A new home in the Cypress Preserve subdivision in Moncks Corner, SC has been left with visible flaws, described as “pimples” on the exterior due to poor construction. Tom Eriksen, the homeowner, noticed the issue when the sunlight hits the house and causes the vinyl to expand and contract, leaving the nails on the sheathing exposed. Eriksen’s daughter purchased the home in 2022 and immediately contacted the Lennar Corporation, the construction company responsible for building the community, to address the problem.
Despite the homeowner’s complaints, the Lennar Corporation’s superintendent examined the build and denied any responsibility for the poor craftsmanship. Eriksen was informed that the issue was due to incorrect installation rather than a manufacturer’s problem, and that the company would not take any action to resolve it. Despite multiple follow-up calls from the family, Lennar has not responded to their requests for assistance. Eriksen, who had his own construction business for 40 years, is now working to help his daughter get the home fixed, emphasizing that while it may not be a structural issue, it is still Lennar’s responsibility as they built the home.
Eriksen is urging Lennar to address the problems in all the homes they built in the community, starting with the earliest homeowners. He believes that neglecting these issues sets a negative precedent for future homeowners in the subdivision, potentially affecting the trust and satisfaction of the 800 families expected to move in. The homeowner emphasizes the importance of holding the builder accountable for their work and ensuring that they honor their commitment to providing quality homes to their customers.
In addition to the homeowner’s complaints, a home inspector criticized Lennar for not upholding their agreement to maintain the houses beyond the typical one-year warranty period. Robert Knowles, the home inspector, explained that builders have a legal obligation to address any code violations or issues related to construction standards, even after the initial warranty period has expired. South Carolina has established Residential Construction Standards that builders must adhere to, ensuring that they fulfill their responsibilities to homeowners and maintain the quality of their work.
The ongoing dispute between the homeowner and the Lennar Corporation highlights the challenges that can arise when poor construction practices result in visible defects in newly-built homes. Despite the homeowner’s efforts to address the issue with the company, they have faced resistance and a lack of accountability from Lennar. The situation underscores the importance of builders fulfilling their obligations to homeowners and ensuring that construction standards are met to provide safe and durable homes. As the community in Moncks Corner continues to grow, it is essential for builders like Lennar to uphold their commitments and address any issues promptly to maintain the trust and satisfaction of residents.
