[jmgmrg]

We discovered a leak in the finished section of our six-month old home. The builder's warranty personnel response was not the response we would have seen from a professional water damage restoration company, and we are still at odds over the damaged carpet (it sat wet for 5+ days and rough handling once discovered further damaged the backing). They first said they would clean it and put it back, then when we sought professional industry help they said they would replace only the damaged section but we had to agree that the color likely would not be an exact match.

They are citing their warranty book - which they did not provide to us at any point but I obtained from a neighbor last night - but that book does not have anything specific to this sort of circumstance. The warranty book does however say that carpet issues will be referred to a "professional," which they have not done.

We have communicated with the Division President and gotten the same response. What recourse do we have now? Should we go to the BBB, Ohio AG, local media, small claims court, etc? Do BBB and/or AG have any "teeth" to make the builder do anything? Can we go to small claims court - i.e. for the cost to re-carpet the basement - if we have not yet done it, or do we need to spend the money first to be able to seek to get it back?

I have plenty of details but don't want to keep going on... Appreciate any help.

[twinkiedooter]

First of all, was the leak's source discovered and fixed?

[jmgmrg]

Yes, the source of the leak was a crack in the control joint that ended up leaking due to hydrostatic pressure. They filled it with epoxy and have put back the drywall (with several weeks in between and I made them bring out a moisture meter before I let them put the drywall back up).