Dispute with house builder

[Sunny S]

Jurisdiction

Texas

We had a home builder built a new house including a stock pond on the land we own. We paid $15,000 upfront for the pond. After we moved in last February we found the pond cannot retain water. The builder said they had to wait until all the water was gone to bring in special soil to fix the problem. Now the pond is completely dry and we urged the builder to come to do the work before rain comes again. But the builder now asked us to pay extra $6,500 for them to "bring in the dirt and compact". We disagreed. We don't know what to do next. Please advise.

 

[mightymoose]

If you disagree and you are certain your contract supports your argument, you will need to settle the matter in court.
Visit a local attorney with your contract to get an idea of how strong for claim is.

 

[Sunny S]

If you disagree and you are certain your contract supports your argument, you will need to settle the matter in court.
Visit a local attorney with your contract to get an idea of how strong for claim is.

They built based on the "building specifications". On the change order form, it specifically indicated a "big stock pond using the natural drainage of the land per diagram, install overflow and grade lot to pond". And there is a plot plan for the pond in the construction drawings. We signed the change order and the drawing. Can these support our argument? Thanks!

 

[adjusterjack]

Lawyer time.

 

[zddoodah]

We don't know what to do next. Please advise.

Sue.

Did you really not know that?

 

[Sunny S]

Sue.

Did you really not know that?

Thanks for the advices!

Lawsuit consumes money, time and energy. And we don't know if we have strong enough arguments. What would be the best outcome if we do sue? Should we go to the best business bureau first? We need expert opinions on what is the best way to handle this.

 

[Zigner]

Thanks for the advices!

Lawsuit consumes money, time and energy. And we don't know if we have strong enough arguments. What would be the best outcome if we do sue? Should we go to the best business bureau first? We need expert opinions on what is the best way to handle this.

The Better Business Bureau has no legal teeth. You can make a complaint, but they can't force anyone to do anything.

 

[justblue]

Thanks for the advices!

Lawsuit consumes money, time and energy. And we don't know if we have strong enough arguments. What would be the best outcome if we do sue? Should we go to the best business bureau first? We need expert opinions on what is the best way to handle this.

The better business bureau (BBB) won't do a thing to enforce your contract. If the contractor won't fix the problem then you sue.

 

[zddoodah]

What would be the best outcome if we do sue?

A judgment in your favor that you are able to collect.

Should we go to the best business bureau first?

No. The BBB has no legal authority to do anything.

I suggest you consult with a local attorney.