Today I have resorted to leaving one star reviews.
I absolutely don't want to do this but to get any action or, quite frankly, any movement on the house build, it seems the only way to do so is to leave one star reviews or comments on their Facebook ads/posts for America's Home Place in general.
Early on, I tried talking to the Project Manager, General Manager, Vice President and President of the company. ONLY when I took extreme measures and put something online did I get an acceptable response. For the record, an acceptable response is communication to me about my home build FOLLOWED by action taken on the house and follow through with what they say they will do and what actually happens.
In essence, the squeaky wheel gets the attention here. WHY????
This blog has a lot of work to be done, but I've now moved from trying to work with them to now (over a half year later of them knowing of issues) trying to help others not make the same mistake we did.
Currently, here is our advice if you are considering America's Home Place to build near Nashville (or anywhere else): ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: Are you willing to be a project manager and hold the entire company accountable? Are you ok with writing reviews online in order to get progress done if needed?
If you can say yes, then America's Home Place is the company for you. You can get a good price with great square footage but ONLY if you agree in your mind to also be a part of the build so much that you area basically managing it. YOU are the quality control because, as proven to us, America's Home Place in Nashville will only address items if you make enough of a fuss about it. I'm not talking about aesthetic things. I'm talking about foundation issues, leaking and water issues, roof issues, electrical issues, missing gas lines, land grading issues, structural problems and SO MUCH MORE.
If you don't have a clue about building, then please do not trust America's Home Place to build your home because they will get away with whatever they can and you will be left wondering why your home is falling apart in a few years.
As I refine this blog, I will share photos and the stories that go along with them so you can actually see our year long experience with America's Home Place.
To be clear, when I signed with America's Home place I let them know that I take photos, do reviews and blog about my experience. I actually held off from doing it because I wanted to only report the great things about my new home...but it has been infinitely difficult to pull off because for each good thing that I eventually would find there has been predictably double to even quadruple or more items to add on the negative.
Simply put, this office is managed poorly and the problem trickles down. It's not the great experience that you will be told you get.
So..here's where I'm at as I write this post:
1. We are supposed to be in the house (with confidence) by September 11. (It was originally May)
2. Last night I tested the electrical outlets and lights. SEVERAL do not work and many lights are not working with the switches. We already have multiple holes in the new ceiling from mistakes...I can't even fathom more. I'm getting a repaired new house.
3. There are over 50 items on their "punch" list. For the record, the punch list needs to be called the incompetence list. Some things are just unacceptable. A punch list should be for little items like door stops or tiny scratches, maybe even a crooked door, but not for big items such as structural defects and electrical issues.
4. I am now literally going to be homeless in about two weeks. I will be continuing to pay storage fees and will add on hotel room costs. When the general manager calls me and wants to know what I want, I think it's obvious... GET THE HOUSE DONE with QUALITY and if you can't, own up to your faults and do what any good company would do: Make sure the customer is not put out because of your incompetence. What does that look like? Perhaps, America's Home Place pays for the hotel room until they are done rather than us. Maybe when it hits their end dollar they will actually move to get the house done. It seems fair to me that they should offer to do this without me having to ask, but this is not a customer focused company so I do not expect it to happen.
5. We can not lock in these historically record low rates without confidence of when the house will be ready to modify and close. So now they are affecting my next thirty years. Resolution? Pay the difference of what I would have saved. Again, this is AHP's incompetence so they should be the ones to foot that bill.
6. My daughters are learning that building a home is a headache and causes instability. Resolution? Sell the home and try with a more competent builder?
Here's the punch list of items that need done in the next two weeks. I doubt they will be done:
UPDATED PUNCH LIST 8/26
(New tasks are Marked Orange. Completed tasks are green)
NOTE: --Scheduled call for 9am on Friday was not completed and no notice was given as when I am to expect an update.
PLEASE add anything to the list and let me know if I missed anything.
Front Entry
Checklist:
-Install drip pan for front door (@CDA)
-New front door (on order since April..)(@CDA)
-Repair paint/trim at bottom threshold (@CDA)
-Concrete pad (@CDA)
-Concrete stepdown stair (@CDA)
-Gable over entry per David Sparks and Bobby - Email documented if needed.
Shower Wall
Checklist:
-Drywall bump out wall (@CDA)
-Trim wall (@CDA)
Paint wall (@CDA- 7/15/20)
-Ceiling repair under drain in downstairs (@CDA)
-Replace flooring in master bathroom. Cut wrong in multiple places and bubbles up. Do not SEAM this flooring. It needs to be one piece properly installed. Added three weeks ago
Foyer
Checklist:
Repair drywall in foyer (@CDA- 7/11/20)
-Repair window flashing around sash (foyer window) (@CDA)
-Repair framing around foyer window - Lower right of frame
-Make sure foyer window locks (@CDA)
-Install screen of foyer window. NEW
Electrical
Flood light #1 install (@CDA) (one is not working with switch)
Flood light #2 install (@CDA)
Replace drip edge on side gable (@CDA)
-Ensure all switches are working properly. (New but not priority because I believe he's still working on it)
Stairs
Complete banister (@CDA)
-Repair trim along banister edges at bottom of stairs (@CDA)
-Replace right rail piece at top of stair on Master Bed side. It is not the right size.(@CDA)
-Repair banister trim at top left of stairs (@CDA)
-Round edge of trim on left of stairs for safety (@CDA)
-Replace top stair with wood (@CDA)
-Sand bannister rail where large splinter is (@CDA)*added last month
-Fix uneven bottom parts of upstairs banister on the landing (@CDA) *added last month
-Check stability of long part of banister – It seems a bit loose (@CDA) *added last month
-Repair Lower banister trim where it is notched on thermostat wall downstairs*added last month
-Place round wood disk in hardware hole on banister post facing foyer windowCDA) *added last month
-Check the height of new top stair. It differs from the rest of the stairs currently and once carpeted it needs to match the rest. NEW
Back Porch
Replace/fill top board on stair (@CDA)
Replace fill bad 45 angles at corners of rail (@CDA)
-Paint white per contract(@CDA)
Side Entry
-Replace cap board on rail (@CDA) - I have to check, it may be one.
-Fix damaged drip edge on right side (@CDA) (left side was fixed)
Paint/caulk ceiling of gable (@CDA- 7/12/20)
-Check small bit of siding to right of roof near flashing. It is lifted and does not lie flush (@CDA) - I have to check
-Paint door the correct color (It is painted Gray Harbor, it should be Foggy Day) (@CDA) *Added last month
-Check second floor plank and see if it can be replaced with a full plank to match all others. *Added last month
Remove tin shears that were left on top of the roof. (8/2020)
Fireplace
Complete stone hearth (@CDA- 7/11/20)
Inspect hole along front base of fireplace. It’s a 1inch by about 1 inch deep crevice that runs the whole front. *NEW
Install missing electric outlet (@CDA- 7/12/20)
-Repair drywall for outlet punch (@CDA) *Added last month
-Properly install vent for fireplace (outside on chimney) It is currently hanging by two nails and is not completed. Added last month
-Complete grouting around firestones to avoid deep gap on the front of fireplace opening on the hearth Added last month
Kitchen Sink Wall
-Repair trim and seal top window chase. (@CDA)
-Buff and shine cabinet paint to match (@CDA) (It has FLAT sheen repair but needs to have GLOSSY sheen)
-Fix the refrigerator water line. Unacceptable trim/water tite seal (it’s not water tight the way it is)... (@CDA) *Added last month, picture sent
-Damage to lower kitchen cupboard left of sink. Caused by granite install*added last month
-Paint other areas that have since been nicked.
STOVE WALL
-Center vent over cabinet by moving (or extension of box) over microhood cabinet. Create symmetrical design. (@CDA)
-Install gas lines for gas stove (@CDA)
Repair or replace LVT to left of stove. (Currently has paint overspray in it) (@CDA)
-Paint/Repair bottom left of cupboard toward fireplace. Laminate was broken off. *Added last month
-Repair crown molding that is falling off top right cupboard. NEW
Kitchen Island
-Install two electric outlets on island per plan (@CDA)
Install island lights centered symmetrical (@CDA- 7/12/20)
Repair flooring surrounding island (@CDA- 7/12/20)
Fasten/secure island to floor (@CDA- 7/12/20)
-Caulk all kicker board seams on all cabinets (@CDA)
Granite install (@CDA- 7/12/20)
-Repair TWO Holes in Ceiling *New three weeks ago
-Install floor vent under island per plan (It is in crawl space waiting). I noted other vents were placed with covers and this is still missing. New last week
-There appears to be some sort of epoxy on the legs of the island. Remove without damaging paint please. NEW
Back Exterior
-Seal bathroom vent to siding to prevent insect housing (@CDA)
Repair and flash siding under and to side of deck (@CDA)
-Paint trim under patio to match siding. It is currently horrendous. (@CDA)
Left Exterior
Clean off grout and debris on siding from brick layers (@CDA)
Replace /repair damaged trim on both sides of chimney (brick layer damage) (@CDA- 7/12/20) Painted
Fix gap to left of chimney with proper flashing and trim. At roof edge (@CDA) ?? I have to check
-Install proper fitted chimney cap to cover all exposed wood The one on it is temporary(@CDA)
-Repair/replace? Foundation vent (marked orange by CJ's crew) (@CDA)
Proper install of French drain around electric (take photos as completed please) (@CDA) Completed properly??? It goes up and is not covered by gravel. It was filled over with dirt......?
-Install left attic gable vent. Supposedly on order per Travis several months ago. (This has been on order by Travis since March or April)
(note: It appears several foundation vents were installed backwards)
Front Façade
Install shutters (@CDA- 7/12/20)
-Repair/check left front lifting roof shingles (@CDA)
-Parge foundation (THIS IS A ZONING CODE ISSUE) (@CDA)
-Paint Foundation after parge is cured (@CDA)
-Blacken/paint/replace with black screws on top of left lower shutter and upper part of right lower shutter (@CDA) *NEW CJ alerted
Right Exterior
-Repair front drip edge where bent and improperly installed (@CDA)
-Caulk and seal all vents from second floor to prevent insect housing (@CDA)
-Install framing around gable vent (It’s been laying around for months) (@CDA)
Pantry Coat Closet
-Seal paint to cover water damage to door and trim (@CDA) STILL VISIBLE
-Cover access hole to right of closet (@CDA)
-Clean Out debris under stairs (@CDA)
Bath Surround (Master bathtub)
-Extend drywall to top of tub. (1 -2 inch gap currently) (@CDA)
-Check flooring issue on the front of the tub. *NEW Photos sent three weeks ago
Move electric to inside closet. (@CDA- 7/12/20)
Repair drywall where electric was incorrect (@CDA- 7/15/20)
Dining Area (near patio door)
-Repair ceiling (@CDA) (Repair both holes in ceiling... a new one was created)
-Complete drywall on doorway from keeping area to hallway (@CDA)
-Patio Door Panes are hitting one another. Needs Adjusted*added last month possibly repaired
-Patio Door SCREEN is not tracking and is starting to fall apart on bottom. *Added last month -- Possibly repaired.
-Add hardware to patio door. NEW
Interior Walls
Full final paint coat to cover all missed areas and ensure matching hues along all surfaces. (@CDA)
-Check around windows for knocked out drywall from trim install/ repair and smooth as needed (@CDA) (FRONT WINDOW TO RIGHT OF DOOR has damage from knocking down drywall for trim)
Upstairs hall closet
-Use fine sand paper to smooth repair (from water damage) made on louvered door (@CDA
-Ensure all closets have smooth finished drywall --- With lights on, there are a few areas where the sanding was overlooked. NEW
Groundwork
-Concrete steps
-Concrete sidewalk to door (@CDA)
-Concrete driveway (@CDA)
Repair city road (@CDA) Issue resolved
-Drainage check on right side, overspill reported by neighbors (@CDA)
-REMOVE the bathtub that has been sitting on the lot for over 6 months. It was moved to the front of the lot about three weeks ago and now nothing. Added last week. Still there.
Office Area/Front Room
Install trim on cased door opening near entry door (@CDA)
-Caulk/paint trim on top of door casing in office that was recently placed. NEW
Jack and Jill Bath
-Replace Crooked Door that goes to Bedroom 2 (@CDA
-Repair the scratches on the front of the bathtub. NEW
-Fix the sink plunger mechanism. It currently hits the backsplash which makes it unable to plug and fill sink. NEW
-Touch up paint the wrench damage around the shower head bolt. NEW
FOUNDATION
-Parge foundation --ZONING ORDINANCE/ ISSUE
-Paint Foundation (@CDA)
MASTER BED
-Check bounce noise (infrequent) in the bath as you enter once HVAC is complete. NEW
-Fix the aesthetic issue of the right cupboards - There are two screws driven into the finished cabinet floor. It is completely unsightly and will cause issues with snagging items placed within it. NEW
-Reset or fix the sink faucet. It currently hits the backsplash and does not allow for use of the sink stopper. NEW
-Touch up paint the wrench damage around the shower head bolt. NEW
-Check the plumb/level of bathroom door. Currently (when standing in bedroom) it has a large crack when closed where you can see inside bathroom/light comes in and out on the bottom right and top left. With lights on this is more obvious now. I can provide photos if needed. NEW
No more bounce or noise when entering master bedroom (It makes noise right now)(@CDA)
Overall House
Fix areas on trim and wall damaged by carpet installation (@CDA)
Professionally clean carpet... construction dust and mud currently on in it* Carpet covered in plastic to protect
Get Electric on -- Delayed due to ditch issues - completed this week
-Check behind doors for damage from carpet installation on trim and fix. NEW
-Several pieces of the interior door jambs are rippling and showing the damage from being left outside (see mudroom for best example). Please locate and remedy all of these. It is poor craftsmanship at this point. NEW
-Caulk/paint quarter round trim throughout. - NEW
Front BEDROOM
-Repair Hole in Closet Drywall (Upper Left) (from electrician) *Added last month
-Check the bounce noise in the hallway just in front of the bed 1 on the landing. (since the master bedroom got fixed...I thought it would be an appropriate time to ask) It may go away once HVAC is installed and on.NEW
-Install door stops to prevent closet and bedroom door from colliding. NEW
Second Floor Landing
-Install correct color carpet*Added last month
-Straighten the bottom of the banister pieces so they are parallel with one another. *Added last month Mostly done.
-Bounce noise just in front of bed 1 infrequent. Double check once HVAC works. NEW
Utility Room
-Paint/stain block water damage to door (lower exterior part of door) -
-Replace door for utility room, there is a cracked/bent lower right corner and is unacceptable as a new door. NEW
-Ensure the HVAC vent is Added. NEW
Crawl Space
Install access lights (@CDA)
-Tape and seal plastic seams for proper sealing of the space.(@CDA)
-Properly install same mil plastic throughout (@CDA)
Securely fasten insulation over sink drain pipe so it doesn't continue to fall (@CDA) (Per one of new guys )
-Place air unit on metal legs. No blocks per code inspection. (@CDA)
Seal front hose bib to prevent water drainage along supply pipe into crawl. (@CDA)
-Properly cement/seal around drain pipes see image (@CDA)
-Ensure the Tankless Gas Heater is allowed as installed per codes. There has been conversation that it was not ok per Franklin to Travis, in a meeting with Bobby/Travis/Dave and by an electrician friend. NEW
ADDED:
Several electrical outlets not working
Several lights and switches not working together
Flood lights not working
Crawlspace door not properly fitting in the hole and can not be locked
Missing Access lights and outlets
Land is graded improperly and will cause pooling at the house foundation
Large hole in the front yard from a work truck unaddressed since April
Missing sink disposal switch
Things noticed that were done This past week:
-HVAC unit added outside (one is still missing)
-LIghts completed (Some need further investigation as they do not all work with switch)
-Top rails on deck replaced
-Electric turned on (Big win! Finally!)
-Missing trim was placed on top of door casing in office
-Top Stair FINALLY with wood on it. (after being used as a garbage can during the build)
-Large bounce noise (from improperly installed subfloor...addressed by my home inspector) FINALLY completed in front of the Master Bed.. The flooring is still lacking the proper nailing per the subfloor instructions but as long as it's not making noise like it was, I can almost forget about it.
PRIOR WEEK
-HVAC upstairs and Thermostats installed
-Most vent covers installed
-Electric Meter put on at beginning of week.
-Knife/shears removed from roof of left entry
Anything else? Please let me know.
Still to be done:
All mirrors, shelves, etc...
Everything on punch list
Grading completed under porch/decks.
etc...etc..
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