Homebuilder criticized for response to sinking homes
Homeowners like Faye Touve say there are cracks in their walls, crumbling foundations and big gaps between sidewalks and driveways. "I'm afraid my house is going to float down the back ..."It's not a fluke, it's not one individual house, it's not just a lemon, it's the neighborhood," Benavides said. "Something went wrong when building this neighborhood."

 Homebuilder criticized for response to sinking homes
Fairhaven residents in Schertz say Pulte not doing enough

Brian Mylar Reports
     
Six months ago, residents in Schertz began complaining that their homes were sinking, their walls were cracking plus other problems.

The residents say Pulte Homes knew about the problems in Fairhaven then and to this day has not done much to fix them.

Homeowners like Faye Touve say there are cracks in their walls, crumbling foundations and big gaps between sidewalks and driveways.

"I'm afraid my house is going to float down the back and they keep saying, 'Oh no, it's not going to just shift out from under you," Touve said. "It's just tilting."

Peggy Benavides has experienced the same problems.

"It's not a fluke, it's not one individual house, it's not just a lemon, it's the neighborhood," Benavides said. "Something went wrong when building this neighborhood."

Pulte did extensive work to fix the house she owns with her husband Brian, but they said they are still in need of repairs.

In a letter, Pulte said it regreted to inform them they would not do most of the work the Benavides' asked for. They say Pulte is dodging its responsibility.

"You're talking about the largest financial burden for any family and frankly what they're doing, it's an atrocity," said Brian Benavides.

Bruce Touve said the company has not responded well to their complaints.

"I think they're just biding their time and trying to get out from trying to fix the problem for us," Bruce Touve said.

In an email, Pulte's Valerie Dolenga wrote: "Pulte Homes has been diligently working to address the issues in the Fairhaven community. We continue to monitor and investigate the issues, and have proactively and personally contacted each affected homeowner."

Pulte has a 20-year history in San Antonio of standing behind its homes and its homeowners.

"We remain committed to working with the homeowners and the City, and in addressing each of our homeowner concerns," the email said.

The city of Schertz also wants to make sure Pulte follows through on fixing Fairhaven.

The city engineer has been working with the company and the city council will hear more about the issue next month.

Until then, residents there will continue to monitor the cracks, gaps and holes in hopes a permanent solution can be found.

One homeowner says the group in Fairhaven may seek legal representation if the builder fails to provide a permanent solution to their problems.

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