My husband and I purchased a home built by Handler construction in 2001. We are the second owners, the house was constructed in 1999. We followed all regulations regarding home sale and had the house inspected as required. The stucco front was specifically inspected to assure it was not dryvit, a product known to leak. Since it was not dryvit and actual concrete stucco, no moisture integrity check was deemed necessary.
In February during a noreaster storm, we noted a drip from a window in the dining area. We notified Handler at the time and was informed that moisture and leaks are only covered in the first three years. We had an independent evaluation and was told that the problem is wind drives rain thru stucco if the wind speed is greater than 25mph. Recommended to seal the stucco. We did and never had any further visible leaks.
April of we were doing some home improvement, front door was needing to be replaced and i wanted wood inlay around the windows in dining area to match up to wainscoating. When we had the dry wall around the window removed, it was discovered that the header beam was saturated with water.
Further interior inspection by removing cut outs of dry wall along the support beams revealed that all the OSB Sheathing was rotted and wiped away like dust, the support beams all appeared to have moisture.
We contacted Handler and was informed we had to speak with their insurance. I again stated, ok. But i would still like to speak with someone from your company. Again, told speak with insurance carrier.
our homeowner policy hired an engineer to determine cause. The determination was builder defect and several violations of building code for 1999. The stucco on our home was only 1/2 inch thickness as opposed to 7/8 inch required, there was no weep screed in place to allow any moisture to escape. No flashing at more than one area along roof, no flashing around windows. Determined the defect dated back to original construction. Leak was occuring prior to our owning the home, No evidence of weather related damage. The damage was hidden in the wall cavity.
We secured a loan to pay for rebuild at the cost of $80,000.00. Handler liability carriers denied claim as everyone is considering this to be weather related water damage, and leaks are only covered in first three years. We had again contacted Handler in October, once all construction was completed (12 week project)
Handler representatives meet with us on the wednesday prior to thanksgiving, their attorney and another engineer as well as the company owner. They have been provided all documents and photo's for review. The goal of the meeting was to come to a "reasonable resolution for all parties involved". The last communication via email a month ago was that the engineer was still reviewing the information and they would get back to us. As of today, we have not heard back from their attorney regarding any compensation back to us as homeowners as the house was never constructed correctly.
Please view the photo's of the deconstruction phase which reveals the extent of damage that was unseen. Note the interior shots that do not reveal any water staining on the drywall.
We had 7 colonies of mold and 4 colonies of fungus confirmed by air testing. Although not at toxic levels. It was affecting our health.
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