Standing water in culvert (West: houses, gated community, subdivision)

[kutolam]

Is it builder responsibility to fix issue with standing water in culvert. I called Fort Bend county and they said it should be builder responsibility to fix it since the house is located in gated or private subdivision. Builder said (i will not mention name) there is not thing they can do about it. Should I talk to them again before I close as I am very concern about West Nile virus arise due to standing water. Thanks.

[rusty2006]

So, it's a gated community and the builder/developer is responsible for the roads instead of the city/county?

And you haven't closed yet on the home?

If they won't do anything now, before you close, you can be assured they really won't do anything after you close. It's been really dry the past month or so and there's water in it now? Is there a leaking water line or sprinkler's running too much?

Is it just the culvert that has water and not the nearby ditch? If so, then the culvert is set too low and the ground is not graded properly to drain.

I would keep pushing them and refuse to close, if you feel strongly about getting this fixed. You may want to speak with a lawyer, if you don't get anything out of them. Houses are still selling here, but it's not 'on fire' like it was last year. You probably have some stroke with them.

[colcat]

Originally Posted by rusty2006

So, it's a gated community and the builder/developer is responsible for the roads instead of the city/county?

And you haven't closed yet on the home?

If they won't do anything now, before you close, you can be assured they really won't do anything after you close. It's been really dry the past month or so and there's water in it now? Is there a leaking water line or sprinkler's running too much?

Is it just the culvert that has water and not the nearby ditch? If so, then the culvert is set too low and the ground is not graded properly to drain.

I would keep pushing them and refuse to close, if you feel strongly about getting this fixed. You may want to speak with a lawyer, if you don't get anything out of them. Houses are still selling here, but it's not 'on fire' like it was last year. You probably have some stroke with them.

Gated communities are usually considered private property. That includes the streets, etc.

[haudi]

It's more likely on the developer than the builder if there is standing water in the utility areas. Drainage beyond your home wouldn't be covered by the builder. How far is this culvert from your home?

[kutolam]

yes, it's a gated community and the builder/developer is responsible for the roads instead of the city/county. Issue is this is build on our lot so we already closed on the house already and it's just a matter when they give us the key when house is completed. Culvert is about 60 feet away from the house on acre lot. With the rain yesterday, i am sure the matter would be a lot worse now. I have not gone back to the house to check but will do so today.

I guess main question is - Do builder responsible to grade the ditch so water will go through the culvert instead of standing in that area? Builder installed the culvert so shouldn't they be responsible to fix the standing water there?

[rusty2006]

My guess is the builder is going to blame the developer, ie- "if the ditch had been graded properly, then the water would drain". Regardless, I'd keep pushing the builder. I'd also start getting information from the developer.