The house did not end up looking like the one on the floor plan.
We were given one quote and somehow ended up paying $3,500.00 more for a refrigerator and laminated wood flooring, which I'll get into further on.
The first major incident was when we realized they didn't put a fireplace in the livingroom. A hole was cut in the wall and the fireplace was put outside the house instead of inside like on the floor plan.
We only wanted laminated wood in the livingroom. His employees started laying the tiles in the livingroom, where they were not supposed to be. Then we were told that they weren't lining up correctly and we'd have to go with laminate wood in the entry way, kitchen, diningroom and halls. He charged us $300 for their error.
We wanted the window arched like on the floor plan, but was told that would cost us an extra $400.00. Which didn't make sense because he'd seen the design, and we even went without the bathroom windows and outside door to deck. Didn't have the 3rd door garage angled like we wanted because it would be too much of an inconvenience for the contractor.
During hurricane Rita we found out the livingroom window was never cocked and quite a bit of water, in a n shape was in the living room. Not only did this make the laminated wood floor press up at the seems, but there could be damage to the sheetrock, molding, etc from the water. I had mention before our year warranty was up that the floor in the kitchen looked like it was starting to press up in areas. He told us we had a 10 year warranty on the floor, but we would have to pay for the service to have it put in.
We also made sure, before the year home warranty was up, that our garden tub in the master bathroom was retaining water in the center. He asked if we could give him about 3 weeks and he'd have someone come work on it. That was the middle of October.
The tile and panel was taken off the front and back of the tub. He put a couple pieces of wood under the tub to prop it up. The sides of the tub angled down, so the tile, sheetrock and insulation was removed from the wall and a brace was put in 2 areas. When you sit in the tub now you feel like you're leaning forward.
November 10th the worker returned to the house, 7:45ish in the morning, but my husband and I were already at work. He talked to my kids and left the plywood and sheetrock (waterproof this time) by the front door.
We left the items by the door for 2 weeks and then moved it into the garage.
It is now January 24 and our bathroom has no front panel with tiles, and the wall still has no insulation, sheetrock or tiles on the wall.
The master bathroom in general is a disaster. The sheetrock did not go all the way to the shower. Tape was put across the area that didn't reach to the shower and painted over.
The molding doesn't reach all the way to the floor in many places.
The ceiling fell in 1 week before we were to move in, because the air conditioner pan had a crack in it. Was welded or something.
The latest thing we've noticed is cracks on both sides of the fireplace where the hole was cut to put the fireplace. GREAT!
We have been unable to contact Mr. Dowden by either his cell phone (mailbox is always full), or at home. The only time we get anywhere with him is to send certified letters.
Our last effort was Better Business Bureau and we have yet to hear from them or Dowden Raymond Construction LLC. We don't know what else to do.
Hopefully someone can help.
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