A homeowner in South Carolina is facing frustration due to poor construction work that has left their new home covered in imperfections resembling pimples. The house, located inside the Cypress Preserve subdivision in Moncks Corner, SC, displays these flaws under direct sunlight. The homeowner, Tom Eriksen, discovered the issue with the construction when the nails on the sheathing were not properly installed, causing the vinyl to expand and contract, resulting in a pimple-like appearance on the exterior of the house. Eriksen’s daughter purchased the home in 2022, and upon noticing the issue, the family contacted the Lennar Corporation, the company responsible for building the community.
Despite the family’s efforts to bring the construction flaws to Lennar’s attention, the company’s superintendent refused to acknowledge any responsibility for the poor craftsmanship. The superintendent claimed that it was not a manufacturer’s problem but rather an installation issue, and insisted that the homeowner must rectify the problem themselves. Lennar declined to take any action to address the issue, leaving the family feeling ignored and frustrated with the lack of response. Eriksen, who has 40 years of experience in the construction industry, believes that despite the imperfections not being a structural problem, Lennar should take responsibility for the build quality of the homes they construct.
Eriksen emphasized that the poor construction quality is noticeable from all sides of the house, especially when sunlight hits the exterior, further reinforcing the need for Lennar to address the issue promptly. He expressed concern for other homeowners in the community, including the 800 families expected to move in, and urged Lennar to prioritize servicing and fixing the problems in the homes they have built. Additionally, Eriksen called for the company to start by addressing the issues for the homeowners who have been living in the community the longest, highlighting the importance of taking care of customers who invested in their properties early on. The homeowner’s persistence in seeking resolution from Lennar underscores the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with construction defects.
In addition to the homeowner’s efforts to hold Lennar accountable for the construction flaws, a home inspector also criticized the company for failing to fulfill their obligations in terms of house building. The inspector, Robert Knowles, highlighted the misconception that builders have no responsibility to address repairs beyond the first year after construction. Knowles clarified that builders are legally required to fix any issues related to code violations in a house, even after the initial year has passed. He emphasized that builders must comply with the Residential Construction Standards in South Carolina and address any code violations brought to their attention. This underscores the importance of builders maintaining the quality and integrity of their work to ensure homeowners’ satisfaction and safety.
The case in Moncks Corner, SC, serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners and builders alike about the importance of upholding construction standards and addressing issues promptly to prevent long-term consequences. The homeowner’s experience with Lennar Corporation sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with construction defects and the need for builders to take responsibility for their work. By highlighting the legal requirements for builders to address code violations and maintain the quality of their constructions, the case emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in the construction industry. Ultimately, the resolution of these issues will not only benefit the current homeowners but also set a precedent for future construction projects to ensure quality and compliance with regulations.
