HELP - Proper way to repair a leak & dealing with a homebuilder for warranty issue!!!

[MissSJ]

Let's say you have a large window in your bedroom. One day you notice some discoloring on the drywall above the window so you report to your homebuilder that you think you have a leak. A few days later it rains and you DEFINATELY have a leak, you literally have water pouring into your home. Since the damage happened before the warranty expired it is up to the builder to fix the damage. What do you think is the proper way to fix this? They are planning on just patching the drywall and repainting. I believe they need to check under the drywall to ensure nothing else has been damaged and if anything has been damaged to replace it.

[touka]

They should open the wall, find the source of the leak, repair the leak, repair the wall and then repaint. Otherwise it's just going to keep happening.

Good luck!

[MissSJ]

The homebuilder claims they found the problem on the outside and patched it. Apparently they did it when I wasn't home (since I have no knowledge of it happening) and the leaking area was very noticeable since they were able to find it without coming inside to see where above the window it was leaking. I have had major problems with them in the past and to be honest our house is definately not a well built house. I would NEVER recommend this builder to anyone. (They only build in Pueblo CO and Colorado Springs, if you want to know who they are PM me.)

[Mama Dragon]

I would ask for a copy of the work order so you can put it in your "house files" to show the work had been done for any future occupants. If they can't produce it, then start questioning why.

[touka]

I agree with Synthea but I would also ask that they show you the area of the leak and explain what was wrong and what they did to patch it. If you're satisfied with the work/explanation, have them repair the inside damage.

Did they give you any kind of guarantee or warranty on the repair work?

[MissSJ]

That is a great idea to ask for paperwork to have on hand to show the work was completed!

When calling to schedule the last of the work that needs to be done I mentioned the leak and they said it was already fixed. They said that someone came and caulked it on the outside.

I will ask about the paperwork and the guarantee.

They were rude to me on the phone today since I had to cancel the last of the repairs due to me not feeling well. Since technically our one year is up they said if I cancel the next appointment they will not come back regardless of the fact that the problems are OLD problems. He tried to tell me that I have a history of cancelling. Well IMO when contractors show up at my house that were not scheduled to come and I turn them away because I have other things going on I don't consider that cancelling since it wasn't scheduled with me in the first place. Not to mention the TONS of times I waited and waited AND WAITED for contractors to come who either never came or were very late. Just because I am a SAHM doesn't mean I can sit around all day and wait for people or just allow people to come in my home at the last minute. I do have other things to do! Sorry for the vent but they made me really mad this morning!!

SJ