Complain about a product or service

Maronda Homes

Paula of Jacksonville, FL September 13, 2009

We bought the Sunbury Model spec home almost 7 years ago, though it was built in 2001. The issues I have with my home is the water seeping through the baseboards in my formal living and dining area and the family room when we have a good,hard rain, especially during tropical storms; water also comes through the front door during a hard rain. My next issue is the subfloor squeaks upstairs in the master bedroom and on the stairs. My son's bedroom has a subfloor area that dips so I am scared it may fall through one day. We were told the squeaks were normal and Maronda did nothing about it during our 6 month inspection. I didn't know about the water invasion until we went through our 1st hurricane in 2004, which brought a lot of wind and rain to Jacksonville. Other than that, I still love my first home by Maronda

Ami of Kissimmee, FL July 28, 2009

My husband and I bought our home about 7 years ago which in house years is fairly new. Every time it would rain we would have watercome in the front door. We just had to replace our front door due to rotting of the sidelights and the threshold. Well I had a contractor come out and do the work and we found that the front door had never been properly installed. Meaning it wasn't even screwed into the threshold, there was no caulking, no insulation, no support for the door.

I can't believe that we have made an investement in a property that passed state and local inspections that isn't really built to code. Even more disappointing is the fact that I hired an outside inspector whom didn't notice the issue either. Water damage to door and flooring 3000 out of pocket expense to replace dooring

James of Port St Lucie, FL July 7, 2009

Dec 05- March 06 Maronda homes constructed home and at completion trying to pass plumbing inspection had a leak somewhere. Drill homes in slab and tried to find leak along all of plumbing through out entire home. Did not find leak so went to next step where they cut out about 15 inches in width of slab through out entire plumbing of home to find leak. (Have Pictures). According to Maronda leak found and floor was repaired.

May 2006-moved in. August 27 2006 Had 6 month inspection. Still have inspection form. Multiple Items list but biggest concern is crack on slab showing thru floor. Water in around front door when it rains. Crack in garage floor coming from main crack in kitchen living room area. August to November 2006. Besides fixing items from 6 month inspection they were dragging feet on floor. VP had been to home several times regarding floor and supervisor multiple times and October 19th had there engineer out KSM Engineering. (Have Report) for process of repairing. Floor still not fixed where cracking was spidering into different directions and really showing through floor and slight uneven.

November 2nd 2006. Had Certified Structure & Foundation, Inc out to probe soil compaction. Reports states differential settlement between east and west halves of the building resulting in narrower center portion of the slab between the garage depression and rear of porch. ( Have Report ). Have recommendations of pressure grout and pin-pile for a fee. In vicinity of slab that was removed which was cracking? November 29, 2006 Bonded Builders responded to letter and came out to inspect home. Said it was shrinkage crack-(Have Report) made recommendations for repairs since crack was showing though finish on floor.

December 2006 Maronda finally came out because of Bonded Builders involvement. They floated slab in kitchen and living room area to conceal crack in floor. Caulked crack in garage and replaced flooring in entire area. Jan 2007 to August 08 Had about 12 months or so with crack non-visible in home. In last 8 months progressively getting worse again. Crack spidering off again in different directions in home and level starting to change on floor. Crack following cut outs in floor from prior removal for plumbing concern. Also still having water getting into front door area during regular rain events but getting into block and showing on exterior.

Also water getting into drywall. During tropical storm Fay had water get into home in Master bedroom 2ft off of east wall with no windows that ran through master bedroom closet and master bath. Water was coming out from floor under sink in master bath. First event from water getting into this side of home. I pulled back carpet in area and water seemed to be coming front cuts in the floor from plumbing which are visible on floor and not sealed in this area. (Have Pictures) Also cracking occurring where sealing was done from prior cut out. Cut out runs down this main wall to master bath. Had flood insurance come out and inspect. Since dried up really couldn't say either way how water got in and received letter yesterday 9/8 considering area a non flooding event.

8/27/2008-Insurance All State came out. 9/1/2008 Received call from Carl-Maronda. Wants to come to home and asses situation on 9/4. 9/4/2008 Met with Carl at home-9am. Went over all areas of home. Reviewed front door area, block staining where water is getting in wall and drywall. Wants to send roofer out. Said he would put in service call right away. Checked floor out in bedroom and couldn't believe cut marks still open in small area. Also noticed crack in slab in this area leading to the outside. I explained where water was and explained slab removal. Also visibly saw cracking in patch work.

Reviewed kitchen area and crack in floor, spider cracks and damaged flooring from crack again. Also observed floor level. To him this was concerning. We reviewed all my documents and history with home. Look on his face was concerning to me again. Mentioned about having engineers out again. Showed him report of their prior evaluation. Said they are still using the same company KSM. After further conversation wouldn't say what the could or couldn't do because he is not the boss but wants to explain situation to Maronda. Said he meets with boss on Wednesdays which will be 9/10 and will get back to me.

9/9/2008-still waiting on roofer to call. 9/11/2008- Carl called me back. He apologized for not having roofer call. Didn't put work order in for it. Said he will put in one now and someone should be calling me. Carl said he spoke to his boss and his boss wants to have KSM engineering come out and inspect home and will file a report with Maronda. Carl asked me again if the floor was uneven like it was now before when they came out a few years ago. I told him no. He told me to show them everything I want to and when they get a report we will go from there. I said okay.

9/17/2008- Received call from Dave from KSM engineering. He is going by home to look at exterior and use an Auger. Wanted to meet with me but I couldn't make it. Said a gentleman named Steve will contact me today to meet with me tomorrow morning or afternoon to look inside. Came home same night- noticed 1 hole on all 4 sides of home where it appeared they were checking or probing soil. I didn't see a hole was by patio wall area where most of cracking of floor is occurring.

9/19/2008-As of today, have not heard from KSM engineering to inspect interior of home. Have not heard from roofer either. 9/22/2008-L/M for Carl at Maronda homes. Still waiting on KSM engineering to check inside and roofer to come out. 9/23/2008-S. Spangler from KSM engineering called to try an schedule appointment to do a swift hammer test on inside of home. Calling me back with date an time. Steve coming tomorrow at 9/23 at 7:45am.

9/24/2008-Steve came to home today from KSM engineering. Brought in equipment to do a Sway Hammer Test-checking strength of concrete. Only area he checked was by master bedroom window because that was only area he could get to direct concrete. I asked him don't you think you need to test over in kitchen area because that is where all the attention is with main cracking of floor. Said he couldn't because there was no direct concrete exposure and wasn't going to cut flooring. I said it would make sense to test that area but he did not. Also said that he was going to do another Auger test outside patio area because I told him the previous guy never did and this is where the main cracking was at. Told me he was going to get with his boss and they will put a report together and get it to Moranda. Said what he saw today being in the business for 12 years is not come and agreed it wasn't normal. I told him I want a copy of the report as well.

9/24/2008- Carl called and said he should have report by Friday and will get back to me. Also said roofer will visit home today. Roofer called and says there is a problem with foundation and stucco. He has seen water penetration often on my style home of water getting in front door area and under carpeted areas along exterior walls. Also said there is a crack in stucco water could be getting in above front door area. He is going to redo area above front door on roof only. Says he doesn't know much about decorative stucco on how water is dripping in it and coming out the bottom in cement block by front door. Told me to call Carl and tell him and have Carl call his boss. I left a message for Carl on what roofer said and told him to call me back after he calls roofers boss.

9/29/2008-Still no call from Carl. Rained Sunday 9/28/2008 and water still coming out bottom corner of front door even after roofers there. Block on inside/outside of garage wall discoloring again from water getting into block. Rust stains starting to show again from water dripping down from stucco to the right above front door.

9/30/2008-Carl called me back. He said he was expecting report from KSM yesterday but thinks he should have it today. Gave him my fax number to send it over when he gets it. Told him about the roof-says he will speak with roofer and feels they need to go into attic. Will tell them to call me to make appointment.

10/2/2008-Carl called me. Said he is faxing report from KSM and basically problem is hairline cracks. Their reports states Swiss Hammer Testing was performed in this area which was not. I even told Carl about this last time. I told him test was done only in bedroom by window. Said report states they feel cracks are from shrinkage and should not affect structural integrity or future life of expectancy of the concrete. I told him that this does not explain anything regarding floor splitting in kitchen area where KSM employee Steve said this is not normal and he said at this point they are done investigating the floor and further more have no explanation about water still getting into home as well by front door. I said this doesn't state anything about water getting into bedroom from the floor and he said your right I don't see anything on the report about that. He told me at this point for me to call Bonded Builders because they are done and will no longer be doing anything with the house.

11/12/2008- Was walking in master bedroom and felt lump under carpet. My wife and I pulled back carpet and noticed crack about 2-3MM wide in slab as well as cement elevated between both sides that ran for about 6 ft. Could see down crack into ground. 11/25/2008 Noticing crack in ceiling above kitchen getting larger and longer. It's about 2 feet long now. 12/16/2008 Moranda inspected home and took pictures and measurements of home and damage/cracks found. Moranda's and Regional Manager, Regional VP and Sups was present. Reginal VP made it a point to say they will fix everything and take care of it. Never happend.

1/1/2009- Noticed crack in living room area above shelf ledge on ceiling. 1/10/2009- Noticed some cracking outside on wall on around bay window on west side of home coming down from roof heading towards ground outlining block on wall. Also noticed roof above patio adjoining kitchen and living room popping up. Got on roof and you can push down on area that's about 3-4ft long. Never noticed it before. Also hearing popping notice in kitchen area daily again that sounds like coming from roof area.

1/15/2009- Carl and Jay from Moranda, KSM engineer, 2 plumbers from Maronda plumbing division-scoped plumbing for leaks. They said everything looked fine. Gave video to Jay from Moranda. Bob from Bonded Builders was there. We showed everyone all new cracks that appeared. KSM uncovered footer wall cracked all the way through slap 12 in deep in dirt. Bob who was at home 2 years ago spent 5 minutes walking around blind as a bat and sent report that nothing was wrong home. Was a big waste of time with him again. They just don't want to admitt there was a problem.

2/18/2009- Upon inspection noticed another crack on north side of home by bedroom window coming thru block from roof. Also appears roof area on outside above kitchen is more slooped in down sloop area. Cracking in family room ceiling getting bigger. Crack in kitchen getting bigger. Cracks in hallway in master bedroom on wall getting bigger. Also noticed now that crack in slap is starting to stick up by master bedroom window area. More cracks are starting to show around window angles also.

3/2/2009-noticed archway leading from hallway into kitchen area cracked. Archway on south end of home by 3 other bedrooms. 3/12/2009- Master bedroom door doesn't close properly now. Very tight when trying to shut as it looks like frame has shifted to prevent proper closure.

7/7/2009-Still no resolution on home and left high and dry with house. I spent a lot of on home that no one will ever want to purchase or be worth what I paid for it. Walls are cracked, ceiling cracked, floor cracked, roof leaking, doors won't shut. Worst craftsmanship you can imagine.

Dawn of Monroe, OH June 4, 2009

Nothing but problems is an understatement! Have you heard this story before? We bought a model home that had never been lived in. We had it inspected but even still were not prepared for the lousy workmanship of this builder. Day 1 we move in go to bed and wake up the next morning. We go to take our first shower in the master bath and my husband comes running in telling me to shut the water off. The pipe had erupted and water was pouring into the lower level. Less than 24 hours after possesion service master was there cutting out drywall, putting in huge blowers, etc. Then we have the applicances delived...they do not fit becuase who ever installed the cabinets in the kitchen did not leave the normal clearances.

We had to have all of the cabinets removed and reinstalled in the proper positions. Like I said we bought the model so actual construction was 2-3 years ago. The front door is completely rotted out and needs replaced along with the faux hardwood floor. They installed it with no flashing and on an angle so when it rains the water pours in on my rug in the foyer. The problems go on and on. there has no been one room that we have not had to fix things in and as for the wood worrk...or pressed biad should I say...the second it gets bumped it falls apart. So all in all we will need to at some point replace it all. I have never seen such a lousy building job and such horrible 'craftsmanship'. I would never recommend this builder to anyone!

We got what seemed like a great deal on the house..but now realize it was not worth it. I would hate to be the people who are paying full price for these homes!

Marie of Port Saint Lucie, FL May 24, 2009

I bought my home in 2003 and the floors squeeked so bad we couldnt walk around at night with out waking each other up. Maronda came out and did some of the floors but still some of the floors still squeek. When tropical storm Fay came we had water coming up from the ground in our dining room and through the window in our dining room.

When we called Maronda they told us our warrenty had expired and to contact the shell builder, They also said our warrenty was over. Now in the last six months, all the flooring is curling up around the edges, the exspansion unit on top of the hot water heater is rusting and leaks and the plumbing makes loud noises when you turn on the water and the AC vents are rusting.

My home looks 30 years old. I am so sorry I spent my entire savings on a home and putting upgrades in that may not last 10 years. I have been so embarresed by this builder when I try to show my new home and everyone comments how cheap every thing is.

Joe of Marysville, OH May 6, 2009

On April 29th, 2009 I had a service request to take care of several floor squeaks.Two out of three major floor squeaks was fixed.However in the process my carpet has been damaged along with the trim and many scrapes on the wall.Not to mention that one of the squeaks that was fixed is now uneven and there is a hump like shape in bedroom.The next day I had called the supervisor Josh Hoover and explained to him on the phone.He told me that Maronda spent way too much money and time the day before that there was nothing he could do for me.He then told me that I was the one that requested to get our floor squeaks to get serviced therefore Maronda is not responsible for damaged items.Maronda's warranty states that within one year of purchase and one time only that they will fix any floor squeaks.They didnt state that in process that if they damaged any items in home that they would not be responsible for such items.I then explained that the stair that was missed would need fixed.I was told that it was my fault it got missed and that they came out the one time.

My wife and I explained to the supervisor the morning he got at our house where the issues were.The same day I had the door/window tech at my house and was attending him as my floor squeaks was being taken care of.I was told that it was then my fault I had the door /window tech at the same time as the floor squeak tech at my house.I then reminded the supervisor that the reason the door/guy tech was there that day is becuase he had previously did a no call no show and has showed up late the last time.Besides anyway he was scheduled there to replace the front door,the framing and look into the walls for a possible mold situation.My front door seems to not have been caulked and sealed when installed in my home.This is another issue along with a roof leak in a home that is not even a year old.I have had puddles of water after almost every rain storm we have gotten in the past two months.This was reported to Maronda as early as December with daylight and a drift coming in house and yet as of 5/5/09 no fix.I am trying to give Maronda every chance to make things right before it becomes a legal issue.

Ensure when you purchase a home from this company that not only do you have a down payment for home but a retainer fee for a lawyer because im my case that looks to be the route I have to go.

Tcrumb of McDonald, PA May 4, 2009

We purchased a Maronda home a week ago and are in a hotel room as we speak. The home was supposingly never occupied because it was a model home before it was put on the market. We cannot live in our home because of repairs taking place due to extensive water damage. This morning, I woke up to wash clothes and water flooded the hall way and foyer destroying our alleged hard wood floors. The water from the washing machine some how backed up into the adjacent powder room toilet and overflowed. There was sudsy water in the toilet, hallway, foyer, and garage ruining drywall and duct work. That was the straw for us. We now have our insurance company involved and are considering taking legal action. The drama started DAY 2 after bathing our kids upstairs. While draining the tub the toilet beside the tub overflowed and leaked from the bottom, backed up into the master bedroom shower adjacent to that bathroom and "gurgling" was heard throughout the house by myself and others who were in our home at the time.

We contacted the Maronda agent who sold us the home and requested a plumber but she sent the genius maintenance man over. He looked at me and said, "Sometimes water splashes onto the floor when you take a shower," the expression on my face was priceless. I told him that no one took a shower and he wouldn't have been called about shower water on the floor. He came up with a lot of lame excuses and told us to call back if it happened again as he walked away. We called a plumber over who snaked the drain from the 2nd floor to the basement and found nothing. He attempted to recreate the problem by draining the tub again but nothing happened. We were very frustrated.

A couple of days later it occured again after bathing the kids but it was worse. There was so much water running from that toilet that it leaked throughout the house including into the downstairs kitchen light! We contacted the Maronda agent again and ask for a plumber but she wanted to send the maintenance man again. We called our plumber again and he returned the next day. After all attemps he found no clog and suggested we go into the walls to look at the plumbing. We didn't want to pay for that so we called the Maronda agent again to make our last plea for help but again, you know it, the maintenance man was our only hope.

Michele of North Port, FL April 4, 2009

Michele of North Port FL (04/04/09)
Nothing but probems since closing on house in Nov. 2007. Latest is the concrete driveway and patio. The patio by the house stays moldy and wet. Turns green and has to constantly be washed. Pati was pured so that water runs back towards house. Driveway has many spots that has discolored and where it has discolored it is peeling off. Also has many hollow spots under it. They sent a company out to look at these items and they stated it is cosmetic. They also said they tested the patio for strength and they never even walked on the patio let alone tested it.

I have also complained about black dirt/sooty material coming out of the air ducts. Covers everything in here. Could clean this almost everyday. Ths is NOT dust. I wake up with bloody noses and can't stop sneezing in here. I have requested several times as to the origin of the sheet rock in this house. They ignore me. Can't even get a call back. George, the building supervisor suggested that I call the number in the book for the air conditioning but like all the other numbers this one is disconnected. Sent messages to Vonda, warranty person in Tampa, she doesn't answer. The number I had for her is also disconnected. Very worried about the quality of the air in this house! Would NEVER buy another Maronda home.

Karen of Palm Coast, FL April 3, 2009

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