Unsellable house NC | Family's dream home becomes nightmare after code violations missed

[@NebulousFrivolity]

So, if the county is not legally liable, then why are they ones issuing permits and inspections? Makes ZERO sense.

[@alang4193]

You are right, building permits and inspections mean almost nothing - it's always been that way.

[@Rick-tb4so]

Money

[@andreroy8141]

It's called Qualified Immunity. It needs to be abolished. They can tax you, but when they fail to do their jobs correctly. They can't be sued.

[@fila6243]

Got that right.

[@sundancer3700]

Thats the government for yeah, nothing but crooks who protect nobody

[@davids8048]

The. County should be responsible. If they have no accountability why are they even doing inspections in the first place. Gross incompetence.

[@ohmoflife1]

@@Knucklehead4400 that is obvious and not the point.

[@aikibaby]

David S. They arrest people but don’t guarantee they’ll survive the trip to jail.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

That's EXACTLY what I said. They're basically saying, "Hey, our inspections may or may not be worth a hill of beans. But we're going to still force you to pay for it anyway!" It would be like going to a restaurant and ordering filet mignon, getting left over hamburger meat and being told the restaurant has no obligation to give you what you actually paid for.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Good question...As a builder for over three decades...FOR THE MONEY! That is the ONLY thing on the township's mind...The permits and inspections on a new house run into the thousands...

[@sundancer3700]

@@Knucklehead4400 The report shows it passed every inspection, that's a joke. There may be several different inspectors at various times doing inspections. The rough frame should never have passed inspection.

[@ChristopherSloane]

The county sends out an inspector that you have to pay for and can shut down the entire operation yet they failed to do the job so the fault is on the county and the builder.

[@44saw44]

They didn’t fail to collect the inspection fees or the envelope for the inspector

[@cappystrano1]

Now do you believe the whole system is rigged?

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

@jimrockford1283 Sloppy and greedy builders would love that, but that's not how it works. They built it, they fix it.

[@rustyhowe3907]

@JohnnytNatural This as well, and it's why the unwritten set of rules is in existence in the first place which a disgrace overall.

[@randrewp]

How much you want to bet the builder knows the people working for the county.

[@davevan8864]

Same issues here. In 1995 I doubled the size of my home in Mecklenburg Co NC. Picked license contractor and addition passed every inspection by county. When I went to sell in 2002 I found MANY code violations that forced me to pay $10K to correct before I could sell. When I tried to go after contractor they had changed names and wife was owner of new company. When I went after the county for the bribes the inspector took, the county said I had to go after the person that did the inspections.....but warned me he had so many judgments against him already I'd never get paid. North Carolina government is corrupt on many levels.....and seems to be the same 20 years later. SAD

[@FordRangerClassics]

You make it seem like they haven't had a successful 20 years doing this. Just ust a matter of perspective

[@JamesCatron-p9i]

It's that way everywhere no one prosecutes probably because they have their hand in the cookie jar too

[@FordRangerClassics]

@@JamesCatron-p9i good bot

[@87clits]

The entire US is corrupt.

[@jutah]

actual useful journalism, good job ✌

[@jeremylarson6267]

if the county is not responsible for their own inspections, then the homeowners should not be required to pay the inspection costs and should be refunded all assessed fees

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

That did happen here, the fees were refunded no doubt. But getting that $ 50 back isn't going to help the homeowner any. Where's the criminal who built the house?

[@Salmagundiii]

Exactly. So many permit inspections are a farce. I've had 2 at my property in Maryland. One, for a new gas water heater, the guy didn't even get out of his truck. He just waved at my plumber, and they said hi to each other. The electrical inspector when I got solar panels at least walked near my main circuit breaker box and the inverters, but he spent less than 10 seconds "inspecting" them.

[@JohnJFebreeze]

Anyone who grew up in the Carolina’s knows shotty construction and zoning practices are the main thing they’re good at

[@LoveHealsAndProtects]

The family should get all property and state income taxes back as well. "Governmental immunity". Insane

[@uncommonsense5876]

Country inspectors must be liable for NOT following the State building code laws. Who is fired?? Inspector paid by the crooked builder?? Thats the appearance

[@salmathecopt7969]

@Spay or Neuter CHRISTIANS unhinged

[@leftylou6070]

Quit dreaming. Government is never liable for inspections. 🔨🪚🪛🔧📐📏🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

Idk if states have codes I think its just cities you can build whatever however you want outside city limits. Im having a hard time understanding this one. The owners won in court not because of code violations but because the builder refused to honor their warranty. The slab isnt perfectly flat thats an easy fix the roof is sagging that too is an easy fix add more bracing or put a fancy pillar beam in the house you dont have to rip off the entire roof these homeowners are real lucky they got a quarter million back on the home and they still own it they better take their victory lap before it backfires and they have to pay up for slander or something.

[@gary6676]

@@brainwashingdetergent4128 Where I live it would cost at least their judgement amount to fix all the problems. The roof for one needs to come off as not only are 2x8 undersized for strength, they also do not allow for enough insulation. I'll bet once they tear into fixing all they have found, they will find more shortcuts have been taken.

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

@@gary6676 bro most roof trusses are 2x6 many codes even allow 2x4 you have not the first clue what you're talking about you just watch the video and take their word for it. Two things number one they didnt win the lawsuit for not being to code they won the lawsuit because the company refused to do warranty work the level on the floor and 1/8 in gap in the ceiling moulding is not proof of anything the flooring could be in the tile just fix the tile and moulding was probably put there 1/8 gap from ceiling some do it to allow space for the popcorn texture which they shouldn't because it collects mad dust up there which is hard to clean but yea thats probably all that is wrong with the house 2x8s are within code everywhere they they are what you use when you go above and beyond they are absolutely strong enough more than strong enough. If they arent and there is a problem thats on the architect not the builder and again it can easily be fixed with bracing or adding a pillar. These people are incredibly lucky and they better hold onto that 250k they won because I guarantee you counter lawsuits are in the works and they very well may have to pay that back unless they can produce some real hard evidence of problems.

[@kchiker]

I would not be surprised if the building inspector took a bribe. Sue the building inspector personally and argue that passing a code violation is not part of his governmental duties.

[@lordy1952]

You got proof?

[@charliepiland3285]

I’d bet it was incompetence (didn’t know all the code reqs) &/or willful neglect (just chose to blew-off LOTS of the req’d parameters).

[@robertherman1146]

@@lordy1952If it looks like a duck…

[@Gamesso1slOo0l]

@@lordy1952 there is proof he didnt do his job and left this family vulnerable to great harm

[@tammiep9628]

⁠@@lordy1952 I don’t think it matters. I think they should personally go after the person that passed the inspection because it all came down to that one person for everything to continue. I believe that person is liable because he/she did not do their job properly. Maybe they can go after the county or city for not properly making sure the person they had working for them knew their job. Incompetence!!!

[@kevinmach730]

My HVAC guy told me a story about how he was on another job the day the city inspector showed up to check his work. His friend was an electrician who was also working on the same house, was in the property at the time. He relayed this to him: he heard a car pull into the drive way. He heard the door open, about 10 foot steps, another 10 foot steps, the door close, and a car starting to drive off. Curious as to who would be in and out so fast (less than 2 minutes), the electrician peeked out the window to see the city inspector driving off. All the HVAC work was signed off and everything stickered without having checked a thing, If you have a home built, hire an independent home builder to check it out- don't rely on bozos from the city.

[@doc-vg9lq]

county inspectors are usually pretty tight. guess depends on where u live.

[@mikecuntala9675]

I had a similar but opposite situation where I was working in a garage, sweeping and organizing material, waiting for an inspection. The garage doors were open, facing the street. The car pulled up, inspector got out, jogged to the front door…i thought it was odd he didn’t come to the garage so i walked out towards the door, he already had a red sticker out, stuck it to the door…i asked him if he wanted to look at the job. He said “you’ll have to call the town.” Got back in his car and drove off. The sticker was for a failed inspection and written on it was “no one home.”

[@davidmende4438]

If the county signs off --- you're good to go.

[@garyK.45ACP]

I STRONGLY suggest everyone building a custom home...or even buying a new construction home in a development, to hire a licensed independent inspector to inspect each phase of the construction, exactly as the county does AND MORE. Give that inspector a copy of your plans and specifications and include them in any and all pre-construction meetings. You can have them inspect the work every day, or several days a week. Whatever you feel is appropriate, but residential construction progresses quickly. You don't want to go too far before something is found. (as in this video) The county inspections have NO liability (as you see in this video) and are so overloaded with inspections that they often just "pencil whip" the inspection and sign off on it (as you see in this video). Their ONLY incentive is to get all the inspections for that day done...by 4pm. With an hour for lunch. Also understand that county inspectors are ONLY concerned with building codes, NOT your specifics for the project. Your specifications my require the use of a particular underlayment on the roof, for example. And shingle manufacturers require particular underlayments to validate their warranties. Did the builder use it, or a cheaper underlayment? The county inspector won't care. Every element of the home will be covered in the specifications...make sure the builder doesn't cheat you on inferior materials, that still pass the building code. It is a VERY small price to pay. Include this in your contract and make the builder agree that NO work progresses until your licensed independent inspector signs off on it, as well as the county. You can also include these fees in you building costs and construction loan/mortgage. This inspector works for YOU and has ONLY your interests in mind AND is civilly liable. YES, I was an independent inspector. For commercial, industrial and residential construction. I cannot tell you how many millions of dollars I saved my clients. I am now retired...so I have no dog in this fight. Just my experienced opinion If the builder/developer won't agree to that, find another builder/developer!

[@mrgreen4688]

agree. even if built to code it may have quality issues. a third party construction manager is money well spent.

[@sandrasutton3426]

These inspectors are not doing their job. Passing reports behind a desk.

[@jaylasky4313]

I have used several inspectors, not cheap and well recommended and they miss all kinds of crap. That is almost as much of a crap shoot.

[@HappilyFureverAfterFarm]

We’re looking to buy land and custom build out in NC and I plan on hiring an architect and a private inspector for the 3 phases of construction. I also plan on living on property in an RV and overseeing everything every day. This is our retirement home and I’m not playing around.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@HappilyFureverAfterFarm Good idea. I have had a few inspection contracts where I inspected new home projects 3 days per week. Especially homes designed by architects. Make certain that everything is done to specification. It was not uncommon to find substitute materials from what was specified. If you are living there you can check on that yourself.

[@shoemakerkris]

Immunity? They were paid to inspect the house and didn't do it. I guess only the working class get fired and held responsible for getting paid and not doing the job. Government is corrupt from the top to even this low. A Mcdonalds worker is held to higher standards than anyone in the government!!!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Government is often above the law, and so are career thieves and thugs. As for the middle-class, we're below the law! Zero-tolerance for any human mistakes on our part, and zero compensation and justice for wrongs committed against us!

[@dianecelento4974]

I am so disgusted by this story. We are in trouble as a nation.

[@snoglydox]

. *Well then how about people working for Mcdonald's start running for office; complain all you want, but people keep voting them in.*

[@MaryJaneJones.]

Amen

[@Victor-tl4dk]

Wasn't there this apartment complex New York or somewhere that was built wrong with 100 million dollar homes that was bailed out for "safety."

[@airwreckah.2964]

I feel bad for family. Steer clear of this corrupt town!

[@danni1993]

I do too. It's a GORGEOUS home AND property. What a shame.

[@mikeinal5521]

It happens everywhere, if there is no accountability this is to be expected. The inspector who signed off shoul be forced to pay out of his pocket.

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

Corruption is everywhere within businesses and governments. Just look at what's happening with new homes in Nevada...terrible! But, this happens everywhere there is a dollar to be made. And, WE THE PEOPLE are the ones who suffer...

[@mangos2888]

My thoughts exactly! There's no way anyone can trust Chatham County after this. Incredible

[@randygreen007]

That’s pretty much standard from state line to state line.

[@Bobrogers99]

The county building inspectors should lose their jobs, and any property owned by the contractor should be seized to satisfy the claim against them. Realtors in the county should warn prospective buyers of new homes that they may not be built to code.

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

I built a home in Pender County NC....didn't hire it out, I built it. Perfectly legal as long as you jump through all of the hoops. It's in a high wind zone at the coast....135 mph rating I think. When the inspector came out for the sheathing inspection (by the way the sheathing is what gives the house strength against wracking and twist...) He got out of his truck, walked down the left side of the house, walked along the back, then went to the permit box to sign off. I didn't see him one time actually look at the sheathing, or count the number of nails in each panel of OSB. In a high wind zone, each panel of OSB (plywood same thing...) has to have one 8D nail every 3 inches on the perimeter, and one 8D nail every six inches inside of the panel. The first day of the inspection, when I got to the build site, there was frost on the roof sheathing. I called and cancelled due to that. The day the guy arrived, he said we don't even go up there, don't ask me why....go up there? He didn't even inspect the wall sheathing!! It was all done correctly to code, but I can see how this happened to these poor folks....I think the true moral of this sad story is have an agent of some type do a daily inspection after work for the day has ended.......and yeah, the county should be held liable for allowing this.

[@tradingwithluis]

This is what happens when you don't hire your own inspector, and letting the general contractor to take care of everything. General contractors are looking at one number and is the profit margins they can make if they are allowed to cut corners. Always hire your own instepctor and do not let any general contractor find you one. The faster the general contractor can finish a project the faster he can find another one.

[@lornaduwn]

They need to appeal their case. Governmental immunity should not cover negligence or gross incompetence. If nothing else, they need to go after the actual inspector who overlooked the problems that were obvious to anyone doing such a job. They also need to bring the construction company back into court to force payment. The judge could charge them with contempt of court and even jail the owner if he doesn't pay up.

[@EB-sh2jr]

Unfortunately this corruption is common in the south. After they build so many houses they shut down and open under another business name and license. Cant sue a company that no longer exists. These scams need to be stopped. Laws need to be changed

[@lornaduwn]

@@EB-sh2jr That is when you sue the owner of the company. However, it appears that in this case he was able to sue and he won. The company just isn't paying the court ordered payment.

[@EB-sh2jr]

@@lornaduwn ofcourse not. The owner can file business bankruptcy and the owner can not be personally sued by law you can only sue the business. Or they can shut down and ooen under a different name and license. Mist developments built in north carolina and south carolina are really badly built homes. After the build homes for ten years they shut down and reopen under a new business name and license. You cannot sue a company that no longer exists. The scams have been going on for generations in the south. And all the good ole boy rednecks are in church every Sunday and your house is falling apart. They pay off the corrupt inspectors and you can't sue them either because they are GOVERNMENT. Yeah he sued lets see if he ever gets a dime

[@MisterMikeTexas]

The contractor possibly paid off the inspector, and maybe the judge is on the take also to ignore the contractor's non-compliance with the court order.

[@chicopendejo]

you already know they just pencil whipped the inspection

[@popperbits]

No one should be exempt from being held accountable for their actions in any capacity

[@Aiebd829]

Like vaccine manufacturers

[@joef8221]

AND BRANDON@@Aiebd829

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

@Troy342 Thats not true at all. Legally we have fantastic accountability. But the GOVERNMENT never takes accountability for anything. Which is why it’s insane to me how many people are fighting to increase the government’s power and authority over the people.

[@vajona3894]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 Troy is right, live in reality please

[@cubey]

​@@Aiebd829 and cops

[@glendapass4613]

That family is being played so bad. The County is hoping they will run out of money before they have to own up to what they did and are doing to others. I pray this doesn't devastate these people.

[@douglasw7806]

I think these people could setup a GoFundMe and get LOTS of support. I don't think they'll run out of money.

[@bobdees6428]

glendapass4613 , you hit the nail on the head ! Typically this type of cases without huge public attention- news media etc.. they starve you out in court . The city and county will delay , prolong and file counter suits and tie you up until you go broke- Anything but admit the truth and pay them , years ago I overheard a LT in a investigation say to his colleague. You know if he hires a good lawyer he will eventually beat us in court but by then he will have lost everything he loves - wife , family , house, and all his finances ….🤔

[@LoveHealsAndProtects]

The family needs to appeal and re-appeal this "governmental immunity" cr%p. I couldn't believe the county pulled this on them

[@philup6274]

As a NC resident.. Thats the good ole boys.... They got you. Its a small club and you ain't in it.

[@jasonluckett2263]

My new house passed all inspections, but the inspector we paid before our warranty was out, told us of many things that should not have passed. Luckily we were still under warranty and got them fixed.

[@dougsholly9323]

How can the county inspectors be immune? That absolutely blows my mind.

[@thatsawesome2060]

It's like prosecutor doing their job, for example if prosecutor maliciously get conviction of a crime on innocent suspect with crooked evidence and the innocent man get jail for years before appealing and get conviction overturned the victim can sue government but not the prosecutor nor the judge.

[@JimDean002]

Qualified immunity. As long as they're working within the scope of their job it doesn't matter how poorly they do it. That's how a lot of cops skate by on getting sued for civil rights violations and likely what kept these building inspectors from being individually liable. At the end of the day it's ridiculous that our government isn't responsible for its own actions.

[@roberthudson1959]

@@JimDean002 Not quite. This is sovereign immunity, not qualified immunity. Sovereign immunity indemnifies government actors from damages caused by routine government actions, whether or not the actions are carried out competently. However, this situation seems more like willful misconduct, which is an exception to the doctrine.

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

Because otherwise the taxpayer gets to pay tens of billions while greedy builders put up shacks, hide the faults and as soon as it's signed off on the government/the taxpayer picks up the bill. The inspector didn't build the house, a criminal builder did. So who's responsible? The builder. The homeowner would no doubt get the fees back for the inspection, as it failed, but I doubt those $ 50 are going to make a difference. Yet that's the extent of the inspection's liability.

[@dougsholly9323]

@@SanderSA-ny3lh Of course the builder is held responsible, but inspections are essentially PART of the construction given that you are required by law to have them conducted. Your first paragraph makes no sense. That is literally what happened here. The builder put up a shack.. hid the faults, and now the 'taxpayer' has to pick up the bill.

[@charliepiland3285]

$226k owed to the homeowner for building an unsafe, unsellable home is nowhere near enough to even make the victimized homeowner whole! And the municipal inspector’s gross negligence, via profound incompetence (or neglect of duty), should enjoin the municipality to share in the damages claim!!

[@ibealion1]

They may be able to repair it for that cost...

[@charliepiland3285]

@@ibealion1 …and what about compensation for them having to deal with this entire mess in the first place (let alone living through all the needed repairs so that they could keep the home after all issues have been rectified)?

[@debrajones4010]

@@charliepiland3285exactly! It’s not easy for someone who is building their own home. The mental stress that comes with it can be overwhelming. They should be compensated for their time and energy they put into this only to be forced to live in a home they couldn’t sell even if they wanted to and then have to turn right back around and go through the stress of the repairs they’re going to have to go through in order to get their “new home” updated to meet the requirements for codes. Oh honey, I’d appeal and keep fighting every single hand that was behind this. And maybe when they get tired of hearing my complaints they’d just give me my money and I’d move!

[@ibealion1]

@@charliepiland3285 I mean, it's tax dollars... I certainly think people should get compensation when the government causes serious bodily harm or death, but for something like this, I would vote NO if given the chance... to me, they should be compensated for the measurable damage incurred only.

[@dianecelento4974]

I think the inspectors are more responsible than the builders. We had a second house built on our lot and the inspectors caught mistakes I was so grateful for.

[@dcpack]

The sole reason there are county inspections is to prevent these very issues. Inspectors and judge are on the take. Scum.

[@williamdavies8151]

Did you guys ever follow up? And the county can just walk away? Did a inspection ever really happen by the county or did it get "rubber stamped?"

[@BK-oc6lb]

Hindsight is 20/20, but a good reminder to all building a new house: Always hire an independent inspector to follow the build from the slab pour to the final punch list- Ours was about $1,200 and it would have saved these unfortunate folks the massive headache.

[@lonefriar4700]

Same goes for hiring an inspector when buying an existing home. $450 saved me a $250K nightmare.

[@johnhaller5851]

Also, get added to the builder’s insurance as an also insured. That at least finds if the builder has insurance.

[@roberthudson1959]

@jimrockford1283 Wrong, although this doesn't seem like simple incompetence.

[@daveclark8337]

@@lonefriar4700 It's good that you found a decent one but many of those 'Inspectors' don't know jack. That's why they're working as inspectors and not actually building anything. The fine print on their contracts reflects the same thing "We're not liable for anything we put in our report." There are entire TV series based on those home inspection disasters.

[@pulaski1]

@@daveclark8337 Agreed. I find inspectors to be a total waste of money - only identifying superficial, immaterial issues and things that are glaringly obvious.

[@robertwyrick7895]

Think about all of those Chatham Park homes being built for between 5-700,000 dollars or more. They are getting the same quality inspections by the county. Just imagine how many other screwed up homes there may be out there.

[@BoyMama87]

Right?! I live in BC and now I’m just waiting for all the stuff to go wrong with our house.

[@brianleeper5737]

Lots of people moving in, lots of houses being built quickly? That's when the inspections become a pencil-whipping exercise. Happened in Northern VA in the 80s and 90s.

[@zwatwashdc]

Yep, just waiting for the bubble to burst. It’s over determined.

[@orion7741]

@@natureloversadventures7335 nope. the banks will not allow the buyer to buy the house without the home being inspected by their own people. they are the ones that will be the owners of the home until the buyers pay it off so they make sure the house is right. the only way a person could sell a "defective" house is for a buyer to pay all cash and not use a bank for any financing.

[@darcam]

What good is the County inspection other then they get their money for the permits etc

[@dfweurocars]

correct, if there would've been a fire bc of shoddy workmanship or electrical and someone died, then they would/should be held liable so this is no different...at the end of the day, the county passed it and approved each step...this is 100% on the county. Also where are the blueprints and architect/engineer?? It obviously wasn't built per plan and spec!

[@stevenshome3970]

I’ve purchased two homes in Western North Carolina in the past 20 years and I have convinced friends to do the same thing. Even if you get an inspector up there, they are all in cahoots with each other, and they have very comfortable fast answers for when you make a deal on something that is absolutely packed with problems on why it’s not their fault. The other thing you need to be careful about is buying empty land that you will find out later to be unbuildable. You need to be super cautious up there because the county is also very against you. Usually what the county has a problem with they have absolutely no understanding of and they are too lazy to come look and actually make a proper decision. It’s a great place but I have also learned like Florida pool builders, 90% of the construction companies up there have no business building in Ridgeline conditions.

[@emmapeel8163]

my sister-in-law lived a similar nightmare. inspections all good but the house quite literally shifted & moved randomly for 2 decades before they sold property. they used expanding foam for cracks. the cracks would open & close depending on season. i have never seen anything like it. i slept in my clothes, ready to run whenever we stayed over.

[@firstlast---]

Alright that was a bit dramatic 😂

[@jstar1000]

All slab houses are built on the ground and move when the ground moves unless they are built on piers that support them and take them out of the influence of the soil movement but most modern houses unless custom built do not have piers and are just slab on grade and you will get seasonal movement.

[@ericscott3997]

HOWEVER if somebody builds a home, using experienced & competent trades to build it BUT didn't get the permits or inspections REQUIRED by the state, the individual would be held legally & Monetarily responsible to pay the government if they violated the "law". But the Government (with the full weight of it's authority ,given to it by the people) is not culpable when it fails to do the jobs and duties it requires others to obey? This is how more Libertarians are born every day.

[@quackassassin2146]

As a builder here in Florida I can only assume bribery I've never seen any home not have a single yellow item on the inspections

[@lonefriar4700]

Bingo, the fact it went on for the entire project is far more than incompetence. It's also likely there's a cutout, so the trail will go cold instantly. If such a county official retains that position, the whole show is likely bought and sold to the most generous contractor. A clown named "Toofey" from Alabama went to prison for repairing south Florida roofs with 1/4" plywood. There's probably thousands of Toofey Deeps in that part of the country. Oddly, it was FEMA who motivated the prosecution, even the local law was reluctant. Why IS that?

[@markclub8330]

Why is there always a legal loophole for corporations but not the common man?

[@paul9156c]

Republicans

[@bauerlikoloki]

@@paul9156c democrats

[@adamb2619]

@@bauerlikoloki @Paul Government

[@paul9156c]

@@bauerlikoloki What? Were you not willing to stay awake during English class for fear of being labeled "woke"? Or are you just showing us it's pride month by showing us how proud you are of your ignorance? IT'S NOT TO LATE! Maybe you can take a remedial English class in the 6th grade. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you just need to learn out how to use a keyboard.

[@okaygoogle1582]

Sir, this is America. Ordinary citizens are NEVER protected.

[@ChakatNightspark]

should not only go after the company, but also put down the actual Builder Contractor Name to. At least that way if the Company decides to go bankrupt or just shut the business down. at least might have the chance to get the Money owed by also listing down the Contractors Name.

[@astrahcat1212]

I set up a mobile home in NC on land to sell and yeah it ate up all my money, literally on the porch and a dumb retaining wall that an engineer got 800 bucks for just his signature. Makes me want to become a building engineer. Thank God I got out of the housing market especially with how it is now woth the delays, now I just rent put a room and save money and invest in silver instead of property

[@gyandevi3361]

I'm seeing stories like these from so many states. It would be a good idea for new home buyers to hire an independent home inspector that isn't tied to the builder or the county inspectors. Having your own home inspection when you're investing everything in a new house seems prudent.

[@zCATAHAz]

Better to buy a book and inspect yourself ,yea - it is hard ,but only that way you will know ,contractor are not an old friends with your private inspector ,cant trust nobody unfortunately.

[@TNT-ml1ll]

Most inspectors know contractors or builders because they work in the same field. And many times they just ignore minor stuff to save contractor/builder Hussle. And the new home owner realizes stuff was wrong after they move in and spends a couple months/years. Then it's late already to be held accountable to any of those.

[@gyandevi3361]

@@TNT-ml1ll The difference is this was NOT a residential property. There are different laws and requirements for commercial properties, especially when there are residential rental tenants.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Very smart idea. Definitely worth a few hundred dollars to potentially save tens of thousands (or more).

[@dianecelento4974]

How do the inspectors have zero responsibility for this? Scary situation that can happen to any of us.

[@cody1648]

"Governmental Immunity". Funny how a government run agency dropped the ball and now they're "immune".

[@ahuras238]

EPA and USFS have done it quite a bit over the past decade.

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

"All power is inherent in the people" IF the county is immune, so are the people. Government has become a huge lie. There is only one group that has ever extorted money from me with a threat of violence, and it is government(s). Created to protect rights, they violate them for EVERYONE.

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

Who drew up improper plans and who made mistake after mistake while building it? Not the government....

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

@@SanderSA-ny3lh Who required 'fees and permits' but suddenly do not want to be responsible? Why were they ever involved?

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

@@The_Real_Indiana_Joe Because they're the authority who checks things. They don't build things. And I think you yourself even agree the government can't be liable: You wouldn't want to be left holding the bag for someone else's mistakes either.

[@sharongillesp]

What’s the point of the county office? Handing out worthless certification. The country could save money by completely eliminating the department, which apparently serves no purpose.

[@okaygoogle1582]

welcome to 'Murica where regular ordinary citizens are never protected.

[@Imwright720]

The inspector was clearly paid off or just never showed up. Since the judgment didn’t get paid take a sheriff and start seizing property.

[@dianecelento4974]

Yes because it would happen that way to any one of us. Also in Ca. you could be served by a newspaper ad and never see it. And that judgment will go through. You can get a lien on your house and a levy on bank accounts and job. But these clowns get no consequences.

[@dodsonarmsco]

It would be interesting to know if the materials specified in the blueprints were used so we would know if this was a design issue or the builder did not follow the plans.

[@mudpuddle8333]

just a hunch... but these people probably purchased their plans on-line... When you do that, there's a lot of information missing that you need to hire a local engineer to fill in the gaps per your local codes.. Im guessing that they didnt do that, and their builder said he could fill in the gaps on the fly...

[@EB-sh2jr]

The builder did not follow the plans to pocket more money

[@rustyschackleford5800]

Since the homeowners won the lawsuit against the builder, the plans must have been fine. If only someone with authority would go to the site and inspect what the builders are actually doing...

[@dodsonarmsco]

@@rustyschackleford5800 so you know all this for a fact or are you guessing?

[@rustyschackleford5800]

@@dodsonarmsco Just guessing, I'm not a lawyer. But I would imagine that if the plans were bad, it would come up in court.

[@BoyMama87]

I’m so glad your story is being picked up by the news!! I watched it when he just posted it on his own KZbin channel. This definitely needs to get out and it’s completely unfair!! I know that house/property definitely cost you more than The money that was awarded to you that still hasn’t even been paid to you! Absolutely ridiculous. I hope this gets made right for you very soon. You guys deserve better! ❤ A fellow Chatham County resident.

[@jamessimmonds3773]

This is why you always need a certified home inspection from a company of your choosing before you sign any final paperwork.

[@mattypants]

This is why it's so Important to screen contractors. For a home build you always find a few houses they built. One at least 5yrs ago and one or two recently and talk to the home owners. See if they had trouble.

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Our legal system is a joke. These people spend tens of thousands of dollars to file the lawsuit, they won, but there's no mechanism to force the builder to pay. And county officials are despicable as well. Government entity or not, it was their responsibility to make sure this house was being built properly. They failed monumentally, but won't take responsibility for that failure.

[@michellekaiser7634]

You can try and recover the funds through liens, but just like in the case with the Sandy Hook people, the defendant can try to hide funds.

[@henrykirk4457]

I had a similar issue where a contractor owed me $120'000 and refused to pay. I have a buddy who is with the hells angels and I got him to visit the contractor after which I was promptly paid. Sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands

[@kid10249595]

There is a way, however you have to drag them back into court, which of course costs even more money, so the court can start seizing assets that they own until enough is taken to satisfy the debt. I wouldn't be surprised however if they have hidden the bulk of their assets to try and not have to pay this in anticipation of the above outcome.

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

@@henrykirk4457 Had a similar issue with a properly developer who turned out to run a ponzi scheme. When I was around looking for his company car to have towed, neighbours told me that 'a group of Albanian men' (hitmen) had been around his house already and he had fled to Dubai. 😆 So I paid extra for his detention should he come back, and am counting down the days until he runs out of money and discovers Dubai still has physical punishments for debts, and debt-slavery.

[@kimoandrews5802]

@@henrykirk4457 republican justice system...

[@sharonsolana]

What a nightmare! Poor people.

[@sidneyvandykeii3169]

Gotta love government immunity. Several sombodies got themselves some kickbacks. Follow the money trail people.

[@billyjohnson9166]

Exactly

[@pressinpickle345]

Inspector should be sued also

[@troyfreedom]

At what point will humans wake up and see how worthless government? I swear if you watch any random news story you will see where and how government failed to do what it claims to have the power to do. My advice for this family. Electrical fire, collect insurance, and move.

[@busybee4436]

This is beyond a nightmare! My heart breaks for this family.

[@reallyjonez2610]

Goes to show you that government has its own agenda and it’s not in the interest of the people. I’m ashamed of what our government has become!!

[@maryronan8446]

@Really- me too. Sooooo ashamed. Jao Xiden and h u n ter belong at the gulogs.

[@FrankC71]

State Government, Remember, The State is supposed to be good, and Federal is supposed to be bad, make up your mind, as without Government, we'd be invaded, plus it is State officials and Federal Officials, hiring people who do not know anything is what causes problems.

[@princessmeis]

@@FrankC71depends on the state and their level of corruption.

[@FrankC71]

@@princessmeis All are corrupt, first they need to Ban Nepotism, a lot of inspectors get jobs cause Grandpa was one, and no experience needed in most cases

[@Wayne-en3qy]

They are parasites .

[@FloGrown863]

What a great American county this is. Lord, I pray this 'ole boy gets his settlement and moves out of that county. Sounds like a bit of the good 'ole boy network is playing against this young man.

[@keysautorepair6038]

Why even bother to get permits if the government has qualified immunity?

[@timothykiggins1601]

I truly feel for you brother!!! Place a lien on the builder

[@b.l.8611]

I had a similar situation happen to me. Lucky for me, my significant other was a builder. We got into the house during construction and took photo’s. Then, went to the builder….and put them on notice. Needless to say the builder handled the house with white gloves. We got multiple things repaired, fixed, or changed out at their expense. I believe everyone in our entire Tract of homes benefitted by being us being proactive with the builder. The entire Su Divison was cleaned up for the better, and crappy contractors were let go.

[@elizabethleightaylor8025]

They invested their savings into their home. I feel so bad for this family. I sincerely hope things turn around for them and the corrupt officials are held accountable.

[@marilynbarker8255]

These poor people. I hope they’re rewarded. The county and the builder owe these people big time.

[@solice8844]

If the county inspector(s) did their job and called out the code deficiencies along the way the builder would have to make the corrections before moving on to the next phase of construction towards completion. The end result would be no significant code violations, no defective home, no lawsuits, and no liability anywhere. Also, when the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy that essentially is a warranty that they have inspected the home for minimum standards for construction and safety. This is totally the government’s fault.

[@sharongillesp]

Another example of greed/capitalism. Greed supersedes laws, morality, honesty and fairness. People just want to live calm lives. Greed is so prevalent that even county office permits and inspections aren’t worth anything.

[@rhettjanes1056]

Someone in the county was definitely paid off if you ask me and also why should they get qualified immunity when they were supposed to be out inspecting everything they would have seen it was enough to par.

[@robertherman1146]

You mean, like, judges can be corrupt too?? LOL

[@alang4193]

Very few people seem to understand that just because a house passed county building code inspection means next to nothing. House may still have many code violations and house may not even be safe to live in but the county building department is not responsible. Read the permit paperwork and you will see that the county is always 'held harmless' for any building code violations. Even though you paid $thousands for the building permit and inspections, all of that expense and hassle is for almost nothing. When you purchase a house or pay a builder to build your house, you need to take responsibility to inspect it. If you're not familiar with the UBC and NEC, then you'd better hire someone who is. The government is not here to help you, they are here to take your money and build their 'kingdom'.

[@mangos2888]

What kingdom?!?! 😂😂😂

[@0778drz110]

Yeah, they didnt elaborate, but it sounds like the issue is with the architect more than the builder. The inspectors and the contractors just follow the drawings and if the drawings and the build meets code requirements then it passes. All the liability goes to the architect if its built to their specs.

[@worldhealthrn]

And who's 'they' specifically? More like build their basic retirement with benefits

[@charsback]

They trust the science...They're all woke morons..

[@robertm5969]

The gov agency the inspector worked for and builder should be held liable and the city inspector fired. If gov says its not liable then they should be barred from performing inspections or collecting fees for them.

[@jrizzo3579]

amen brother

[@jasonburris334]

A lot of things SHOULD happen. But what will happen is that there will simply be no justice for this man, or any common man under this communist regime, period. The government does as it sees fit outside of all boundaries of law or morality and all we are left with is to endure the onslaught and pray their ire is never directed at ourselves.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

The judge and the government should be sent to guala mala Bay for life ❗

[@billgateskilledmyuncle23]

The sooner people accept going back to three bedroom two bath houses that are just a plain Jane 8 ft tall walls with flat ceilings, the better. Granted, these builders were frauds and abstract houses can be well built, but the more cathedral ceilings and varying shapes put into the roofline, the more complicated everything's going to get and more difficult to fix.

[@seanrhone5306]

How can the county not be liable since they are required to inspect and pass the construction?

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

The builder made the mistake of violating codes. The county only made the mistake of an improper inspection. Thus liability for the house goes to the builder, the county obviously returns the inspection fees (for what little good that will do)

[@jasonburris334]

@@SanderSA-ny3lh That's a ridiculously unjust outcome though. The county's liability goes far beyond the inspection fee by all reason. The house wouldn't have even been able to be sold to the buyer without the county's approval, thus all of the time, effort, and money this buyer had to pay to basically do the job of the government inspector, should be their liability as well and it should be up to them to confront and extract the money owed from the builder on their backend, since they have placed themselves as arbiter.

[@golightly5121]

I suggest going to the county government offices at least once a week with signs telling about the crooked building inspectors that work there.

[@1amstel1]

Immunity must come to an end.

[@roberthudson1959]

The government can't function without sovereign immunity. Can you imagine the chaos if every person who lost a court case, a government contract, or a regulatory ruling could sue the government? However, the county seems liable in this case.

[@extraart1]

@@roberthudson1959 The government could absolutely function without immunity. It would force the lazy, incompetent corrupt government employees to actually do their jobs, like private sector employees. What we really need to do is eliminate government employees from doing anything except project management, and subcontract out all day to day functions of government to private sector companies. I have strong opinions on this subject because I've had to work with lazy, overpaid, entitled government employees throughout my career.

[@oneeleven9832]

I’m in the uk…but didn’t the construction drawings specify joist sizes, waterproofing details etc ?

[@anonz975]

Parts of the U.S. are still like the wild west when it comes to building/permits. I am building a house in a rural area now and they typically do not even have blueprints drawn up. They will literally build off of a paper napkin sketch.

[@aegisofhonor]

there's some backdoor deals and fraud between the builder and the city. I'd sue and people should go to jail over this. Cause if they are short stacking one family, they are doing it to 50 others too.

[@ashishpatel350]

City's need to be held accountable for passing inspections

[@bernettharper6475]

I purchased a Four Season home in Nash County, Nashville, NC. My septic tank was ground level, I also had nailed pops everywhere and a leaky roof that Four Season refused to fix. Went to court and the court ruled with the builder. Only in North Carolina. I lost money too.

[@patriclo9509]

I feel for them. My parents built their dream home and had many problems with what the builder did and didn’t do. Contractors cannot be trusted. They were miserable for about five years before things finally got rectified legally.

[@User04678name]

What is the flipping point of getting a permit if they can do this?

[@solosailorsv8065]

The Gov agencies review their liabilities regularly. Its job #1, personal and bugetary. In this case, as in most, the Gov KNEW their legal defense far before the "crime" and knew their liability was zero. Same story everywhere....

[@roberttorrance731]

The county is as liable as the contractor. Bureaucratic worms

[@paulskopic5844]

The Judge sounds corrupt in that he let the inspectors go free after shirking their inspection responsibilities.

[@stevebabiak6997]

It’s recommended to always hire an inspector yourself to examine brand new construction as it progresses, just to avoid circumstances such as this particular home has. Some county / municipal inspectors are competent, others not so much - and that doesn’t even address the possibility of official corruption.

[@douglasw7806]

No telling how many thousands of homes out there in Chatham county are out of code. How long has this been going on? Years? Decades? Wonder what dirt this builder has on some of the county politicians?

[@CoastalKite]

As a former resident of Chatham County, this tracks. Sadly.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Zero-tolerance enforcement is practiced on middle class law-abiding citizens in many ways, but government they pay taxes to has numerous avenues to escape accountability. 😡👿

[@Hao849]

LLC will close business and start a new one, in a few months and leave the law suit with the original company whom built the home.

[@chipmcg7766]

I have seen this kind of stuff too. City inspectors in too many areas do not have the proper training to even be inspectors, and are more of a rubber stamper.

[@BabyBearRudy]

Its crazy that the county can say “hey we are immune cuz it was the government’s fault not us” and when you don’t pay your property taxes, “they can sell your home” like wtf kind of BS is that

[@TasteTheRambo]

"The law is powerless to help you, not to punish you." -Chief Wiggum

[@sircampbell1249]

County needs get out of business and fire them ALL !

[@gerrycorbino66]

I once purchased a house that had passed all inspections but shouldn't have. The master bath jetted bathtub was on a non GFIC circuit, the central air conditioning unit was not hooked up electrically, there was only one furnace where two were needed because of the size of the house, the one furnace had a short to ground, one bathroom with an outside wall did not have a heating/cooling register, and the basement stairway leading to the garage was not tied in to the framing. When I had a licensed hvac company come to do the work the electrician that originally worked on the house threatened to report me to the city/county because I didn't have a permit. I told him I'd report him to them for the work he had performed. He wasn't so cocky afterward. I paid to have all of the work corrected rather than fight the bureaucracy and even though it cost me money it was worth not having the hassle. Can't understand how the county in NC can not be held liable. Kind of sounds like the vaccine companies and politicians during the Covid crisis.

[@LoveHealsAndProtects]

"Governmental immunity???? Wow

[@juzoli]

Many people know to bring your own inspector when you are buying a used house. But you must do the same for new construction as well. Don’t trust people who are paid by someone else.

[@Bruceman17]

How the fck is the county get immunity for signing off on everything. Im sure this family still has to pay that tax bill to a local government that does not hold its self accountable for its own screw ups smh

[@MA-tv4pl]

JUST SAY “NO” TO BUILDING A HOME IN CHATHAM CO. NC UNTIL THE THE CHATHAM COUNTY INSPECTORS DEPT. TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN “INCOMPETENT INSPECTOR” ON THEIR PAYROLL. REIMBURSE THE FAMILY….FIRE THE INSPECTOR.

[@SophiaChristian-so2of]

I’m closing in on my retirement and I’d like to move from Minnesota to a warmer climate, but the prices on homes are stupidly ridiculous and Mortgage prices has been skyrocketing on a roll(currently over 7%) do I just invest my spare cash into stock and wait for a housing crash or should I go ahead to buy a home anyways.

[@AntonioBianh]

Interest rate is currently at 4.75%(8th rate hike since March last year) Inflation at 7% and mortgage rates is at over 7.5% but yet minimum wage remains the same and my retirement portfolio has suffered tremendously these past years, so my question is how do senior citizens retire and live off such unstable economy. The long term game is obviously not for me at this point.

[@MarkFreeman-xi3rk]

A recession as bad it can be, provides good buying opportunities in the markets if you’re careful and it can also create volatility giving great short time buy and sell opportunities too. This is not financial advise but get buying, cash isn’t king at all in this time!

[@willdehne1]

Trying to help. We were planing to move to Central Florida starting 2007. We rented for 4 years. During that time someone build a (3) BR house with pool and lanai for $250K as an investment. We were able to pick up that home in 2012 for $150K. Because of a housing crash, failing health of that investor and cash offer. That house is now valued at $360K. Hope this info helps? Timing is everything.

[@sophiadouglaswagner]

On the contrary, even if you’re not skilled, it is still possible to hire one. I am a project manager and my personal portfolio of approximately $750k took a big hit in April due to the crash. I quickly got in touch with a financial-planner that devised a defensive strategy to protect and profit from my portfolio this red season. I’ve made over $350k since then.

[@josephmann4236]

That builder paid off the judge to look the other way. Crooked dealings everywhere in NC.

[@texanwd8387]

No accountability from bureaucrats in all levels of government

[@NN-lx4mb]

Government has no accountability! 😡

[@bwktlcn]

And the builder will have moved all assets into his wife or mom’s name in the meantime, he’ll declare bankruptcy and be building houses two states over. While this family has a house that needs to be bulldozed. We need a NATIONAL registry/licensure for builders so they can’t just hop on the interstate and drive away from their problems!

[@MojoPup]

If the county can't be held responsible for its failure, then their code enforcements shouldn't be followed. Either you're the authority and your 'expertise' is valid, which means you're responsible...or you're not valid. Why even have the county building inspectors come out if they're just going to greenlight shoddy work?

[@mangos2888]

What's the point in having a county inspector if they can fail this badly and not be held accountable? Cheatham county is absolutely liable here. I hope they appeal the decision!

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

So the criminal builder should get away with it since an inspector was tricked into signing off? What sort of logic is that?

[@markwest3485]

The local building inspectors should be sued directly. Likely their homeowners liability could respond to the claim. Likely they were on the take from the builder.

[@RagnorLothbrook-f7e]

For starters, the whole roof does NOT “have to be pulled off and reframed” You can scab the existing rafters with the correct sizes OR, simply double them up. The gap at the crown in the kitchen, that is a trim carpenter error and can be cleaned up with caulk It is the homeowner’s responsibility, not the local municipalities code enforcement to ensure a home is built correctly. Not all municipalities even require ANY inspections to build a home.

[@joralemonvirgincreche]

Who wants a big fat line of caulk at the top of their kitchen cabinets? Then the white caulk turns gray after a few years and it looks horrible and you have to recaulk it.

[@tswej]

This qualified immunity has to end. I live in Texas and for years people have had issues getting justice when it involves the local and State governments. We elect these people who are allowed to sell their influence to the highest bidders.