Organizing your community to bring public attention to builder’s bad deeds and seeking assistance from local, state and federal elected officials has proven to be more effective and much quicker for thousands of families. You do have choices and alternatives. Janet Ahmad
Pulte Wrecking Crew Demolish New Homes
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Pair of Fairhaven homes vanish at hands of Pulte wrecking crew It’s not something you see every day in a new neighborhood: demolition crews taking down homes that are less than a few years old. With months of complaints from some property owners about cracked foundations, cracked tile and walls separating, Pulte Homes said it had hired an independent engineer to examine some of Fairhaven’s troublesome houses back in July. Two months later, in a letter to the community that came with the wrecking ball, the company said, computerized testing “found foundation issues at sufficient depth” at some locations.
Pair of Fairhaven homes vanish at hands of Pulte wrecking crew SCHERTZ -- It’s not something you see every day in a new neighborhood: demolition crews taking down homes that are less than a few years old.
With months of complaints from some property owners about cracked foundations, cracked tile and walls separating, Pulte Homes said it had hired an independent engineer to examine some of Fairhaven’s troublesome houses back in July.
Two months later, in a letter to the community that came with the wrecking ball, the company said, computerized testing “found foundation issues at sufficient depth” at some locations.
Problems were so deep in the soil, Pulte said it decided to start over from scratch on at least two homes.
“What’s happening today should’ve happened a long time ago,” said Janet Ahmad, with the Homeowners for Better Building group.
Critics call it an admission of guilt--that the builder chose land that was unsuitable for homes, and that’s why problems plague the subdivision.
Ahmad added, “You have seven houses in a row and there’s only one that we don’t see cracks in. That’s shameful.”
For now, Pulte said it is putting up the displaced families in temporary housing.
Next door neighbors who’ve had repeat warranty work are left unsettled, wondering, what is under their homes.
Dan Hollestelle watched as the crane began taking apart his neighbor’s house. In his own home, Hollestelle said Pulte has fixed foundation cracks with epoxy resins.
He said, “Pulte has always said it isn’t going to buy any houses back. But really this is the alternate fix which is a lot better fix than gluing it together.”
Pulte spokesperson Valerie Dolenga said, “We have home visits next month with several homeowners who claim to have issues, but who are for the first time letting us inspect their homes after many months of Pulte asking. Until we fully inspect these homes, we don't know what the repair protocol will be.”
The demolished homes will be rebuilt and the families moved back in by December, said Pulte.
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