Windsor, retaining walls (Garland, Rockwall, Howe: home builder, neighborhood, luxury)

[sks1977]

Hello.

We have a couple of questions:

1) What are folks' opinion/comments about Windsor, the home builder? Would you say that they are as good as Drees/Highland/AshtonWoods or are they are different kind of builder (if so, how)?

2) Anyone have experience with them in terms of negotiations and how did that go?

3) The lot we are interested in has a 5' retaining wall and they will probably give a lot discount for it. However, we are wondering the disadvantages of retaining walls and what maintenance headaches might come out of it? Is there a way to avoid those headaches? Does builder's 10 yr foundation warranty cover retaining wall issues?

4) Are having retaining walls hard for resale?

Thanks.

[nsumner]

Windsor is a fairly new builder, as in <10 years around. They used to built under a different name Wentworth homes (I think) in Garland in the 90s but those were entry level. They then ventured into the luxury market and started Windsor Homes. I got first introduced to their homes in Rockwall and I was impressed to be honestm they recently expanded to Collin county. I would compare them to Darling, as they are semi-custom builders too and have a very nice product. I have shown many of their homes but didn't sell any yet.

Typically the 10 year foundation warranty does not cover the retaining wall, so get clarification in writing with whichever builder you decide to go with.

Usually homes with a retaining wall don't have a problem for resale if they are in good condition. It's all in the upkeep and drainage.

As far as the prices, have your Realtor do a market analysis of the neighborhood you are considering.

Naima

[MckinneyOwnr]

Most homes in my area in Mckinney have retaining walls. It doesn't affect resale, unless it has been neglected and not maintained. Some people actually prefer the look.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by sks1977

Hello.

We have a couple of questions:

1) What are folks' opinion/comments about Windsor, the home builder? Would you say that they are as good as Drees/Highland/AshtonWoods or are they are different kind of builder (if so, how)?

2) Anyone have experience with them in terms of negotiations and how did that go?

3) The lot we are interested in has a 5' retaining wall and they will probably give a lot discount for it. However, we are wondering the disadvantages of retaining walls and what maintenance headaches might come out of it? Is there a way to avoid those headaches? Does builder's 10 yr foundation warranty cover retaining wall issues?

4) Are having retaining walls hard for resale?

Thanks.

Hello sks1977,

I have not heard of any resale issues on homes with retaining walls, except ones that have retaining wall issues.

A properly designed and constructed retaining wall should not be any issue at all. Any retaining wall over 4' though should be an engineered design, especially with the smaller sized lots we tend to have here. As Naima pointed out make sure that you closely read the warranty offered and make sure it includes foundation issues due to retaining wall failures.

If you have not started building on the retaining wall lot I would highly recommend that you consider phase inspections. At least three phases; pre-pour before the foundation is poured, pre-drywall before the insulation is put in place, the final when everything is finished and before you take possession. For the pre-pour I would highly recommend that you use a licensed Professional Engineer versed in residential foundations AND retaining walls. From there a good licensed Inspector can perform the remaining two phases. Since you are dealing with a retaining wall it is important to make sure the foundation and retaining wall are properly engineered and constructed. If you need a reference for a good PE let me know.

If you ever have any questions feel free to contact me. Good luck on the build!