Nobility Homes - Prestige Home Centers Illness explained: Toxic Mold! Nobility Homes ignores its own Contract Addendum-Right to cure in Tallahassee. Ocala & Tallahassee Florida
We began the purchase of our home on 10/28/2005 through Prestige Home Centers for our new Manufactured Home from Nobility Homes. We signed the purchase agreement and closing mortgage papers on 12/15/2005 for our home. After many set backs and problems our home was delivered to the home site on 3/13/2006. They had problems during the home prepping and failed inspection 2 times before we were given the green light to move the family in on 05/04/2006. We had no Water! We had been given a certificate of occupancy on a fake well. We did not have water until 05/16/2006. We officially did not move our family into the home until 05/20/2006.
We have had many concerns that we brought up with George Hawk at the Prestige Home Centers and we were always told not to worry that it's a simple problem and that he would take care of it. I have tracking notes of problems that we had and how they were addressed by the company. But began to feel like we had been misled, taken advantage of, and we are very unsatisfied with our Nobility Home Experience in dealing with the staff and company!
My concerns of construction defects and faulty set-up/service of the home, led me to hire an independent inspector to check the quality of the home. The inspector found things that we would have never found including mold growing in the sub-flooring where we had a issue with a drain pipe that was not exposed and/nor attached to the sewage/septic line. When the inspector found the mold, he then took air samples inside and outside our home and sent the samples to Dove Environmental Corporation for testing. The samples tested positive for toxic mold spores named Penicillium/Aspergillus. The levels of mold spores are at Toxic Levels in our home, these toxic spores have permeated everything in our home. Well that news is not what we wanted to hear the weekend of Christmas in 2006. I guess this is our present from Nobility homes.
Our inspector was very detailed and photographed all areas of concern. His report was very alarming to us in many ways. But the Closing paragraph best sets the mood for major concern to those who read the report. "Materials used in the construction appear to be adequate however the quality of workmanship and attention to detail fall short, and this has effected this home and it's ability to be a safe dwelling." William E. Fisher, Jr., Certified Mold Inspector-Certified Mold Contractor & Environmental Inspector.
We visited the Nobility Factory in Ocala, on 1/26/2006 to approach the management team of Tommy Provau & Ed Simms with all documentations and notes in hand in the attempt to give the Factory the opportunity to observe the Contract Addendum-Notice Concerning Right to Cure that we had already hand delivered in July 2006 to George Hawk at the dealership in Tallahassee and sent a copy to the Executive offices also. We were kept waiting and treated very poorly by the staff we met with about the problems with our home. The Duke model we chose was so pose to be a high quality triple wide with modifications for Handicap in the Master bath, and upgrades galore. The ticket price with all the upgrades and changes we made put the mobile home over $120,000.00. So you can see we thought we had chosen high quality, but know we feel that we have been ripped off.
I hold a full time job outside of being the caregiver for my parents that live with me in this home from nobility. My Father is a Cerebral Palsy patient of 61 years and requires assistance with many things, the prolonged exposure to the toxic levels of mold spores has caused complications with his condition. My Mother has Asthma, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, & HBP just to name a few conditions and the mold spores has caused problems with her breathing, GI system, and extra Headaches. I also have an adult son with a mild form of Autism that spends his days helping with his grandparents so I can work. But even he is having problems with Migraine Headaches and memory problems. I myself have had allergic reactions to the mold/smells in my bathroom and bedroom.
I will never recommend or do I really want the replacement if it is offered to us. I will open my home to anyone that wants to see the quality of work you get from nobility homes. I also invite you to read the report and view the photos done by the inspector. Black Balling is mild this manufacture needs to have its HUD license revoked!
April, Queen of toxic spores
Tallahassee, Florida
U.S.A.
8 Updates & Rebuttals
Management
Ocala,Florida,
U.S.A.
State Says File Closed
#9UPDATE Employee
Sat, January 19, 2008
Mrs. Wilcox requested an investigation by the Florida Bureau of Mobile Home Construction which was accomplished March 7, 2007 and the investigation report was sent to Nobility Homes. Nobility Homes completed all items listed on the report and this was verified by a letter from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Mobile Home Construction, June 4, 2007. Since then, the file has been closed.
Nobility Homes
Management
Ocala,Florida,
U.S.A.
Customer Responsibility
#9UPDATE Employee
Thu, January 17, 2008
In regards to the ripoff report filed by Ms. April regarding the set up issues and their home; This home passed it's building inspection by Leon County on 5/4/06, as stated by Ms. April in her report. Before move in, there was a phone audit that is a requirement of her lender in which the W----'s are responsible for inspecting the home and all land improvements, including the well, to verify they have in fact been completed. This is their certification that the home was installed on thier property, and completed to thier satisfaction BEFORE occupying.
The W---- family moved in and occupied the home in May of 2006, and continued living in the home for over 9 months before requesting a state inspection of the home. The state inspector, the set up crew, and additional state inspector, the local Prestige Homes manager, and the W---- family were all present during this inspection in March of 2007. After having been presented a copy of the independant inspection report by Ms. April, the state inspector issued his report requesting the set up crew and the local Prestige Homes lot to adjust 5 items. These items (taken directly off the report) were:
1. Re-seal the soffit and fascia on the connection to the tag unit
2. Re-seal the nail holes in the shingles where the wind diverter was removed
3. Seal holes in the underbelly of the home
4. Seal the fireplace storm flue collar
5. Cut out door latch holes on the marriage line of the home where drywall had been installed.
Prestige Homes completed these five items as requested, and the "dealer/set up" side of this file was closed. Many items in the W---'s initial complaint to the state office were deemed by the state to be home owner responsibility and routine maintenance, which is not the responsibility of Prestige Homes.
We believe Prestige home Centeres, Inc has met its responsibility in the delivery and set up of the Wilcox's home.
Prestige Home Centers Management
Management
Ocala,Florida,
U.S.A.
Customer Responsibility
#9UPDATE Employee
Thu, January 17, 2008
In regards to the ripoff report filed by Ms. April regarding the set up issues and their home; This home passed it's building inspection by Leon County on 5/4/06, as stated by Ms. April in her report. Before move in, there was a phone audit that is a requirement of her lender in which the W----'s are responsible for inspecting the home and all land improvements, including the well, to verify they have in fact been completed. This is their certification that the home was installed on thier property, and completed to thier satisfaction BEFORE occupying.
The W---- family moved in and occupied the home in May of 2006, and continued living in the home for over 9 months before requesting a state inspection of the home. The state inspector, the set up crew, and additional state inspector, the local Prestige Homes manager, and the W---- family were all present during this inspection in March of 2007. After having been presented a copy of the independant inspection report by Ms. April, the state inspector issued his report requesting the set up crew and the local Prestige Homes lot to adjust 5 items. These items (taken directly off the report) were:
1. Re-seal the soffit and fascia on the connection to the tag unit
2. Re-seal the nail holes in the shingles where the wind diverter was removed
3. Seal holes in the underbelly of the home
4. Seal the fireplace storm flue collar
5. Cut out door latch holes on the marriage line of the home where drywall had been installed.
Prestige Homes completed these five items as requested, and the "dealer/set up" side of this file was closed. Many items in the W---'s initial complaint to the state office were deemed by the state to be home owner responsibility and routine maintenance, which is not the responsibility of Prestige Homes.
We believe Prestige home Centeres, Inc has met its responsibility in the delivery and set up of the Wilcox's home.
Prestige Home Centers Management
Management
Ocala,Florida,
U.S.A.
Customer Responsibility
#9UPDATE Employee
Thu, January 17, 2008
In regards to the ripoff report filed by Ms. April regarding the set up issues and their home; This home passed it's building inspection by Leon County on 5/4/06, as stated by Ms. April in her report. Before move in, there was a phone audit that is a requirement of her lender in which the W----'s are responsible for inspecting the home and all land improvements, including the well, to verify they have in fact been completed. This is their certification that the home was installed on thier property, and completed to thier satisfaction BEFORE occupying.
The W---- family moved in and occupied the home in May of 2006, and continued living in the home for over 9 months before requesting a state inspection of the home. The state inspector, the set up crew, and additional state inspector, the local Prestige Homes manager, and the W---- family were all present during this inspection in March of 2007. After having been presented a copy of the independant inspection report by Ms. April, the state inspector issued his report requesting the set up crew and the local Prestige Homes lot to adjust 5 items. These items (taken directly off the report) were:
1. Re-seal the soffit and fascia on the connection to the tag unit
2. Re-seal the nail holes in the shingles where the wind diverter was removed
3. Seal holes in the underbelly of the home
4. Seal the fireplace storm flue collar
5. Cut out door latch holes on the marriage line of the home where drywall had been installed.
Prestige Homes completed these five items as requested, and the "dealer/set up" side of this file was closed. Many items in the W---'s initial complaint to the state office were deemed by the state to be home owner responsibility and routine maintenance, which is not the responsibility of Prestige Homes.
We believe Prestige home Centeres, Inc has met its responsibility in the delivery and set up of the Wilcox's home.
Prestige Home Centers Management
Management
Ocala,Florida,
U.S.A.
Customer Responsibility
#9UPDATE Employee
Thu, January 17, 2008
In regards to the ripoff report filed by Ms. April regarding the set up issues and their home; This home passed it's building inspection by Leon County on 5/4/06, as stated by Ms. April in her report. Before move in, there was a phone audit that is a requirement of her lender in which the W----'s are responsible for inspecting the home and all land improvements, including the well, to verify they have in fact been completed. This is their certification that the home was installed on thier property, and completed to thier satisfaction BEFORE occupying.
The W---- family moved in and occupied the home in May of 2006, and continued living in the home for over 9 months before requesting a state inspection of the home. The state inspector, the set up crew, and additional state inspector, the local Prestige Homes manager, and the W---- family were all present during this inspection in March of 2007. After having been presented a copy of the independant inspection report by Ms. April, the state inspector issued his report requesting the set up crew and the local Prestige Homes lot to adjust 5 items. These items (taken directly off the report) were:
1. Re-seal the soffit and fascia on the connection to the tag unit
2. Re-seal the nail holes in the shingles where the wind diverter was removed
3. Seal holes in the underbelly of the home
4. Seal the fireplace storm flue collar
5. Cut out door latch holes on the marriage line of the home where drywall had been installed.
Prestige Homes completed these five items as requested, and the "dealer/set up" side of this file was closed. Many items in the W---'s initial complaint to the state office were deemed by the state to be home owner responsibility and routine maintenance, which is not the responsibility of Prestige Homes.
We believe Prestige home Centeres, Inc has met its responsibility in the delivery and set up of the Wilcox's home.
Prestige Home Centers Management
Wakullaanonymous
Crawfordville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Nobility Homes/ Prestige Home Centers
#9Consumer Comment
Sat, January 12, 2008
Dear Queen of toxic spores:
I too bought a duke model from the Prestige Homes lot in Tallahassee, manufactured by Nobility homes in 2005/2006. I had a much different experience. While I do agree that those "efforts" of the man who was the manager at that time were useless, there are a few things that I remember slightly different from your take on things. I began the purchase of my home in 2005 from a girl named Tiffany. My family and I were always treated well, from beginning to end. I recall very clearly that at that time, it was taking a few months for the factory to build homes because of the back log, which we were told ahead of time and well aware of when we went to closing. If I remember correctly, they were building homes for the hurricanes victims in South Florida. That may explain why you had to wait such a long time between the time you closed and the time your home was delivered. I can relate w/ the high price tag, as the Duke that I purchaced was fairly loaded with options as well. As our home was set up, we too ran into a few problems, however they were always promptly addressed by the Prestige lot. There were some items that the Prestige Lot could not fix because they were warranty issues, which were the responsiblity of the factory. There were a few times that I had to make the corporate calls to the service department as well. I remember Tommy VERY well. (it is my understanding that he has parted ways with Nobility homes.) Even though it didnt happen over night, the factory has made several trips to my home and has completed every warranty repair. Of course, there are things that we needed to take responsiblity for and correct ourselves, as with any home, manufactured or site built. I searched through this website and tried to find other people with the same problems that you had, and out of the 40,000 homes that Nobility has built, I could only find 6 complaints. I searched other manufacturers as well, and many of them had pages and pages of complaints. In fact, I came on to search Fleetwood for a friend of mine. I think spreading the word that Nobility needs their HUD licence revoked is a little extreme.
Mold is a very common problem in Florida because of the humidity. Hundreds of people every day deal with it all over the state. My question is when you first found out that you had mold spores, did you have your home treated immediately to combat the health issues, or did you continue to live in it and let it grow? The same question for any of the other defects. If indeed the factory is at fault, it would be much easier to fight your battle by making the corrections to the situations and then proceed with a court action to recoup your money. Also- did you have a state inspection done after you had the independant inspector come out? I know that when the state comes out, they will help the customer in what ever way possible, so if you show them the inspection report you had, if the factory or set up is at fault, they will be required to correct these things.
I bought my home based on a referral from my parents, who bought their home based on a referral from friends of theirs. We are all greatful to Nobility and Prestige Homes for the homes that we have. There are many other other manufactureres out there, and they all have thier problems, but I feel that I would not have gotten the house and the great service I got from my salesperson had I gone somewhere else. I am truely sorry for what you are having to go through, and I hope everything works out for you, but I am more sorry that you and your family cannot enjoy your house as all of us do.
Queen of toxic spores
Tallahassee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Allergic Reactions & Breathing Problems Abound with the very Humid/warm Days here in Tallahassee!!!!
#9Author of original report
Sat, December 15, 2007
We have been experiencing some warm wheather the last few days with heavy fog in the am that seems to linger untill late, late morning. For us this means the high moisture in the air and then warm wheather has given the mold spores an energy boost to germinate again in a frenzy.
All our household gets sick in different ways when the mold spores in our home germinate. Some of the mild things the family members complain of: stomach aches, scratchy throat, Headaches, sinus drainage, dry sinuses w/bloody nose, cough, heavy/labored breathig (chest is tight, unable to breath deeply), diarrhea, constant Fatigue, moodiness, Memory issues, hair loss, very dry skin, and some times a rash. And these are just a few of the mild side effects.
For those of us in the home that have other conditions we have a more sevre reaction. For example I woke-up @ 4am on 12/13 unable to breath my chest was tight and my throat had completely swollen shut I couldn't even talk, I sat up on the edge of my bed and grab my Epi-pen and slamed it against my thigh. It took a full 30 minutes before my throat released enough to lay back down to rest without having the feeling of being choked. When I got up 2 hours later my sinuses were very inflamed, I had a headache, upset stomach, my skin felt tight and itchy, a mild rash had appeared on my stomach, my chest felt tight and I was only able to take small/quick breaths, and I have also lost my voice due the extreme allergic reaction swelling in my throat.
My parents each react differently too! Mom has massive memory issues, her asthma is sevrely affected it makes her chest so heavy with each breath a strugle to the point she passes out sitting in a chair. She also is dealing with uncontrollable bouts of diarrhea, more Migraines, and dry/flakey skin. My Father could sleep the day away if we let him, I have noticed that his behavior has been altered aka his is extremely moody, dry skin, Migraines, and the worst thing that I have noticed is his memory/he has to read aloud all the time now to remember what he read.
My Parents' lifes have been altered already by their health conditions but this house is slowly taking away the time they have left with us. I have been watching my father wither away slowly since we moved in. My mother it has taken longer to affect but now that it has she doesn't have a chance.
Oh and I forgot the family pet: an 8 yr old Keeshond is even affected. He has some breathing issues, and unusal hair loss for his breed. It was pulling away in clumps as large as my fist for months, then I began noticing the spots didn't grow back they were bare. We had to start giving the dog benadryl and bathe him in a oatmeal bath for a month before the skin areas recovered and the hair started to grow again.
Inclosing today I would like to say I still have not recovered from my allergy attack because I have no other place to go but this Toxic Spore filled Dream Home from H_ _ _!!!!!!!! (you can fill in the blanks)
April
Tallahassee, Florida
Queen of toxic spores
Tallahassee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Nobility Homes/Prestige Homes, A.M.I. states Manufacture defect! Tallahassee, Florida
#9Author of original report
Fri, December 14, 2007
The American Souther Home Insurance Company (aka AMI) sent out a local adjuster to review and take pictures along with collecting copies of the professional report, any and all notes I had, and a copy of the floor plan layout. The adjuster was surprised by the information I had collected about the problems with our home.
The Letter from the insurance company stated:
"Under Dwelling, Adjacent Structures and Personal Property coverages, we do not cover loss caused directly or indirectly by any of the following, whether or not any other cause or happening contributes con currently to:
1. loss resulting from defective or improper manufacture, latent defect, installation, movement, set-up or transport.
2. loss due and confined to wear and tear, lack of maintenance, neglect or abusive use, mold, rotting, rust, corrosion, insects and vermin, rodents, reptiles, birds, or domestic animals."
Since your loss was the result of a manufacture defect and set-up, there is no coverage under your policy for the loss; therefore, your claim is denied.
The insurance adjuster closing statement/sentence was: I wish that I could be of greater assistance to you. Please contact me should you have any questions regarding the company's position.
It's kind of Ironic the Insurance company that is a sister company of Nobility Homes, has stated that it was defective manufacturing and problems with set-up...Well do you think that is going to help any; probably not.
April
Tallahassee, Florida