Home Warranty Expectation (new house, general contractor, cost)

[Measuretwicecutonce]

We have been in our new house since October 2009. In August of 2010 we noticed a water leak under our shower. We called the builder and they came out. I asked them to replace the shower, and they said that was not necessary at the time. You dont rebuild Rome for a leak, is what we were told.

Today we were checking under our house, and noticed small water drops on the vapor bearer. We looked up and the leak is back, and the floor board has some rot.

Can I reasonably expect the builder to cover it under the extended warranty? Or are we on our own? If so, any recommendations for a general contractor?

[glazersight]

Tell them monocausal decay is considered by many as the very reason the Roman empire fell.

I would keep leaning on the builder if you're still under warranty.

[wheelsup]

If you have record (written or otherwise) of reporting the problem before the warranty period ended (if it did) you may have a leg to stand on.

[Measuretwicecutonce]

I do have record and pictures of reporting it earlier. And so will the builder, as the report was made online.

[twingles]

But what did they do to correct the problem the first time?

[Measuretwicecutonce]

The recaulked it, moved the weep holes and sprayed for mold.

[BoBromhal]

who is the builder is a key.

[Measuretwicecutonce]

A large, national builder.

[BoBromhal]

I would generally say "Good Luck" then. You would likely spend more trying to get them to legally correct the damage than it would cost to just repair the damage.

It's been 4 years and thousands of showers. They've also built and sold thousands of homes. The negative experience, opinion, or internet campaign of one p-o'ed customer isn't likely to make an impact on their future business.

[BoBromhal]

that said - you're entirely within your general rights AND expectations to take this up the chain, since you have evidence from 3 years ago, and get them to resolve it. it certainly sounds like they SHOULD fix it. I just have a different experience with national tract builders well after the general "warranty" period.