All to often homeowners are having to deal with construction defects on their new Las Vegas homes. Currently Las Vegas Real Estate developers are building 30,000 to 35,000 new homes per year in the valley. With that kind of volume there is sure to be numerous problems along the way.
Las Vegas valley builder Pulte Homes is no stranger to being sued. Their current problems exist with the Henderson, Nevada Homes in Sun City Anthem. The community is comprised of 7,500 homes, of which 2400 are subject to a defective brass fitting used for plumbing, the remaining 5100 homes have yet to be inspected. Over time the part has corroded causing leaks, damage to walls and foundations. This defective part is manufactured in Canada and is commonly used by many other local builders. It is believed the part has been used in an additional 14,000 Henderson, Nevada Homes.
There is currently a class action lawsuit underway involving other developers and Pulte is attempting to steer away from the trouble. Through the courts, Pulte has offered $7,800 to each homeowner in Sun City Anthem or a total of over $58 million. If accepted, homeowners would receive the money and be required to sign documents releasing Pulte of any further responsibility with the defect. The settlement also required residents to make their decision in 30 days. On December 22, 2006 the district judge instructed Pulte to put their settlement on hold. It is believe that the total settlement is not adequate to cover all costs associated with replacement and repairs. If this is rejected by homeowners, it’s likely a class action lawsuit will ensue.
Having been a Henderson, Nevada Realtor® for years now, there is no question that many Henderson Homes are cheaply constructed. Quality is easily compromised for volume and profits. Thanks to our forefathers for creating a system in which accountability can be enforced.
No homeowner is totally immune to the problem. I’ve had to deal with the results of “builder’s saving money” on a couple of my properties. Several years ago I had a Henderson, Nevada Condo that had a water leak by a common wall. My next door neighbor was out of town when the hose connecting the toilet to the wall burst. Water flooded his entire downstairs, seeped through our shared wall coming into my property.
I went to Home Depot to do a little research. I discovered that to put highly secure fittings cost about $3 more than the cheap ones which were used by the builder. While the hose the builder used was within code it is hardly adequate and commonly breaks. It seems hard to imagine that $3 is worth the risk of millions, but home builders take the gamble with each house they build.
Every local builder has a reputation for their level of quality. Make sure to ask your Henderson, Nevada Real Estate Agent for an their opinion.
