Do you know what is better than Christmas? You don’t? Well, I will tell you.

(Drum roll, please.)

A NEW FRICKIN DRIVEWAY!

Richmond American is FINALLY fixing our gravel pit!

The other day I was told that I was mean. For about twenty seconds, this bothered me. Then I realized there are some real advantages to being a beeyotch. If you don’t believe me, check out urban dictionary, where it defines beeyotch as “a term of affection or an insult.” Personally, I am going to go with the affection definition.

So, all of my neighbors that are getting brand new driveways due to my meanness- you can call me a beeyotch whenever you like, and I will take it as a compliment.

I was talking to a coworker today, and he said that I am not a true beeyotch, but I can strategically pull the beeyotch card. I really liked this. That conversation was the seed that grew into the following:

Top 3 Reasons to be a Beeyotch

1. You get what you want- most of the time. If you don’t get what you want, step it up.

2. When you are called this word, it is actually a compliment- like when Lindsey Lohan uses it on the guy she likes in “Mean Girls.” So, if someone calls you a beeyotch, really they are saying they have a huge crush on you.

3. Corporations take you seriously. Aren’t I right, Richmond American?

Dear Richmond American,

I was full of accolades for you a couple months ago, but now I am left wondering what happened.

When you were getting bad press and negative social media coverage you were my best friends. Now your silence is deafening.

My driveway still looks like a gravel pit. No matter how many flowers I plant in my yard, the focal point is still my crumbling driveway. I was told you were going to fix the driveways in the spring, but I haven’t heard another word since.

I forgot to mention that my outdoor water faucets are so loose, I think they are going to break completely off and my garage door sensors have never worked during the summers. I guess I forgot these items because it was winter when we did the walk through.

Also, my back porch has not been painted and the fireplace was not finished.

Where are you Poli Peters? Did you forget about me?

Signed,

Abandoned and Confused

Related posts: ABC4 Frickin Reporting on Richmond American, Frickin Richmond American Taking Accountability, Frickin Richmond American, Mending Their Ways?, Richmond American, Frickin Criminals, Frickin Richmond American

Yesterday my friend and I went on a walking tour of our neighborhood. We visited with a number of our neighbors that have outstanding Richmond American warranty issues. We are excited to report that Richmond American has been very responsive, and has agreed to repair driveways, garages, drywall, stucco, porches, insulation, sprinkler systems, and other items.

While we were walking, our conversation turned to the sidewalks. Who is responsible for this eyesore? Is it Richmond American, Eagle Mountain or the Home Owners Association? There are huge sections that are spalling, cracked, chipped, and need repair.

A couple years ago, some moronic “repair” crew (I wonder who hired them, and further PAID them? C’mon folks, that was one frickin shoddy job!) came through our neighborhood and spray-painted circles around every cement problem. A few days later, a couple of inexperienced laborers came through and slopped some cement on top of the holes and cracks. Today, the cracks and spalling are worse than ever, and to add insult to injury, the spray-painted circles are still there, calling greater attention to them. There are approximately two to three of these “patches” in front of every home. What the frick? Who’s idea was that?

My parents have lived in a Lindon subdivision for almost ten years, and their sidewalks look great. This makes me wonder: Is this a Richmond issue or an Eagle Mountain issue? Perhaps both? I am curious if any other subdivisions have the same problem. Our sidewalks make our neighborhood look ghetto, and are a safety concern for kids on bikes, scooters and tricycles.

I took the pictures showing the cracks in front of my home. There are other houses in the neighborhood that are considerably worse. The sidewalk section adjacent to my driveway is spalling (the top is chipping off) but it is not as bad as the sidewalk shown below.

As responsive as Richmond has been regarding outstanding warranty issues, I am curious what their recommendation is on this.

Now that our houses are getting fixed, it would be really nice to have beautiful sidewalks as well. With all of these improvements, I might want to stay awhile! Can you say summer block party? Frick yeah!

Well, here we go! Below is the investigative report by Kelli O’Hara with ABC4.

In Richmond’s defense (who knew I would ever start a sentence that way!) the following items have now been fixed:

- Insulation. Apparently there was insulation between the garage and our floor, but there was a large portion of the attic above our master bedroom with ZERO insulation. Richmond American took care of this problem yesterday. Below is a picture of the contractor blowing in the needed insulation. (Thank you!) They also increased the amount of insulation (brought it up to code) above the entire 2nd floor. I am excited to report that our home was so warm last night! We didn’t even need the space heater in our room. WOW, What a difference!

- Garage ceiling. The drywall on our garage ceiling has been replaced, so there are no obvious signs of water damage from our leaky roof, now. Yes!

Today we are expecting:

- Fireplace repair
- Window seal repair
- Back porch repair
- Laundry room repair

UPDATE:  2:00 p.m.

What an amazing day! Our window seals have been repaired. Apparently there was an issue with a lack of weather stripping. (Read Richmond’s response to our leaking window request three years ago. They have a very different attitude now.) Richmond American went the extra mile and inspected/repaired every window in our home -not just the three we mentioned earlier. NICE WORK!

The fireplace was serviced, as well. There is no more plastic covering our fireplace, and I don’t feel a breeze anymore. They are also going the extra mile on our fireplace and are going to add insulation up in our eaves where there are some unintended vents. (Richmond, feel free to correct me if I explained that incorrectly.)

Our back porch is as good as new. It no longer sags. I don’t believe this item was mentioned earlier on the blog, but it was a safety concern. They replaced the steps and the support system, and even offered to paint it.

Finally, I have a normal laundry room! My washer and dryer both fit in the room comfortably now. In addition to having a professional contractor work on the vent, Kevin Jensen personally addressed this issue and worked some additional magic. End result- the problem was rectified and it looks fantastic. Thank you!

The only item left to be fixed is our driveway. I am pleased to report that Richmond American is going to fix every RA driveway in our neighborhood that is spalling. (Attention neighbors–  submit the request immediately. They are measuring the driveways next week.) Way to go the distance, Richmond! I am no longer hopeful; I am ecstatic and appreciative. Poli and Kevin, you two are frickin awesome. Thank you.

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!