Quote:
Originally Posted by TimC2462
The walkthrough is scheduled for June 9th with the closing date occurring a week later.
One of my concerns revolves around the layout of the stone masonry (surface wall only) that was put together against the exterior on each side of the garage doors. There are three short columns, not exceeding 3 ft in height. Click on the following link to see what I mean: PreviewFirst.com (http://www.previewfirst.com/vt/photos/25276 - broken link)
While all the other existing houses that have been built have excellent craftsmanship, my future home is the only that looks odd with the excessive showing of mortar with thin layered stones. It doesn't have the staggered, random look and looks more like incomplete work. Ultimately, it detracts from the overall curb appeal.
Do I have a legitimate request to have the home builder redo the stone masonry before the close of escrow?
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It is difficult to tell from the pictures but is this a thin stone veneer or actual stone? I ask because (see left arrow in picture) there is quite an overhang of the stone from the foundation below it. It is possible that you have a steel angle ledge underneath it for support and could be actual stone.
To answer the original question it really does depend on what you have (stone or thin stone veneer) and what your agreement/expectations were of the build. It is well worth speaking to the builder of your concerns and that it is not what was potentially represented to you in the model home, renditions shown, etc. It is certainly your call and your money you are spending. If there are no other issues with it then it is more of an aesthetic condition.
Have you had, or are you planning to have, a professional inspection of the home prior to closing? If you are having an inspection I would bring it to the attention of the Inspector and he/she can potentially tell you what is there. If not then you might want to have an independent contractor inspect it for your piece of mind.
It is not easy to tell but is your exterior stucco or EIFS cladding? Nothing wrong with either one when properly installed. I would highly recommend you have that inspected though prior to closing to ensure no issues are present.
Another item I noted from the picture is that you are not using gutters on this home. Not sure if you are from Cali or not? If not and you have extensive rainfalls in your area then it can cause issues with significant water ponding in those flower beds with roof rainwater runoff (see right arrow as example).
If the home is substantially completed, and no further outdoor work is to be done, you might want to consider fencing in that pool area. It can be a major liability if left unprotected from wandering children and drunk adults! If you have small children also make sure you place an appropriate, and loud, alarm on that patio slider door to the pool. That's for the protection of the small children so you know when they wander. If you don't have children it might still be worth it in the event you have visitors regularly with children.
Nice looking place! Enjoy!
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