Is Richmond American mending their ways? I am cautiously optimistic. Wait a minute; I hate that phrase. I can’t believe I just used it. Last time I heard it, my infant son was on life support. When a pediatric intensive care physician said it, I wanted to sucker-punch her in the throat. I mean, really. Cautiously optimistic. What does that mean, anyway? Are you optimistic, or not? Moving on…

On Monday afternoon, Poli Peters, the Director of Construction for Richmond American paid me a visit. He came with a clipboard, an apology, and a vow to fix all construction problems. He followed me room-to-room, taking copious notes while I ranted. When we were done, we sat in my family room (next to my wind-tunnel fireplace blocked off with plastic) and reviewed his list.

He promised to send me an email on Tuesday listing the problems, agreeing to fix all issues. Did he? Yes, or at least he agreed to have them inspected. Richmond American will fix the first five items, and will send contractors to inspect the fireplace, windows and insulation.

Email from Poli Peters

Mrs. Gilson,

It was a pleasure meeting with you yesterday.  I appreciate the opportunity to correct a few over due repairs. Here is the list we went over for inspection/repair.

Repairs:

1. Replace the driveway and overlay the front porch and steps. (Will be done in the next 3-4 months depending on the weather)

2. Drywall damage in the garage.  (I will schedule for this week, we will also inspect the ceiling for insulation at this time)

3. Back patio/stairs sagging.  (Not a warranty item but more than happy to fix.  Paperwork is in process.  I will schedule with you ASAP.  1-2 weeks)

4. Install flush mount dryer vent connection.  (Paperwork in process.  May need drywall repairs when complete.  1-2 Weeks)

5. Adjust Front entry door.  (RAH will complete at next appointment.  This is a minor adjustment that will take minutes.)

Inspect:

1. Drafty Fireplace @ living room.  (Paperwork in process.  Will schedule ASAP.  1-2 weeks)

2. Drafty windows (X3) Living room, master bed, master bath.  (Paperwork in process.  Will schedule ASAP.  1-2 weeks)

3. Insulation in attic space.  (Paperwork in process.  Will schedule ASAP.  1-2 weeks.)

4. Insulation in floor system above garage, below master.  ( I will inspect at appointment with the drywaller for above repair item #2)

Please let me know if you have questions regarding the work.  I look forward to completing these items for you.

Sincerely,

Poli Peters
Richmond American Homes
Director of Construction/Home Care/QA

So, that’s the good news. The bummer? Everything we paid to have fixed ourselves will not be reimbursed. We are basically S-O-L. However, I know that Poli doesn’t make this policy, so I won’t hold it against him, personally.

Today ABC4 came to my house again. They brought Al Rickard with All-Points Inspections with them. He toured my home, went over the issues and offered advice. He encourages all home buyers to have their home inspected prior to purchase- even if they are buying a new home.

While Kelli O’Hara with ABC4 was at my home, Poli called. (Talk about timing!) I thanked him for working on my home issues so quickly (on camera) and asked what my neighbors with warranty issues should do. He said to submit a request on Richmond American’s website, and promised that he would personally look into each problem. I am starting to think Poli is the bomb.

The question is: What is going to happen after Monday at 10:00 p.m. when ABC4 airs their story? Will there be so many unresolved warranty requests that Richmond American cannot address them all? Will they make good on all of their promises?  For now, I am cautiously optimistic. There I go. I said it again. Frick!

Every once in awhile it is good to rant. You get things off your chest, are able to let go (kind of) and most importantly, warn others. In order to help prevent others from making the same mistake, I want to share how horrible it has been working with Richmond American homes, the frickin crooks. Don’t believe me? Watch the video. Our home is falling apart.

We purchased a brand new Richmond American home four years ago. Since then, we have put hundreds of dollars into repairing problems and poor craftsmanship they refused to fix under their bogus warranty.

After a few short months of owning our home we noticed our driveway was chipping. We called Richmond American and filed a report on their website. After multiple requests, we finally got them to take a look at the driveway. They acknowledged that it was chipping, but told us that it had to be significantly worse before they would repair it. By the next winter it went from bad to worse, and by then the warranty expired. Estimated repair cost $2,000.

We have also lived with a leaky roof for the past four years. Richmond first denied there was an issue, but after water damage had stained our garage ceiling, they finally admitted to the problem. They tried to tell us the roof wasn’t covered under the warranty, but we fought that. Then, they supposedly repaired the roof, but it never stopped leaking. According to Roof Solutions, the repairmen sent by Richmond American had taken caulking and smeared it around with this finger. Seriously. I guess they thought that would fix a crappy roof. We requested that Richmond American fix it properly, but they claimed the warranty had expired. Four years later, we finally had it properly repaired (and paid for it ourselves). The roofer said the leaking and damage was due to faulty installation. The flashing was put on after the shingles, instead of before. Total cost: $460. Interesting fact, the roofer, Brandon Lindsey with Roof Solutions, says he has repaired HUNDREDS of Richmond American roofs due to poor craftsmanship, and one house was so damaged an entire outside wall had to be replaced.

Don’t even get me started about our wiring. OK, get me started. They put our breaker box in the basement bathroom. In order to finish the basement and pass inspection, we had to move it and rewire the home to the new location. Cost $700.00. By the way, can I just add, how frickin retarded this is? EVERYBODY knows not to put a breaker box in a bathroom. This is a safety issue. C’mon!

Insulation is another issue. We have been paying outrageous monthly gas bills during the winter, and finally had SunRoc look at our insulation. Richmond ripped us off here, too. They didn’t even put enough insulation in our attic to pass code. I am not sure how they got away with this, but they did. Estimated cost: $1600 in heating bills and $900 for needed insulation.

So, today I am going to film our driveway, and other driveways in our neighborhood and put it on utahscams.com. Hopefully, this will warn others and perhaps even get Richmond American to fix the frickin problem.

Do NOT buy a Richmond American home. I repeat, DO NOT BUY A RICHMOND AMERICAN HOME. If you do, you may end up with a home like this.