M/I Homes?? Heard anything? (Haymarket: mortgage, houses, neighborhood)

[msjack]

Hi Everyone,

I am considering purchasing a M/I Home in the Villages of Piedmont. Has anyone heard anything about this builder in this area? I went online and found some information, but it was from other states. Any info good or bad is appreciated Thanks so much!

[blinkf16]

Hi there. MI homes produces a fantastic home. The moldings and extras they have that are already part of their package are outstanding. Moderator cut: soliciting business in the forums is not allowed per the site TOS

[normie]

I own a few houses so I've been able to compare a few of the builders. One of them was built by MI in 1996. It's probably the best built of the lot, although it has had its share of problems.

I particularly like the design. We have a "Bethany" model, and everyone likes how the stairs wrap down to the family room (instead of to the front door). We have a library instead of a 2-story foyer--this is an unusual option but I highly recommend asking for it. If you ask them to place the WD in the basement, they will turn the upstairs WD area into a huge storage closet (it's the envy of my neighbors). Remember, this was true in 1996--so things may have changed.

If you are having a home built, be sure to tell them you are interested in energy efficiency--they have some good features in this area. MI was also the most open to having customers make a few minor design alterations--don't know if that's still true, since that was more than a decade ago.

A general complaint I have heard is that windows leak. We have had to replace 5 windows so far (and that's not cheap--so check your house carefully). We have also had some evidence of careless construction--nail pops and such. But overall we have been happy with MI, and I would recommend them.

[HEATHER72]

This post is off topic but it's in reference to Normie's post about nail pops. This is the third house we have owned (previously living in NM & FL). This house has a lot of nail pops as to where the other homes had none. I've read that it's either from either shoddy construction or that the wood was too wet during the framing stage. What's other people's takes as to why NOVA homes are nail pop havens? I am so not looking forward to the builder coming back soon for the 1 year warranty work... my house is going to be covered in that fine dust.

[lindsayd]

Nail pops are a normal occurance in new construction and are to be expected. They're caused by the natural shrinking/expanding of the home (it's built of natural materials that aren't uniform) and settling of the home.

After the first year you usually don't see too many, since the house has had a chance to go through all 4 seasons. If you're dealing with a good builder, they will come back and repair all the nail pops, settlement cracks, etc.

Depending on how your homes in FL and NM were constructed, it makes sense that you didn't have nail pops. A lot of homes are made of concrete blocks there and have no basements, which reduces settling.

[msjack]

Well I'm glad to hear atleast one good comment about them, because I went and put a contract down on a house. Considering everything they offered as compared to some other builders I couldn't pass up the financing deal they offered. 5% down and they buy down your mortgage to 3.875 for the first year and 4.875 for the rest of the 29 years. But I will have pay the closing costs. It was either that financing and no closing costs or they would pay for the cc and not give the financing. Overall, it's a great community and they offer a 30 year structural warrenty. So hopefully I will be as happy in my M/I home as the poster before is. Thanks for the comments guys!

[Grace324]

I am currently under contract with MI homes and not happy. Keep looking.

[McScootch]

Did they give you a contingency contract to sell you current home?

I am guessing not, since most builders are shying away from that.

[msjack]

Originally Posted by Grace324

I am currently under contract with MI homes and not happy. Keep looking.

Why what happened?

I am under contract as well, and so far so good. I'm not sure where you bought, but I'm in the Haymarket location. Janiece there has been fantastic and couldn't be any nicer, as well as Arlene.

[sixofnine]

Originally Posted by normie

A general complaint I have heard is that windows leak. We have had to replace 5 windows so far (and that's not cheap--so check your house carefully).

My wife and I bought an M/I home in 1995 are generally happy, too. I second normie's comment about the windows. I think M/I makes its own windows, and there were a lot of complaints in my neighborhood about leaks.