Urgent: Water Leak for brand new house, Please help!!!

Urgent: Water Leak for brand new house, Please help!!!

Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes

Hi Everyone, 

First, thanks to those who advise me to refinance our old primary to buy a new home. We just finished refinance and use it as the down payment for a brand new house, and it will be closed in couple days. 

Today is our walk through with the builder before closing!! Something totally unexpected happened. 

We were testing the new washer machine on second floor, then went outside for about twenty mins. We noticed that the mudroom ceiling was dipping water. We went upstairs, i saw the laundry room floor flushed with water. Some carpet around the door was also wet. Substantial amount of water (probably a gallon or so) trickled down the mud room through the light fixture in the ceiling. There was also a small leak in the garage (about several cups of water).

The builder said that they will repair the damage caused by water. My husband and I are pretty upset this happen to a brand new house, and we are very concerned. 

We have no experience about water leak, so would like to hear your opinion:

1. Should we close the house, or just try to get out of the contract and find another house?

2. If we still buy the house (my husband likes the view), what action can we take to ensure that everything has been fixed and there's no future impact?

We don't know how large the impacted area is. Once water got under the floor, it could spread freely. Does that mean insulation needs to be replaced? What about the ceiling? Would it expand or have water marks? Most importantly, would mold grow if it isn't completely dry and treated?

Do you think we might ask the builder to cut price because of the water leak? (it's a $850K house) How about ask builder to extend the warranty? How long will it be reasonable?

Sorry about all these questions and we really appreciate it if you can tell us what you think if you were us. 

Thanks in advance for your help

Best wishes

Serena

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Joel OwensBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
10y

Here is an example. When the washer is upstairs you need fail safes. 

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  • Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y
    Hi Serena Sun , not sure about contracts, i was never a buyer nor a developer side. I know a builder offers 1 year warranty, covered by an insurance I believe. any leaks, watermarks, mold, etc, should be covered by it, not sure if price renegotiation is on the table, you have lost nothing, spend nothing, and will repair nothing for the next year. All you are imagining is correct, I would also politeu require the builder to fully document, pictures and all, what was done after the water leak, replace insulation, fully dry water leaks, etc. I wouldn't be that concerned to going out of contract if you like the house, it is only a few day fix, they should be able to restore it back to its original beauty.
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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    10y

    Laundry room should be tile floor and have an overflow drain in the floor. Does it not?? A drain pan underneath the washer is not adequate.

    Absolutely get pictures. Some builders are cheap and want to patch. Mold could be in places you do not see now.

    No legal advice given.  

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Manolo D.:

    Hi Manolo, 

    Thanks for your quick response. My concern is that the mold will develop slowly where we can't see, and one year warranty won't be enough to cover the damage when we do discover later. 

    I feel like I am paying full price for a product that has been repaired and might need future repair if not fixed properly. :( 

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts 

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Joel Owens:

    Laundry room should be tile floor and have an overflow drain in the floor. Does it not?? A drain pan underneath the washer is not adequate.

    Absolutely get pictures. Some builders are cheap and want to patch. Mold could be in places you do not see now.

    No legal advice given.  

     hi Joel, 

    Since it just happened today, we don't know where the water come from yet. I don't see an overflow drain in the floor and there's no drain pan underneath the washer. The floor is vinyl flooring. 

    The builder actually has very good reputation and they didn't use cheap material...so upset this happened

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  • Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Serena Sun:
    Originally posted by @Manolo D.:

    Hi Manolo, 

    Thanks for your quick response. My concern is that the mold will develop slowly where we can't see, and one year warranty won't be enough to cover the damage when we do discover later. 

    I feel like I am paying full price for a product that has been repaired and might need future repair if not fixed properly. :( 

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts 

    I am afraid repairs and new construction is still made up of putting materials together, however, repairs are more uglier due to innovations of "repair" materials, if they are ripping the build materials, and replacing the same, it should be fine. Don't accept any repair grade materials. I use a line for quality control even on my employees, If this is your house, will you accept it? (even on an asphalt pavement job, it still worked on my sub). For you, something in the line of, "I bought a new house, I didn't buy a rehab, will you accept a new material and your supplier gave you a used one?". While I still believe in the perfect world where you get a repaired product, but you deserve a product that is of the same par as a new build. Is there a way for you to get an extra warranty (I recommend a separate sheet) for possible mold, say 5 years?

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Manolo D.:
    Originally posted by @Serena Sun:

    I am afraid repairs and new construction is still made up of putting materials together, however, repairs are more uglier due to innovations of "repair" materials, if they are ripping the build materials, and replacing the same, it should be fine. Don't accept any repair grade materials. I use a line for quality control even on my employees, If this is your house, will you accept it? (even on an asphalt pavement job, it still worked on my sub). For you, something in the line of, "I bought a new house, I didn't buy a rehab, will you accept a new material and your supplier gave you a used one?". While I still believe in the perfect world where you get a repaired product, but you deserve a product that is of the same par as a new build. Is there a way for you to get an extra warranty (I recommend a separate sheet) for possible mold, say 5 years?

    hi Manolo, 

    Thanks for your advice about the repair material. I didn't even know they might use different material. 

    We will definitely try to get extend warranty from the builder. We suppose to get a update from the builder about what happened and how they are going to fix the issue.

    Will we have to disclosure the incident to buyer if we sell the house years later? 

    Thanks again for everything :)

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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    10y

    Here is an example. When the washer is upstairs you need fail safes. 

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  • Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y
    Serena Sun I have no idea about disclosure, sorry. :)
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  • Real Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    As a new construction doesn't it come with some type of a builders warranty?

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  • Rental Property Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2014 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Serena Sun:

    Hi Everyone, 

    First, thanks to those who advise me to refinance our old primary to buy a new home. We just finished refinance and use it as the down payment for a brand new house, and it will be closed in couple days. 

    Today is our walk through with the builder before closing!! Something totally unexpected happened. 

    We were testing the new washer machine on second floor, then went outside for about twenty mins. We noticed that the mudroom ceiling was dipping water. We went upstairs, i saw the laundry room floor flushed with water. Some carpet around the door was also wet. Substantial amount of water (probably a gallon or so) trickled down the mud room through the light fixture in the ceiling. There was also a small leak in the garage (about several cups of water).

    The builder said that they will repair the damage caused by water. My husband and I are pretty upset this happen to a brand new house, and we are very concerned. 

    We have no experience about water leak, so would like to hear your opinion:

    1. Should we close the house, or just try to get out of the contract and find another house?

    2. If we still buy the house (my husband likes the view), what action can we take to ensure that everything has been fixed and there's no future impact?

    We don't know how large the impacted area is. Once water got under the floor, it could spread freely. Does that mean insulation needs to be replaced? What about the ceiling? Would it expand or have water marks? Most importantly, would mold grow if it isn't completely dry and treated?

    Do you think we might ask the builder to cut price because of the water leak? (it's a $850K house) How about ask builder to extend the warranty? How long will it be reasonable?

    Sorry about all these questions and we really appreciate it if you can tell us what you think if you were us. 

    Thanks in advance for your help

    Best wishes

    Serena

    Did you find the source of the water? Backflow from the drain? ...leakage within the machine? Did a soldered pipe joint let loose?

    You need to find the source first and make sure that gets repaired. Otherwise, it will just happen again.

    THEN repair the damage. Yes, the builder should probably handle that IF they supplied the washer. Check with your attorney (I'm not one).

    David J Dachtera

    "Success is not a destination. Failure is not an event. Success is a process, failure is a choice."
    - DJ Benedict

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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    10y

    The discharge drain needs to be secured with a strap so that it doesn't kick out of the hole.

    Steel braided hoses for hook up tend to be better than the black rubber ones. The black rubber ones sometimes puncture and leak or get weak spots.

    Make sure the connections are seated properly to the washer for hot and cold water and also the hook up to connect at the wall.

    The home warranties are a joke. Getting a builder to do things to your house post closing is very hard warranty or not. The builder is highly motivated to get paid to get to closing. After that you own the house and the builder puts energy onto more houses in process. You then become an afterthought to get around to the problem when they can. After  a certain time the builder has the warranty company take over so they are out of the picture.

    Builders like to set up "one and done" companies so that when they finish out a subdivision they form another company for the next project. A long warranty means nothing if the company doesn't exist anymore.

    No legal advice given.

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Ryan Dossey:

    As a new construction doesn't it come with some type of a builders warranty?

     It does for one year...I am afraid that won't be enough if mold grows.

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  • Developer · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 898 votes
    10y

    @Serena Sun I would let your contractor fix the issue and explain what happened.  If you are really worried about it, have a home inspection done.  Stuff happens in new home construction, its a custom product, its not a mass produced item.  

    While you might be lucky and have not issues, you are covered by the builders warranty (which is covered by their insurance).  My experience is nothing like what @Joel Owens is describing, and if your contractor has a good reputation, i doubt yours is either.

    Have the house repaired, and inspect the repairs.  Run the washer machine and make sure it doesnt happen again. Then close and enjoy the house.

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @David Dachtera:

    Hi David, 

    We don't know the leaking cause yet, and haven't heard from the builder about the plan...

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @David Dachtera:

    Hi David, 

    We don't know the leaking cause yet, and haven't heard from the builder about the repair plan...

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y

    Thanks all for sharing your opinion:

    In summary:

    1. figure out the leak source, fix the source

    2. Have the builder repair the leak damage

    3. inspect the house again

    4. get extended warranty 

    It seems price cut is not possible, and long term warranty is not much useful. 

    Anything else to add? 

    Thanks

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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    10y

    Serena if this is in a subdivision the builder will not want to price cut because it will affect the future houses they are fixing to sell and new ones they build for appraisal and financing comps.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10y

    Friends experienced a similar occurrence with their new build up here last year.

    The home was not heated during construction but the dishwasher & washing machine had been hooked up & tested during the warmer days. Then the cold weather hit & the residual water in both the washing machine & dishwasher pump(s) froze. When the home was subsequently heated & ready to inspect the appliances were run again & water leaked everywhere & each appliance required new components. 

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Joel Owens:

    Serena if this is in a subdivision the builder will not want to price cut because it will affect the future houses they are fixing to sell and new ones they build for appraisal and financing comps.

     Thanks Joel for the insight...There are only three houses left unsold in this subdivision...

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Pat L.:

    Friends experienced a similar occurrence with their new build up here last year.

    The home was not heated during construction but the dishwasher & washing machine had been hooked up & tested during the warmer days. Then the cold weather hit & the residual water in both the washing machine & dishwasher pump(s) froze. When the home was subsequently heated & ready to inspect the appliances were run again & water leaked everywhere & each appliance required new components. 

     I am so sorry to hear that :( Do you know how they settled in the end? Did they take the house?

    Thanks for sharing. 

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  • Visalia-Fresno, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 863 votes
    10y

    Cool heads prevail.  Problems happen to good people everday.  We will get through all of it.  In the big picture small issues are not relevant.

    Frank

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  • Landlord and Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Having worked with a few builders, I can say that hiccups are common for new construction. You will be the first to find everything and ther will be other small items here and there. I walked in one day and they were pounding all of my bare studs over one inch rather than rebuilding the frame. I didn't flinch. Some would've backed out. Even if it's repaired properly, will YOU ever "unsee" that water or will you always worry about that cough, sneeze, or tingle in your throat is mold.
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  • Rental Property Investor · Yardley, PA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 561 votes
    10y

    I think that everything is fixable. I would not cancel the contract because of this. Just make sure the repairs are done right.

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Franklin Romine:

     In the big picture small issues are not relevant.

    Frank

     Thanks Frank, I want to get over it soon :) 

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  • Real Estate Investor · Kirkland, WA · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 2 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Jimmy Mills:

    Having worked with a few builders, I can say that hiccups are common for new construction. You will be the first to find everything and ther will be other small items here and there. I walked in one day and they were pounding all of my bare studs over one inch rather than rebuilding the frame. I didn't flinch. Some would've backed out. Even if it's repaired properly, will YOU ever "unsee" that water or will you always worry about that cough, sneeze, or tingle in your throat is mold.

     Good question, I am asking myself the same question that if I will unsee the water after a while or always have the doubt even after proper fix. 

    Will a mold inspector be able to detect issue after the walls are sealed?

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