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dave321
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posted 4 February 2008 18:18 CET
TopNotch Homes is "advertised" as one of the top 10 builders in the Boston Mass and New Hampshire -- Yeah Right! I've been here over a year and have dealt with one problem after another:
I had to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to get warranty service and lately an unsecured 2" x 4" fell in the attic punching a hole in the ceiling. I've been lied to, information was withheld and the allowances cover bottom of the line garbage. BEWARE OF TOP NOTCH HOMES IN MASSACHUSETTS/DRACUT/NEW HAMPSHIRE |
lisa113113
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posted 23 January 2008 21:33 CET
TopNotch Homes
In Meadow Creek/Ames Hill ----- I had to put at least $30K in upgrade options into the home to make it decent. Everything they include at base price is bottom of the line&and to get it to look like the models they show, you have to invest a fortune more than the list price of the house.
During construction I came by the house to check on everything. Thank god I did that, because they apparently don't read the signed Purchase and Sales agreement. Windows were going where they weren't supposed to and a Jacuzzi was being installed regardless of the fact that I opted NOT to have one. This was clearly outlined in the P&S agreement.
Their broker (from coldwell banker) withheld critical information about allowances and specifics regarding what was included with the house. When I brought this up, both the builders and the broker outright lied to me about resolving the situation.
Among other problems:
Trash and debris left in the yard, basement, underneath porch.
Poor quality interior paint job
Sub-par interior trim work
Light fixtures not properly fastened to the ceiling
Floor joists split and cracked
Lally columns that dont sit flush with the beams causing settling problems |
Scott Waizmann
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posted 21 January 2008 12:26 CET
I bought a DR Horton Condo and have lived in it almost 2 years. DR Horton set up a 12 year contract communications service with Connextion Technologies. This was not mentioned to me as the buyer at closing or any other buyer in this community at closing. Myself and others looked through our closing documents and found nothing. The communication company controls the cable tv, telephone, and internet. No other service provider is allowed to connect to our community to provide their services if a home owner wanted to use them. I have been trying to get this issue resolved with the communication company and still have not gotten anywhere. Other owners are complaining now as well. Also the Basic Cable TV is included in our Assessment fees. If a owner does not want the cable tv they still have to pay for it and does not have the option to have it turned off. |
lisa113113
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posted 20 January 2008 12:13 CET
Beware Top Notch Homes --> Meadow Creek/Ames Hill --- Avoid Top Notch Homes -- I had to put at least $30K in upgrade options into the home to make it decent. Everything they put include at base price is bottom of the line…and to get it to look like the models they show, you have to invest a fortune more than the list price of the house.
During construction I came by the house to check on everything. Thank god I did that, because they apparently don't read the signed Purchase and Sales agreement. Windows were going where they weren't supposed to and a Jacuzzi was being installed regardless of the fact that I opted NOT to have one. This was clearly outlined in the P&S agreement.
Their broker (from coldwell banker) withheld critical information about allowances and specifics regarding what was included with the house. When I brought this up, both the builders and the broker outright lied to me about resolving the situation. Now I’m faced with having to submit formal complaints against the builder.
Among other problems:
Trash and debris left in the yard, basement, underneath porch.
Poor quality interior paint job
Sub-par interior trim work
Light fixtures not properly fastened to the ceiling
Floor joists split and cracked
Lally columns that don’t sit flush with the beams causing settling problems |
Steven
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posted 8 January 2008 18:21 CET
No Recommendation for Top Notch Homes!
Unfortunately, I own a home built by Top Notch Builders in Massachusetts. This is the BIGGEST mistake I ever made. Buyers beware! The web site claims they are among the top ten builders in Mass – you couldn’t prove it by my experience. They have at least one complaint to date filed against them with the homebuilders association.
Keep in mind that they could claim anything they want on their own web site. From my experience, their construction is no better than any other builder – just a lot more expensive! You pay an enormous amount money for an empty shell. Allowances cover bottom of the line products. Photos of homes they’ve built in the past show windows that are actually an upgrade (i.e., transom windows over the garage doors are $1,500 each. Be prepared to add AT LEAST $15,000 to the listed price. |
Mary Pustay
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posted 7 January 2008 15:08 CET
We purchesd our new Centex home 9 monts ago. We had the ol bait and switch pulled on us. We had upgraded our kitchen sink cost $600. 00 only to move in and find it scratched to hell. We were told by Centex that this is normal. We upgraded our padding to 8 lbs we sent it out for testing came back 6lbs. I don't have any trust in Centex anymore their rep knows nothing about building and just makes stuff up and he goes along. They switched paint companies on us and we would up with the wrong color house they said they would have it repainted at our coust and would not ever take their cut! What?
In order for me to heat my kichen I have to open the cupboard doors be cause there are no vents. We now now have many cracks in our garage floor and vertical shifting. We were told by centex that its normal. We hired a builing inspector and he said otherwise. I am fed up in Oregon I wish they would by my house back so they could deal with this crap.  |
Bharti
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posted 29 December 2007 21:37 CET
I have signed a sales contract with KB Home builder on the 15th of December, 2007. I paid $5000 while signing the contract. We have decided to close the house by the 27th of December. My mortgage got approved and got everything lined up for closing. The KB Home called me before couple of days of closing and asked me to pay $10000 more of the price from purchase agreement. As per KB Home, the top management is not agreed on the purchase agreement purchase price and demanding 10k more from the buyer.
This is so dissapointing to me. This not about the money but more about the ethical behaviour and professionalism. I have decided NEVER buy home from KB Home.
Bharti Tiwary |
B. Hennessy
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posted 15 December 2007 19:46 CET
In his post below, Ben Ignatuk states that our post represents but “one contemptible complaint” against his company, Raptor Construction, Inc. of Northwest Indiana. We, the Hennessys, would like to correct his statement. First, on this site alone, two separate Munster, IN, homeowners have posted complaints about the services of Ignatuk and his company (see B. Hennessy post below).
Others have registered their complaints in Munster with the town’s building department. On Dec. 4, 2006, the department sent Ignatuk a letter stating it had “received complaints both oral and written which indicate a pattern of not completing the jobs in an agreed upon, reasonable period of time.”
Because of this, the department informs Ignatuk that it “has temporarily suspended your contractor’s license and will not release future permits until all of the current jobs you were granted permits for are completed and approved of by the Town.”
My husband and I learned that as of last week, more than a year later, the town’s directive that Ignatuk complete those jobs has yet to be satisfied. States the letter, “A review of all of your open permits will be conducted and a decision will be made as to your future Town of Munster license status.”
Further details about this case can be found in the department’s files. They are public information.
We are hoping that our family’s experience with Ignatuk will prompt others to verify reputation and performance BEFORE hiring ANY contractor. If later you experience problems, do not be afraid to go beyond providing oral complaints. Please, submit your complaint in writing!
Final note: If a contractor asks you for an early draw, that’s usually a bad sign. It may mean he’s undercapitalized. He may be using your money to buy bags of mortar for other jobs he’s trying to juggle using too little money and not enough labor.
Thank you.
B. Hennessy |
Westin Homes Buyers
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posted 13 December 2007 14:25 CET
To Whom It May Concern:
We, Homebuyers, are writing this letter to ask for your help, and complaining about the Westin Homes’s a breach of contract, construction defects and building code violations.
Our home is under-construction and locates in Canyon Lake at Stone Gate Community. The on going home construction is at the end of Phase II construction (pre-drywall). For the last 3 weeks, we have hired a Professional Inspector to inspect the home and we found a lot of problems. Some problems which truly concern us including: Improperly Window Flashing (R703.8), Electrical Wire Conduit (R3703.3), Un-sound Window Frame Structure, A/C Air Duct and systems, Roof, Un-leveled Ground, Un-leveled front Porch (structural defect), and etc. Since we sent the Inspection Report to a sale representative, the Westin Homes Corporate, Superintendent, and Project Manager, all acknowledged these problems but the building contractors have denied their shoddy works and refused fixing or repairing these problems in a proper manner. They said that there is nothing wrong with “their ways” of construction and installation techniques. However, these "their ways of construction" are not complying with the Building Codes, and we have the proof of these code violations and construction defects. Therefore, we have filed many complaints (via e-mail, mails, and phone calls) to the Westin Homes Corporate regarding these “band-aid” reparations and code violations. Again, after receiving these complaints, the Project Manager, promised and agreed to fix only some problems such as porch, ground of foundation, roof, chimney..., but still refused to properly repair all the Window Flashing, the Electrical Wire Conduit, the Un-sound Structure of Window Frame in the living room, and etc, (please read all our complaint letters in my web site for more details). This gives us a very un-peaceful and uneasy state of mind, and we believe that the Westin Homes builder / the Seller have:
- Neither disclosing proofs of architectural and engineering design plans/drawings/specifications referring to this home construction as well as the sizing and installation of all components, which are not in compliance with building codes, nor fixing properly these problems when discovered, and
- Turning a blind eye to code violations, problems with compactions, and other defects to a home during the building process, and/or connives at code violations.
- Unfair treatments and discrimination against us, Asian Homebuyers (please refer to our complaint letters).
So, we, the Homebuyers, have the right:
- To expect that our home is built in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes and ordinances.
- To expect that only quality, performance-proven building products are used in our homes and that all such products are installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, standardize installations, and specifications.
- To expect that the architect's and engineer's designs are completely and accurately followed.
- To expect that the new home will not leak or breed toxic mold(s), is structurally sound, and that all mechanical systems and structural components will perform properly.
- To a peace of mind concerning the safety of our family.
We totally disagree and do not accept with the ways the Westin Homes builder resolves issues regarding my complaints of home construction. IF WE DID NOT FILE MANY COMPLAINTS TO THE WESTIN HOMES CORPORATE, WE BELIEVE THAT THE BUILDER / CONTRACTOR WILL NOT REPAIR OR FIX PROBLEMS AND THE CONSTRUCTION WOULD HAVE GONE ON ACCORDING ITS SCHEDULE. 
Since these problems have been appearing and developing, and resolved inappropriately, we do not want to take risks to buy this UNSOUND and UNSAFE home because of foreseeable issues (such as: toxic mold, unsound structural frame, dangerous and physical damage, and etc.)  We believe this home is not built for us, and do not want to be the future homeowners who would be the victims of Deficient Dwelling-Houses that built by shoddy and poor workmanship of the Westin Homes builder. We are exhausted and tired of suffering all the problems, stresses, and emotional distresses they have put us through  . We have sent, e-mailed and faxed a certified letter to Westin Homes Corporate, and request that the Westin Homes should release and refund all our deposits. However, they have ignored and have given no reply in mail or verbal regarding this request. Therefore, we are writing this letter to asking for your help. We would like to get out of the purchase agreement and request the Westin Homes returns our full deposits. Please, advise and help!!!
Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from your earliest response.
Sincerely,
Westin Homes Homebuyers
(713) 291-1787 |
BenIgnatuk
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posted 13 December 2007 12:02 CET
Thank you for allowing me to post my reply to the complaint against Raptor Construction, Inc. Mr. Hennessy has a personal vendetta against me not Raptor Construction, Inc. Every single word that Tod Hennessy wrote about my company Raptor Construction, Inc. is a complete and utter fabrication. If all of these things he says are true, where is the lawsuit that is filed against us? How come he has not tried suing us for his loses like anyone else in the world would do? Why--because all of his statements are false. He has no proof or documentation to back up any of his allegations. On the other hand, our attorney George Glendening 49 Munich St. Hammond, IN has all of our legal documentation and copies of taped phone conversations between himself and Mr. Hennessy stating when a certain amount of work was done we would get paid. The work was completed and we were not paid. We did more than well over a certain amount of the job plus extras –90% and did not get paid. At the advice of my lawyer he breached our contract for failure to pay and we left his job. I could have sued him for the $18,000 that he owes Raptor Construction, Inc., we could have placed a lien on his home but we did not. I took the high road and left him and his family and his personal finances in tact. He also had mentioned my wife Amy Ignatuk as being the CEO of our company which is another lie. If anyone reading this believes that any of my statements are untrue or misleading in any way, I can put you in direct contact with my attorney and email you all the correspondence between me and Mr. Hennessy and our attorney and Mr. Hennessy and copies of the taped voice conversations between us.
Note to Mr. Hennessy from our lawyer last year:
I have been informed by my client that you wish to change the current contract that you have signed with Raptor Construction. Mr. Ignatuk stated he had asked for a draw of $8,000 and was denied. You have stated there was not enough work completed. As stated in the contract you have signed, ½ payment was due upon signing the contract. Draws will be based upon completion of individual trades.
Demo work of basement is complete.
Framing of basement is complete.
Electrical rough and trimming of basement is complete.
Drywall hanging and taping is complete.
Painting of drywall is complete.
Pergo floor is complete.
Ceramic floor purchased by you is complete.
Doors and trim package is complete.
Removal of existing covered porch demolition is complete -- was supposed to be done by homeowner.
Excavation for room addition is complete.
Footing for addition is complete.
Foundation wall is complete.
Slab for crawlspace is complete.
Entranceway to crawlspace is also complete.
Rough framing of room addition is complete.
Tyvek is installed to protect wood from elements.
Ice and water shield and 30# felt paper installed.
35-year architectural shingle installed.
I am also to understand that there is work being done that is not on the contract that you say is on the contract. Raptor has installed one desk that is to be assembled then disassembled cut down and reassembled and installed again with an art desk. Three hanging shelves and also shelving inside the office. Since the work is already done and Ben does not wish to charge you for the work done. Understand that extras especially these are timely and costly not to mention the time it took to do these items listed stopped production of work that bidded in the contract. There will be no more of these items done without a work order with an itemized bill for labor. To work in the Town of Munster you must be an insured, bonded contractor with workers compensation liability. Ben has informed me you would like a copy of his insurance and workers comp. throughout these circumstances that would be unacceptable we will let the Town of Munster do their job by keeping track of the contractors licensed in their town. The Town of Munster would not give you copies. I have advised my client to do the same.
There was an additional 64 sq. ft. added to the size of the addition for $4,000. I have a change of work order attached. It needs to be signed, mailed back to me at 49 Munich Ct., Hammond, IN.
Mr. Hennessy refused to sign change of work order – wanted more “free work”, he took almost a month to have gas, electric, phone and cable lines moved at his residence in order for us to even begin work on the room addition, left threatening notes around and one in particular in basement bathroom that wrote “ANYONE CAUGHT USING THIS BATHROOM WILL HAVE THEIR *SSES BEATEN” which I have a picture of among the many pictures of the work we completed until the time we left the job for nonpayment. 90% of the work was completed. The way the brass Mr. Hennessy conducted himself throughout, we were sure we wouldn’t get any of the remaining $18,000 he owed us if we completed the job without our agreed upon draws for that job. The best we would get would be to sue and end up putting a lien on his house which still doesn’t ensure our final payment on that job.
Raptor Construction, Inc. has been in business since 1990 and this one contemptible complaint will not destroy the company as Mr. Hennessy is wishing. We can provide many pages of references of jobs we have done without a problem. Every once in a while every company will come across a problem customer—it’s usually about money and about them being cheap yet wanting more—that’s life and that’s business. Thank you for allowing us to voice the truth for everyone to see. |
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