This is my journey to make our house a home and share decorating ideas, DIY projects and other fun bits for all those who love design and the thrill of a deal!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Video of the egress window "repair"
Ok here is a link to my video of me venting about the egress window repair and showing you what exactly they did.... Let me know what you would do if you were in my shoes
Wow, those are clearly visible gaps in the wood. Also, since your basement isn't a walk out, I think you'd want it sealed better. Is there an independent inspector you can consult with?
Very good and detailed video I would be highly upset too Im not sure why they have left that huge gap you should not be able to see outside from any spaces between wood and walls and as for the window for the fact that it is in the wrong spot is totally unacceptable. They need to spray foam and seal all areas of concern immediately if not I would report it to their corporate office.
Very good video. It really helped to visualize what happened. I would not be happy about that. Why are there gaps and you can see outside? That is not acceptable. I agree with the commment above that they should spray foam and seal that area. And they still didn't get it in the right location for you??? That is definitely not "10" worthy. This is a huge investment and it should be right. Be sure you voice your dissatisfaction.
I'm laying in bed right now and can't sleep because I keep thinking about it! I'm more upset knowing we are less than 7 days now away from closing and that is going to be how this was solved, what is going to happen on year 11 when the foundation cracks or leaks or who knows what! I'm practically in tears knowing that this is our house... I don't even know what to do, the PM keeps saying it is fine... But I bet he wouldn't want it to be his house...
You are right his would be done right I'm sure. It would bother me too and I know I would be stressing about too, so I am not sure what words of wisdom I could even give you. Keep the faith and hope all works out for the good in the end. Sending positive thoughts your way!
Ok first...OMG your description did not do it any justice UNTIL you posted this video, Holy Crap!!
Oh, yeah you might get a finished basement, oh girl, I would be sooo much up in arms!!
First though, I would imagine that they will spray foam it, thats not a big issue....it's clear they are not finished yet.
I was always taught never to place wood directly onto concrete!!
Where the hell is the lentel??? What is supporting the load?
It wasn't centered!! You clearly wanted it centered, it's a big deal cause it CANT be fixed...
Time to strap on your big girl boots and get serious...tell them you will NEVER suggest that anyone ever build a RH home!! Ask them for their supervisors contact information, contact that person!
You will be surprised at the responses you get once you start to go in that direction. I know I sound like a nasty bitch, but Rachael I would be as mad as you!!!!
I can see where that is really the only way they could have fixed it was with the block, but the "job" that they did is awful... and an eyesore.............now be prepared for...."it will be covered up with insulation" and "the cracking in concrete is normal settling"........don't let them "talk" you out of your concerns.... tell the people above your PM that you arent sleeping at night and this has ruined your experience and you will tell future neighbors what to watch out for....and HOLD TIGHT to that survey!!
I think I would def. feel better if something was done to make you feel HEARD!
Oh DW I knew you would understand, I hate bing a bitch but this is serious shit, me and my husband are going there today so I can show him my concerns then if our SR is there I'm going to state our unhappiness with all of this... It's causing stress, sleeplessness and tension in my marriage. The whole experience is soured to be honest I'm not even excited now to move in, I can stop thinking about this I got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night and I just cried in the shower this morning, I feel so pathetic... It's hard too because I really like my SR she is a wonderful person I don't want her to take me screaming yelling and crying personally she wasn't the one that f'd things up buy she said if they are ever not being a 10 to let her know, I just hope it's not too late in the game for them to do something to compensate
You know I understand!!! And I know how this stuff causes a riff in a marriage....it sucks..and it wants you NOT wanna live there, I completely get IT!!
But take some stock in what I said in another comment on here, after being in my home awhile now, I can see more how RH operates....and YES they do want to make you HAPPY I truly believe that but its a business and its about money, if it was up to the PMs i think so many things would be diff, but they have to get money from somewhere and they have to ask for it higher up, and the higher ups think they are doing a bad job when its the subcontractors screwing up....its the blame game....and your screw up means someone is to blame as well as money.........so go further UP, focus on what they CANT fix and what IS WRONG and that's the centering of the window.
I wouldnt waste your money on another inspector, you can, but I believe our homes will pass inspections, this I have no doubt!!
They will HAVE to make it right for you in another way, like I said mention a partial finished basement in THAT area....and go from there, dont take NO for an answer...you MAY not get the finished basement BUT if they dont like that idea, RH will come up with something else!!
There was only one time I didnt get the answer I wanted, I told them I was going over their heads.........and soon the answer became yes without me having to go any further :) You would have to email me privately about that one...lol
You definitely need to get an inspector and let them know you are not closing on the house until it is fixed. They will do it because they don't want to carry the house on the books into the next month. You paid for this house it should be done right! Our inspector brought up little gaps, so big ones are definitely not ok!
I think that everyone is correct about the foam sealant around the window. That will definitely take care of the openings. However, the other issues are more troublesome. Of course, the window should have been placed where you designated in the pre-construction meeting. That certainly did not happen. It is also bad that it didn't get put in the right place when they "fixed" it. I would definitely keep on them. If the PM keeps saying that it is fine, I would push further. They all want to make you happy, or at least content. I would go right up the chain. I would ask to speak with the regional manager or the production manager. Once it starts to climb you may see more results with whatever they can do with the state that it is in now.
I too would recommend an inspector and see what they have to say. I know that you brought up legitimate concerns about the house settling and load barring. I would stress it all and keep stressing it. If you are like us, you are not paying chump change for your house and you deserve to have it as close to the way that you ordered it as possible. (Meaning, you don't want them cutting another hole in the wall to make it centered).
Hi Rachael. I just wanted to say thank you for the idea to take video. We have encountered a problem with our plumbing. We have a damp spot and crack starting to form on our living room ceiling. There is also a really bad and loud tapping sound we hear in our powder room when you run the water or flush the toilet in our master bathroom. Not happy right now. The subcontractors they used for the plumbing are coming out Wednesday. We pray it doesn't become worse by then and water starts to break through.
Oh no! It sounds like there is a definite leak, I hope it gets fixed for you ASAP, water damage is no good, we were actually just up at the house a few hours ago, but they already covered up the patched up foundation and finished the window so I couldn't show my husband. We are planing to send a detailed email though to PM and SR about not feeling like a 10, I hope you are holding on to your survey too girl! Make them make it right!
Good thing you took those pics when you could cause now its all covered up!!
I would def. emphasis on the window NOT being centered even AFTER the fix!!
I am thinking like a PM.....according to them the "fix" is correct, now dont get me wrong express how horrible of a job it was......but put some more emphasis on the window NOT being centered and how it disrupts your room placement in the future.......this CANNOT be fixed or justified....you see where I am coming from??? They cant agrue that point, but they can agrue to fix was done correctly......I know its emotional, but direct your anger towards something they have NO excuse for........you know what I mean????
Oh yes, definitely holding on to the survey! They better make it right. I can work from home and hoping my husband will be here when they come, he is fired up about it. Oh and dwtimes makes an excellant point about the placement of your egress window. I would definitely express my dissatification about it being placed in the incorrect location and the poor workmanship BUT emphasis the incorrect location. Good point in putting on the PM hard hat. Darla
Great advice DW! I can't believe I didn't realize it until I was taking the video too, it's just a weird placement for a window we had it marked right on th blue printe centered between the wall and the stairs... I'm def stressing that point and have problem going over their heads, I want to be happy with my home so desperately, and I hope they will understand and make it right!
A picture is worth a thousand words but a video is clear as day. Your PM is not doing his job to supervisor the building process.
We are currently at the framing stage and I see so many things I'm not happy about. We will definitely get a 3rd party inspector for the pre-drywall. I hope you'll hire one as well for final inspection.
Yikes, looks like you have quite the situation on your hands. Hopefully everything worked out in the end. Everyone's recommendation to get a home inspector in there is a good idea. They would be able to tell you what is good practice and what is not. Then at least you can have some evidence against the contractors of what they need to fix.
Wow, those are clearly visible gaps in the wood. Also, since your basement isn't a walk out, I think you'd want it sealed better. Is there an independent inspector you can consult with?
ReplyDeleteVery good and detailed video I would be highly upset too Im not sure why they have left that huge gap you should not be able to see outside from any spaces between wood and walls and as for the window for the fact that it is in the wrong spot is totally unacceptable. They need to spray foam and seal all areas of concern immediately if not I would report it to their corporate office.
ReplyDeleteVery good video. It really helped to visualize what happened. I would not be happy about that. Why are there gaps and you can see outside? That is not acceptable. I agree with the commment above that they should spray foam and seal that area. And they still didn't get it in the right location for you??? That is definitely not "10" worthy. This is a huge investment and it should be right. Be sure you voice your dissatisfaction.
ReplyDelete-Darla
I'm laying in bed right now and can't sleep because I keep thinking about it! I'm more upset knowing we are less than 7 days now away from closing and that is going to be how this was solved, what is going to happen on year 11 when the foundation cracks or leaks or who knows what! I'm practically in tears knowing that this is our house... I don't even know what to do, the PM keeps saying it is fine... But I bet he wouldn't want it to be his house...
DeleteYou are right his would be done right I'm sure. It would bother me too and I know I would be stressing about too, so I am not sure what words of wisdom I could even give you. Keep the faith and hope all works out for the good in the end. Sending positive thoughts your way!
DeleteDarla
Ok first...OMG your description did not do it any justice UNTIL you posted this video, Holy Crap!!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah you might get a finished basement, oh girl, I would be sooo much up in arms!!
First though, I would imagine that they will spray foam it, thats not a big issue....it's clear they are not finished yet.
I was always taught never to place wood directly onto concrete!!
Where the hell is the lentel??? What is supporting the load?
It wasn't centered!! You clearly wanted it centered, it's a big deal cause it CANT be fixed...
Time to strap on your big girl boots and get serious...tell them you will NEVER suggest that anyone ever build a RH home!! Ask them for their supervisors contact information, contact that person!
You will be surprised at the responses you get once you start to go in that direction. I know I sound like a nasty bitch, but Rachael I would be as mad as you!!!!
I can see where that is really the only way they could have fixed it was with the block, but the "job" that they did is awful... and an eyesore.............now be prepared for...."it will be covered up with insulation" and "the cracking in concrete is normal settling"........don't let them "talk" you out of your concerns.... tell the people above your PM that you arent sleeping at night and this has ruined your experience and you will tell future neighbors what to watch out for....and HOLD TIGHT to that survey!!
I think I would def. feel better if something was done to make you feel HEARD!
Oh DW I knew you would understand, I hate bing a bitch but this is serious shit, me and my husband are going there today so I can show him my concerns then if our SR is there I'm going to state our unhappiness with all of this... It's causing stress, sleeplessness and tension in my marriage. The whole experience is soured to be honest I'm not even excited now to move in, I can stop thinking about this I got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night and I just cried in the shower this morning, I feel so pathetic... It's hard too because I really like my SR she is a wonderful person I don't want her to take me screaming yelling and crying personally she wasn't the one that f'd things up buy she said if they are ever not being a 10 to let her know, I just hope it's not too late in the game for them to do something to compensate
DeleteYou know I understand!!! And I know how this stuff causes a riff in a marriage....it sucks..and it wants you NOT wanna live there, I completely get IT!!
DeleteBut take some stock in what I said in another comment on here, after being in my home awhile now, I can see more how RH operates....and YES they do want to make you HAPPY I truly believe that but its a business and its about money, if it was up to the PMs i think so many things would be diff, but they have to get money from somewhere and they have to ask for it higher up, and the higher ups think they are doing a bad job when its the subcontractors screwing up....its the blame game....and your screw up means someone is to blame as well as money.........so go further UP, focus on what they CANT fix and what IS WRONG and that's the centering of the window.
I wouldnt waste your money on another inspector, you can, but I believe our homes will pass inspections, this I have no doubt!!
They will HAVE to make it right for you in another way, like I said mention a partial finished basement in THAT area....and go from there, dont take NO for an answer...you MAY not get the finished basement BUT if they dont like that idea, RH will come up with something else!!
There was only one time I didnt get the answer I wanted, I told them I was going over their heads.........and soon the answer became yes without me having to go any further :) You would have to email me privately about that one...lol
You definitely need to get an inspector and let them know you are not closing on the house until it is fixed. They will do it because they don't want to carry the house on the books into the next month. You paid for this house it should be done right! Our inspector brought up little gaps, so big ones are definitely not ok!
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone is correct about the foam sealant around the window. That will definitely take care of the openings. However, the other issues are more troublesome. Of course, the window should have been placed where you designated in the pre-construction meeting. That certainly did not happen. It is also bad that it didn't get put in the right place when they "fixed" it. I would definitely keep on them. If the PM keeps saying that it is fine, I would push further. They all want to make you happy, or at least content. I would go right up the chain. I would ask to speak with the regional manager or the production manager. Once it starts to climb you may see more results with whatever they can do with the state that it is in now.
ReplyDeleteI too would recommend an inspector and see what they have to say. I know that you brought up legitimate concerns about the house settling and load barring. I would stress it all and keep stressing it. If you are like us, you are not paying chump change for your house and you deserve to have it as close to the way that you ordered it as possible. (Meaning, you don't want them cutting another hole in the wall to make it centered).
Hi Rachael. I just wanted to say thank you for the idea to take video. We have encountered a problem with our plumbing. We have a damp spot and crack starting to form on our living room ceiling. There is also a really bad and loud tapping sound we hear in our powder room when you run the water or flush the toilet in our master bathroom. Not happy right now. The subcontractors they used for the plumbing are coming out Wednesday. We pray it doesn't become worse by then and water starts to break through.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Oh no! It sounds like there is a definite leak, I hope it gets fixed for you ASAP, water damage is no good, we were actually just up at the house a few hours ago, but they already covered up the patched up foundation and finished the window so I couldn't show my husband. We are planing to send a detailed email though to PM and SR about not feeling like a 10, I hope you are holding on to your survey too girl! Make them make it right!
DeleteGood thing you took those pics when you could cause now its all covered up!!
DeleteI would def. emphasis on the window NOT being centered even AFTER the fix!!
I am thinking like a PM.....according to them the "fix" is correct, now dont get me wrong express how horrible of a job it was......but put some more emphasis on the window NOT being centered and how it disrupts your room placement in the future.......this CANNOT be fixed or justified....you see where I am coming from??? They cant agrue that point, but they can agrue to fix was done correctly......I know its emotional, but direct your anger towards something they have NO excuse for........you know what I mean????
Oh yes, definitely holding on to the survey! They better make it right. I can work from home and hoping my husband will be here when they come, he is fired up about it. Oh and dwtimes makes an excellant point about the placement of your egress window. I would definitely express my dissatification about it being placed in the incorrect location and the poor workmanship BUT emphasis the incorrect location. Good point in putting on the PM hard hat.
DeleteDarla
Great advice DW! I can't believe I didn't realize it until I was taking the video too, it's just a weird placement for a window we had it marked right on th blue printe centered between the wall and the stairs... I'm def stressing that point and have problem going over their heads, I want to be happy with my home so desperately, and I hope they will understand and make it right!
DeleteA picture is worth a thousand words but a video is clear as day.
ReplyDeleteYour PM is not doing his job to supervisor the building process.
We are currently at the framing stage and I see so many things I'm not happy about. We will definitely get a 3rd party inspector for the pre-drywall. I hope you'll hire one as well for final inspection.
http://shakeseare.blogspot.com/
Yikes, looks like you have quite the situation on your hands. Hopefully everything worked out in the end. Everyone's recommendation to get a home inspector in there is a good idea. They would be able to tell you what is good practice and what is not. Then at least you can have some evidence against the contractors of what they need to fix.
ReplyDelete