Sunday, July 22, 2012

Our Issues with Norfolk Homes (Part 2), cont....

Issues wtih Norfolk Homes (cont....pt 2)

I must start off saying that I thought I was very diligent in researching Norfolk homes and the model we chose. Norfolk builds in several differnt communities in Tennesse and the surrounding area so I have actually seen from begining to end the build of 14 Camden model homes. I can surfice to say that I do know this particular model inside and out and exactly how they build them so when it came to build our house, I knew exactly what to look for. Now some of my complaints are big and some are small but I am the kinda person that wants what I paid for, nothing more, nothing less. Some of the issues we have run into I would just expect for a builder to pay attention to and don't see why as homebuyer I have to check behind just to make sure things are done correctly to their plans! I don't expecting nothing more, nor anything less, just do things the right way the first time. Seems logical but unfortunately it hasn't been during our build! Hopefully some of things will help others to know what to look for and hopefully others won't go through some of the drama we have gone through. Its kinda difficult as if building a house is something that most of us don't do daily, "You don't know what you don't know!"

Issue #11. - Framers did not use precise cuts on wood attaching to gluelam (eng beam) on first floor. They did later on come back attach the metal hangers to secure them. Other than this I must admit that this framing crew did do a good job and much, much better than some of the other framing crews they used in our neighborhood.




Issue #12. - The electricians wired my doorbell to put in the formal dining room. Now this was not done in the model home, which is the same floor plan as ours, nor any other camden models so I definitely was not expecting this as well.  I informed the GC that I wanted the doorbell moved to the foyer and he was response was, "Are you serious?" My response was YES I am serious and I did want it moved to the foyer.  I even had pictures of the model home as well as other Camden models built to show what I was talking about.  It seemed to be hassle but eventually the doorbell was moved to the foyer.




Issue #13. - When slab was poured water pipes for the master bathroom shower were put in on the wrong side. I did inform the GC of this error and the plumber was able to run the pipe around the shower to the correct side.



Issue #14 - Attic access doors were left out of my home.  As I stated I do have floor plans and there was suppose to be an attic access door on the 2nd level to upstairs attic and also an attic access door in the 4th bedroom.  I have debated back and forth with the builder on this issue and even showed them on their own plans where the attic access doors are suppose to be.  So far they have agreed to put the attic access door on the 2nd floor to upstairs attic and we are still going back and forth on the door in the 4th bedroom that goes to attic space over the garage.  These doors are very important to me in the fact that alot of low voltage wiring I did not pay the builders ridiculous prices because I was aware of where the attic access door would be and I knew I should be able to run my own wire access at a later date.





Our concerns during our building process is if we are paying a company to build a house, should you really have to stay on them everyday to ensure they are building your house correctly. We felt Norfolk was just like alot of other builders who cut every corner possible in order to make a profit which honestly doesn't make any sense to me. Your house is your reputation and word of mouth is the best advertising out there. Why cut corners? We just feel that our builder has no integrity and is just in it to do as least as possible and move on to the next house! I personally would nevery build another house with Norfolk Homes nor would I recommend that anyone else do as well. This is the primary reason for m blog is to give other insight when they begin to build and to also warn homeowners as well as agents to stay as far away as possible from Norfolk Homes.


***I will update blog with the result of our complains to Norfolk Homes***

10 comments:

  1. I am considering a Norfolk home in Williamson County. Thank you for your blog. What neighborhood did you build in?

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    1. DONT GET NEAR NORFOLK HOMES. You will be sorry. They do not stand behind their work, and do not return to handle warranty work. STAY AWAY.

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  2. PLEASE. ***BE AWAY FROM NORFOLK*** I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU PAY MORE TO OTHER BUILDERS INSTEAD OF BUYING A HOUSE WITH NORFOLK. FULL OF LIE COMPANY. I HAVE CANCELLED MY CONTRACT WITH THEM AND THEY EVEN DID NOT PAY ME MY FULL MONEY.AFTER 90 DAYS OF CONTRACT, THEY EVEN HAD NOT STARTED A PERMITTING PROCESS. WHENEVER I ASKED FOR AN UPDATE, THEY SAID NO UPDATE AND WHEN I ASK FOR FULL REFUND, THEY DID NOT PAY FULL MONEY BACK. LONG STORY SHORT, NORFOLK CAN NOT BE A BUILDER WHO CAN BUILD YOUR DREAM HOUSE.

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  3. Great post. Unfortunately, we met with the same fate. Been in the house (TN) for a bit over a year, and have manystructural issues. Warranty team will NOT address or even come back. We have stone facia cracking, structural issues with frame openings, floor issues. STAY AWAY FROM THESE PEOPLE. I got hosed, and am now just spending money (several thousand) to fix what they should be taking care of. I just want potential buyers to BEWARE. This is not a nice group to deal with and their word mean NOTHING.

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  4. I live in Michigan and Norfolk is the only developer in Chelsea. I've originally ruled them out but they have a nice financing deal that you put 10k down, and they finance the construction and I buy with an end loan. Great appeal...
    But they are slapped together houses and this blog proves that.

    I even went through a model home yesterday and it looked pretty good, but I noticed little things that looked like they needed fixing (trim corners were splitting, carpet seams were fraying and some doors didn't close cleanly. But overall at a glance their model home looked good, better than anything I've lived in, so I started to re-consider maybe I misjudged Norfolk. I have an appointment for Wed to talk to a sale agent on site at the model home. Having read this, I do not want this to happen to me.

    Does anyone know if the Michigan builders are just as bad? I would love to chat on the phone about these guys with people who live/own a Norfolk home. Google 'madison-art and watercolors' and you will find my website and contact info if you would consider calling.

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    1. Have you heard any news about Norfolk in Chelsea? I'm wondering how they do?

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    2. I have worked with them and would love to discuss. Inbox me at 1tri2t@gmail.com and I will send you my cell number. Thanks,

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    3. I have worked with them and would love to discuss. Inbox me at 1tri2t@gmail.com and I will send you my cell number. Thanks,

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  5. having the patience to build a new home is something that I don't have. Whenever I pass by home builders that are working hard to put a home up, I am reminded how awesome it is that there are people who are willing to do this kind of stuff day in and day out. They do so much to help build up societies, and for that I'm very grateful.

    http://www.jachomes.com.au

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  6. Although I'm not using this builder, I must say that this is the best review for any new home builder that I have seen within the 10 months that I have been conducting research. Thank you for such a detailed and complete review. Buying a home for most of us is the biggest purchase we'll ever make in our lifetime. We all should get what we're paying for. My grandfather always told me "if you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again". I guess it's hard to find good contractors.

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