outdoorgirl
New Member
Actually, I've BEGGED the builder about it, but he's not budging. I am so angry about it I could spit. Especially because when we were touring the model, one of the agents (who I think is not really an agent) told us she thought we could probably opt out of the texturing.
I don't know that we'll try to remove them if it's going to be that involved... my husband would kill me!
Are they totally impossible to paint?
Thanks, you guys, for all this help. This is the part of "home building" that I've been the most frustrated so far. Growing up with a dad who is a very talented custom builder, I always saw all of the creativity that the home owners got to have, but that's certainly not the case here. Oh well, looks like I'm just going to have to deal with it.
I don't know that we'll try to remove them if it's going to be that involved... my husband would kill me!
Are they totally impossible to paint?
Thanks, you guys, for all this help. This is the part of "home building" that I've been the most frustrated so far. Growing up with a dad who is a very talented custom builder, I always saw all of the creativity that the home owners got to have, but that's certainly not the case here. Oh well, looks like I'm just going to have to deal with it.
S
Shutterbug
Guest
We have textured ceilings in our house, too, and I don't like them either. But, if you get a thick roller (Lowe's has them), painting isn't really that hard. We had our ceiling in our den painted in a few hours.
If you are having a new house built, you shouldn't need to paint the ceiling for several years, I would think....unless you are planning to change the ceiling color. By the time you need to paint them, you can always hire someone else to do it.
outdoorgirl
New Member
Good call!
I read somewhere about sanding them down, but I don't think I can take that on right after I move in. Maybe after a few years I can hire someone to do that, too-- yeah, right!
I read somewhere about sanding them down, but I don't think I can take that on right after I move in. Maybe after a few years I can hire someone to do that, too-- yeah, right!
Cletus_Vandam
New Member
cutting out
This will cause a huge mess... the ceiling is all that is supporting the loose attic insulation. No ceiling lets the insulation drop into the house.
I wouldn't recommend trying this.
This will cause a huge mess... the ceiling is all that is supporting the loose attic insulation. No ceiling lets the insulation drop into the house.
I wouldn't recommend trying this.
P F Summers
We're building a house with PF summers at Academy Hills (the lots are small but we like the fact that there's little lawn to mow and no trees). I've done some research on them before signing and was feeling good about the purchase. Well, they didn't break ground when they said they would (did it 2 months later) and now it's taking them 6 instead of 5 months to build. I don't know if that's good or bad in the industry, but as a customer and a first time new construction buyer, I'm not very happy.
And I've come to a conclusion -- the building process is only as pleasant as the supervisor who oversees the construction. In our case, the person was not very communicative, over promised, under delivered and was very slow in general.
There were a lot of things my husband and I were concerned about during certain stages of the building process and now they've assigned a new supervisor to the project. I'm holding my breath to see how it's all going to turn out but I'm glad that PF summer is doing things about it.
I don't know if they can actually be penalized for delivering a month late (if anyone knows, please tell me) and if I can get anything from the things they did that's not per-plan.
Well, all in all I don't know if I've had a really bad experience (because it's our first construction) but I know I'm not jumping with joy at this point. I might be if they pull this one off for me and close by the end of August so I don't lose my locked-in interest rate.
One thing I am happy about is not doing the construction-permanent loan. It seems to be the way to go down here but we moved from Northern Virginia and they don't really do that there. Well, if I had the construction-loan, then I'd be worry about the interest I'm paying now, the insurance (and the vandalism that's taken place) and other stuff...
We're building a house with PF summers at Academy Hills (the lots are small but we like the fact that there's little lawn to mow and no trees). I've done some research on them before signing and was feeling good about the purchase. Well, they didn't break ground when they said they would (did it 2 months later) and now it's taking them 6 instead of 5 months to build. I don't know if that's good or bad in the industry, but as a customer and a first time new construction buyer, I'm not very happy.
And I've come to a conclusion -- the building process is only as pleasant as the supervisor who oversees the construction. In our case, the person was not very communicative, over promised, under delivered and was very slow in general.
There were a lot of things my husband and I were concerned about during certain stages of the building process and now they've assigned a new supervisor to the project. I'm holding my breath to see how it's all going to turn out but I'm glad that PF summer is doing things about it.
I don't know if they can actually be penalized for delivering a month late (if anyone knows, please tell me) and if I can get anything from the things they did that's not per-plan.
Well, all in all I don't know if I've had a really bad experience (because it's our first construction) but I know I'm not jumping with joy at this point. I might be if they pull this one off for me and close by the end of August so I don't lose my locked-in interest rate.
One thing I am happy about is not doing the construction-permanent loan. It seems to be the way to go down here but we moved from Northern Virginia and they don't really do that there. Well, if I had the construction-loan, then I'd be worry about the interest I'm paying now, the insurance (and the vandalism that's taken place) and other stuff...
Cletus_Vandam
New Member
Your recourse here depends upon the language in your sales contract. If you are using the builder's contract, which you likely would be, there won't be any mention of finishing late. And to be totally honest with you, one month late isn't that bad; considering the market and the construction industry right now.
As for the changes to the architectural plans, how drastic are the changes and what caused them? If they made your house smaller because the foundation guys laid the foundation out wrong, or something like that, you certainly have something to sat about that. But, if they moved a wall a few inches so a duct could be in the wall due to a floor joist or something like that, that's pretty typical.
Typically these are reserved for owners who have already purchased the lot and are having a builder build for them. Or, are purchasing a lot as part of the build (more of a custom home approach). There are pros and cons with either approach. The plus to doing the purchase that way you are, is that the only investement you have made into what you're buying is the down payment you made when entering into the sales agreement. If things get too "crazy" with the builder, you can always opt out of the agreement (with the understanding that your differences with the builder are great enough to warrant such) and ask for your deposit back (which he will refuse; then you will have to get it back through small claims court). Seems drastic, that's why I clarified this by you needing to make sure that your reasons for opting out of the agreement warrant doing this. But there's no reason to but a house for the hundreds of thosands it costing, paying thirty years on the mortage when it's not what you agreed to purchase. The builders are making way to much on homes not to give you what you agreed to.
Well, I guess it makes me feel better that one month late is not bad...
And as for the changes in the plans, nothing drastic. It's just that we didn't pay to excavate a crawl space but they did anyway. So now I have this extra small space that I didn't plan for and have stuff in the way to get it finished. And in the mean time, losing part of a wall that I was going to use for something else. It's not that major but just though that if I'm paying that much money for a house, I should be perfect and on time --- wishful thinking I guess.
Thanks for the info.
And as for the changes in the plans, nothing drastic. It's just that we didn't pay to excavate a crawl space but they did anyway. So now I have this extra small space that I didn't plan for and have stuff in the way to get it finished. And in the mean time, losing part of a wall that I was going to use for something else. It's not that major but just though that if I'm paying that much money for a house, I should be perfect and on time --- wishful thinking I guess.
Thanks for the info.
Cletus_Vandam
New Member
Watch who you talk to
Another thing that I think important to mention is watch who you talk to. The Superintendent on the house likely doesn't care whether or not you're happy with the construction or not. He's going to make this week's pay regardless. That's not all Supers but is the majority, especially with the non-custom home builders.
If you really have questions, comments or concerns, make a telephone call to the builder's main office and ask to speak to someone there who can address your concerns. Once you have made this point of contact, it's always a good idea to document your call with a polite letter noting the conversation as well as any agreements or commitements made. That way there's little chance of interpretation differences.
I'm not too clear on the problem you're having with the crawl space. You didn't want it excavated and they did it anyway? And "having space to finish" not sure what you mean here.
Having a taller crawl space will prove to be better for you in the long run of there is ever a reason for you or someone else to have to get in there. If they are installing any of the mechanical items in there (water heater, furnace, etc) than you will appreciate that extra room when you have to service these things. Getting it for free makes it that much better. If they don't do it for you, I would suggest getting a leyer of polethylene down in the crawl to keep moisture to a minimum.
As far as loosing some wall space, this should be the type of thing you call the builder on... If for nothing else but to ask why.
Perfect and on time. Not in the construction industry. Come to think of it, when do you ever get things perfect and on time?
Another thing that I think important to mention is watch who you talk to. The Superintendent on the house likely doesn't care whether or not you're happy with the construction or not. He's going to make this week's pay regardless. That's not all Supers but is the majority, especially with the non-custom home builders.
If you really have questions, comments or concerns, make a telephone call to the builder's main office and ask to speak to someone there who can address your concerns. Once you have made this point of contact, it's always a good idea to document your call with a polite letter noting the conversation as well as any agreements or commitements made. That way there's little chance of interpretation differences.
I'm not too clear on the problem you're having with the crawl space. You didn't want it excavated and they did it anyway? And "having space to finish" not sure what you mean here.
Having a taller crawl space will prove to be better for you in the long run of there is ever a reason for you or someone else to have to get in there. If they are installing any of the mechanical items in there (water heater, furnace, etc) than you will appreciate that extra room when you have to service these things. Getting it for free makes it that much better. If they don't do it for you, I would suggest getting a leyer of polethylene down in the crawl to keep moisture to a minimum.
As far as loosing some wall space, this should be the type of thing you call the builder on... If for nothing else but to ask why.
Perfect and on time. Not in the construction industry. Come to think of it, when do you ever get things perfect and on time?
B
bhanks
Guest
I haven't logged into the boards for awhile...just curious how the home building process is going for you all!
outdoorgirl
New Member
it's not... too much rain, darn it!!
B
bhanks
Guest
I wondered how all of this rain was affecting home builders!! Sorry to hear that its been a bit slower than you expected. Maybe we'll have a drier fall? Hope so! (If anything so that we can all get out there and mow our lawns!!)
Dukesdad
Well-Known Member
I had a new home built by Tri County Builders in Charlotte hall three years ago. It went very well right from the begining through Ken Allston handing me the keys. Jimmy was the foreman and every sub that worked there did the job right. I stopped by every day they were working and looked it over. No problems with altering the floor plan colors or carpets.
I have always heard horror stories about home building but i'll tell you I'd have them build again for me.
Customer service was great. I got a call about a year after we moved in and they wanted to know if we had any problems. It's about 3,000 square feet and i had a total of 6 drywall screws that were showing and the dorbell had quit. Within a couple of days the electrician came out and replaced the transformer and JImmy fixed the screws.
I have always heard horror stories about home building but i'll tell you I'd have them build again for me.
Customer service was great. I got a call about a year after we moved in and they wanted to know if we had any problems. It's about 3,000 square feet and i had a total of 6 drywall screws that were showing and the dorbell had quit. Within a couple of days the electrician came out and replaced the transformer and JImmy fixed the screws.
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Things have been moving along very nicely since they changed the superintendent. I'm much happier. See, it doesn't take much to make a customer happy -- just deliver what you promised.
As to the rain issue, I think they can work on the house rain or shine when it's under roof. It took mine all but 3 days or so to do the framing and another few days to put up the roof.
As to the rain issue, I think they can work on the house rain or shine when it's under roof. It took mine all but 3 days or so to do the framing and another few days to put up the roof.
Alot to choose from depending on your price range
You have alot of builders to choose from. We are contracted by alot of builders and regardless of a time frame that is given .... nothing is on time. Weather is a factor. but to be honest if you do not have a limit$$$.... I'd suggest Andy Buscher out of Bushwood in St. Mary's County. Then a couple of builders fall in such as Grim Construction in Prince Frederick.... CB Fowler in PF.... Weems Construction in PF.... and Eli Busada in PG County... Strong houses, confident builders, and a company that knows customers come first. Check them out. They are good people.... long standing companies.
You have alot of builders to choose from. We are contracted by alot of builders and regardless of a time frame that is given .... nothing is on time. Weather is a factor. but to be honest if you do not have a limit$$$.... I'd suggest Andy Buscher out of Bushwood in St. Mary's County. Then a couple of builders fall in such as Grim Construction in Prince Frederick.... CB Fowler in PF.... Weems Construction in PF.... and Eli Busada in PG County... Strong houses, confident builders, and a company that knows customers come first. Check them out. They are good people.... long standing companies.
Cletus_Vandam
New Member
Re: Alot to choose from depending on your price range
What are people's impression of 3D Construction?
What are people's impression of 3D Construction?