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We, my husband and I, are in the process of having a Pulte Parklane home built in The Estates at La Cuentista. We have some concerns and questions we'd like to discuss.
First of all, we signed for this house on August 25, 2023, the first day that the community was open and feel like we were "rushed" through the process having only 30 minutes to make all of our decisions, selections and choices for the house. We inadvertently missed a few items that we would have liked to add, but we will live without them since we cannot change the choices.
We have discussed with Ralph and Eric, our Construction Managers, about the slope on the South side of the house and what sort of water retention or erosion system will be placed between the houses. They have in turn spoken to Kevin Patten, Land Development, who stated that they will only be using a 'berm system' between the houses. At the back of our property line, it is approximately 18-20 inches from my level of the property to the level of the property on my South Side and there is a wall there; however, it is approximately 27-inches at the front of my house on the same side between the top of my property and the top of the same neighbor's yard. To utilize a 'berm system' there is unreasonable because every time it rains the water from the roof will fall on that section and move the rock on the slope to the berm which in turn would require me or my husband to re-spread the rock and landscaping on that side of the house after each rain. Putting a berm in to adequately drain and manage water is completely understood if the properties are nearly level. I have pictures that I wanted to upload, however they are larger than 5MB. It would be my pleasure to share them with you, if you'd like I can send them to an email address.
As I have stated before, the front of the property is a 27-inch drop and the justification and misrepresentation of how water drainage and erosion control will be handled is quite disturbing. Over time, this will affect and weaken the footing of our home. Also, with this type of slope, how do I wash my windows and clean the condenser on the AC unit safely without sliding or falling? While walking the property with the Ralph and Eric for our framing inspection and to go over the things on Pulte's list (reviewing the placement of the AC) I slipped and fell on the slope that is what we believe we will still have, according to Kevin Patten. I believe that this could create a safety issue and an erosion control situation, as well as back up drainage from the back yard due to the piling of rocks and dirt in the berm. Who would be responsible for the erosion of the property at that point?
Then we were advised that there is a "Limited Warranty Exclusions" form that we would need to sign. We have read this and are disappointed by the misrepresentation and justification for the berm, creating an unsafe place on my property as well as erosion control of the same area from improper drainage and rocks moving whenever it rains. It states that "The builder is not responsible for soil erosion after close" however, you are creating a soil erosion situation that I will need to maintain. This is contradictory, because it should not my responsibility to maintain an erosion problem your company, Pulte, created.
We currently own a Pulte Home and there is a small wall that retains the soil and drainage system in a way that is safe for both me and my property footing. I've enclosed some pictures and feel that a wall is necessary for the reasons stated above. The slip and fall factor alone cause me concern as I am not getting any younger. This home will be our retirement home and should be safe on every part of the property!
I realize that Pulte "reserves the right to make changes at will, even after contract" and we have been affected by this previously on our current Pulte home. Seeing that the lots we looked at were not level and appeared to be about two feet height between each property, we wondered what type of water drainage and erosion control would be used. We discussed this with Ralph at the beginning of the construction process and at that point he was going to check with Land Development. Now finding out what is being used is a gross misrepresentation of Pulte, Pulte Standards, Guidelines and Reputation. We are buying our second Pulte Home because of the reputation and quality of Pulte homes and communities.
Again, I have taken pictures and they are available to you at any time. They would've been submitted with this form, but the limit is 5MB and they are slightly larger than that. Thanks for your time and prompt response.
Claimed loss: Pulte's erosion control plan for our home is creating an erosion control problem, on top of that, we are asked to sign a "Limited Warranty Exclusions" which state, "The builder is not responsible for soil erosion after close."
Desired outcome: A small retaining wall built on our South property line, (and any properties that have a similar slope on the property front) which would level the soil and hold it back from erosion and water drainage, thus preventing erosion.
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