By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
My townhouse is only two years old. During the last major storm, I had bad leaks at cracks in the windowsills. Since then, I've learned that 125 other units in our complex are having the same problem. The builder says it is common for windowsills to crack and that caulking is needed every six months to one year. Does this sound right?
-- Hilda
Dear Hilda,
The information you received from your builder is false and deceptive. It is absolutely not true that newly manufactured windows require periodic recaulking to prevent leakage. Any company that would produce such a product would be unable to stay in business, since all national competitors produce windows whose frames and sills do not require leak-preventive maintenance.
If the builder refuses to address these windows in a forthright manner, my advice would include the following four steps:
- Arrange a meeting of the 125 home owners who are experiencing problems with leaky windows. The old adage about strength in numbers definitely applies in matters of faulty construction.
- Bring this situation to the attention of a law firm specializing in construction defect cases. The cost per home owner for legal representation will be minimal once the fees are divided by 125.
- Report the matter to the state agency that licenses and regulates building contractors.
- Have your property thoroughly evaluated by a qualified home inspector. A competent inspection will most likely reveal additional construction defects. This will strengthen your negotiating position regarding the faulty windows and will enable you to have additional problems corrected, as needed.
Copyright 2001-2006 Barry Stone. Distributed by Inman News Features.
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