adjusters, engineers, and phone calls/letter writing etc. Our home has had a hole in the ceiling measuring 4'X15' for the past 2 months (we were told not to have it repaired until a determination was made as to the status of our claim). I think that the factory owes me a NEW home, without defect, as well as reasonable compensation for the time that I've spent trying to get our home fixed, and the mental and physical anguish that our family has suffered throughout this ordeal. The FACTORY, in my opinion, perpetrated a fraud by selling a home that was defective. If you can REPAIR a truss while the home is being built, you could have REPLACED the truss. Your own 'inspector' said that the trusses were not set correctly, and that you (the factory) needed to address the '4 or 5 high trusses' (btw, couldn't this also be several dozen LOW trusses?????? Either way, it was done incorrectly, and their mistake is now causing damage in the tens of thousands of dollars.) Add this to the broken and improperly repaired trusses, and it all comes back to being your liabilty.
This company needs to be held accountable for it's actions. I didn't cause damage to be done to my home, THEY, through their poor building practices and deceit when questioned, did. All I want is a safe and healthy home to raise my children in. We teach them that to lie is wrong, imagine our dismay at trying to explain this one to them.
I'll keep you updated on further developements.
Lori
Kalkaska,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Engineers Report Received.......
#14Author of original report
Tue, August 30, 2005
Well, as of today, we've received the engineers report on our home. The report was commissioned by the insurance company, and was a local independent engineer. The letter we received from the insurance company states that the damage found and the causes were not covered by our insurance.
Let me tell you the high points of the report.....Michigan Residential Code calls for 52psf on roofs. HUD calls for 30psf. We were assured that this roof was adequate for the area that we live in, the structural engineer disagrees. Despite the fact that this practice may be legal, that doesn't make it MORALLY RIGHT!
Next. "A portion of the cathedral ceiling had been removed so that the roof trusses could be examined. The upper chords of the exposed wood trusses had bee repaired. Looking west of this opening in the ceiling showed a truss with a broken web. It alos showed additional repairs on the roof trusses. These repairs would have been completed while the house was being fabricated at the factory since they would not have been accessible once the cathedral ceiling was installed. Due to excessive sags in this roof, it is expected that additional damage will be discovered once the gypsum drywall is removed for truss repairs." This is directly from the engineers report.
Please note that the above states that THIS HOME WAS SHIPPED WITH DEFECTS, AND THE FACTORY KNEW IT!!! The fact that repairs were made prior to leaving the factory proves their knowledge of the defect. In addition to repairs that were attempted at the factory, additional repairs were made during the warranty period for the same problem, and even at this time the factory denied that there was a serious problem. Now the factory is willing to 'repair the broken trusses, using an approved repair method". Wonderful, after two FAILED repair attempts, and now documentation that we were correct, they want, once again, for us to put our home in their hands. The repair estimates for our home exceed the purchase price, and the repairs that the factory wants to attempt will only be a stop gap measure (they don't want to replace the roof, only repair the trusses that are currently in question...this will result in other damage being bypassed, and our home being in danger once again in a very short period of time).
Here's my take.... the factory sent me a home that was KNOWN to be defective. Despite numerous complaints that something was wrong, they've denied knowledge and culpability for the situation. The discovery was made by the home owner, who now has spent 100's of hours with contractors, adjusters, engineers, and phone calls/letter writing etc. Our home has had a hole in the ceiling measuring 4'X15' for the past 2 months (we were told not to have it repaired until a determination was made as to the status of our claim). I think that the factory owes me a NEW home, without defect, as well as reasonable compensation for the time that I've spent trying to get our home fixed, and the mental and physical anguish that our family has suffered throughout this ordeal. The FACTORY, in my opinion, perpetrated a fraud by selling a home that was defective. If you can REPAIR a truss while the home is being built, you could have REPLACED the truss. Your own 'inspector' said that the trusses were not set correctly, and that you (the factory) needed to address the '4 or 5 high trusses' (btw, couldn't this also be several dozen LOW trusses?????? Either way, it was done incorrectly, and their mistake is now causing damage in the tens of thousands of dollars.) Add this to the broken and improperly repaired trusses, and it all comes back to being your liabilty.
This company needs to be held accountable for it's actions. I didn't cause damage to be done to my home, THEY, through their poor building practices and deceit when questioned, did. All I want is a safe and healthy home to raise my children in. We teach them that to lie is wrong, imagine our dismay at trying to explain this one to them.
I'll keep you updated on further developements.
Dane
Oak Hill,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Fortune Home from Dutch Housing
#14Consumer Comment
Thu, July 28, 2005
I have not been ripped off....YET..As I type this, a field worker from Dutch Housing Inc is in my home making repairs to my home. So far he is doing an excellent job.
My main problem is I have not hardly one single level floor in the home. Today will be his 7th day here. It seems that when he gets one problem fixed another appears. So far the issue is the poor quality of materials used, and the improper installation of materials, such as floor joists, and flooring. One wet area, where a water line was run across the top of a floor joist, and the flooring put on top of it, and a staple or nail run thru the water pipe.
But, until he leaves here, I cannot say I have been ripped off yet. There is no need in my going over the entire list of problems yet, because I want to see if they are repaired correctly. I realize that nobody is perfect, but this is kind of ridiculous. I will make another report when the job is considered finished.