Attic entry, rusted nails, cement with rusted rebar poking through ?
by
Nickie
+14
Hi, I have an attic entrance over my back deck we have high winds which have broken the seal and it allows air to fill the home cold/hot dirt etc. how do I seal it properly? I’m disabled and have bought a money pit! It’s a 6 year old home so far I’ve replaced doors windows and I ve had to put an elastomeric coating on the outside because the builder billed me put less than he should have of stucco on it. I’m trying to do as much as I can but being disabled and on a disability check only allows me to do so much. I just did repairs this summer as my a/c and furnace were set up that it was one spark away from going up in flames! So I’m a bit at my last nerve and need a fix I can do that will not cause a issue with moisture and who knows what else! I have rusted nails popping up and rusted rebar popping out of the concrete. I can only do so much and eat pay medical bills and I didn’t even use my a/c after having the $4500 repairs done that I’m still paying for. So if you can help me with the few issues here above I’d be very appreciative as I can do a little bit at a time. But I’m almost scared to live here. Not knowing what else is broke and I put so much into it all my savings. Thank you 🙏
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Nickie
I am so sorry for your "money pit" - we have been in our home 30 yrs now and so much to do but no money and we aren't able to do it anymore so I understand. Stay strong my friend. Just an idea but are there any organizations or churches in your area that help with repairs for disabled folks?
here is some info
https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/DIY_Guide_May_2008.pdf
https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-seal-attic-air-leaks/
This house is 6 years old? Who performed the inspection before you purchased? In most states, the builder is on the hook for "construction defects" for up to ten years, some areas more. In this situation, your realtor, inspection professional and the builder are all on the hook.
You need a real estate attorney familiar with construction and / or a construction defect attorney, (my money is on a defect attorney as it is a specialized field.) So gather every contract, receipt, bank statements, anything related to repairs on the property and get yourself an attorney to represent you and your interests. Call your local or State Bar Association for reputable firms for a consultation.
In the meantime, contact the builder via mail and state, with specificity, each and every issue. Send certified mail, return receipt required. You need to do your "due diligence" and give them an appropriate amount of time to respond. Do not let them blow you off. By now you should have an attorney. They can request repairs to be made in a timely fashion. If, for some reason, they refuse, go after their license. Posting your review on place like Yelp or Google will speed up the process in some cases. Contractors or any service provider hate bad reviews as it can kill a business. Also contact the State Contractors License Board to report the builder for defects and lodge a formal complaint against the license.
If it goes even further, you can also recoup money you have spent to date.
This is law in a nutshell and requires further explanation from a licensed professional. Again each State, County, City may or may not have local rules to follow.
It sets my hair on fire when I hear stories like this. And don't be nice! All these people have taken advantage of you in some way, shape or form. And taken your money! If it was me, I would also toss in every vendor and contractor that did work on your home by not telling you about your legal recourse. And took more of your money.
A 6 year old home should NOT have any issues. You are in my prayers. If you need more assistance, let us know. ❤
This is the attic entrance and just one of many rebar rust s coming through the rusted nail inside the replacement windows and in the walls are coming up and out I read somewhere you can sand it down put nail polish on top of them then reapply plaster or wall putty haven’t tried it but would definitely like an opinion
You should say the general area that you live. State? City? A lot of times the government will help you to fix your home because you are disabled. Reach out and don’t be to proud to do so.😘
You will need to use spray insulation which you can buy at HomeDepot, I had some gaps in the attic that was letting cold air come into my home and we sealed it with the spray insultation.
Hello there,
On the short term, use insulation foam and spray seal it. On the long term issue, get the home surveyed by a Building Surveyor. He/She will give you a written report on your home condition (this is something that should have been obtained before purchase) but you are not alone in thinking you should proceed to buy without one! As I am in the UK I am not aware of the law in US, but sounds as if you could have a legal case against the Builders. Best wishes.
Oh my, it looks like you need to contact the attorney general in your state. It sounds like the builder ripped you off.
Contact the Better Business Bureau. Also check your blue pages (those are the pages of government numbers) and see who else you can contact regarding this.
Take pictures and save every scrap of paper you got from the business that did this.
Wouldn't hurt to sit down and try to come up with a time line. Just jot down on paper while this is still fresh in your mind what you did and when. It is important to write down the names of the people you spoke with as well as the approximate time of the conversations.
Hello again Nicky,
Glad you have been given US advice for going to court over this matter. Regards to old paper in the ground - YES you can put them into the ground. First put them through a shredder. Then turn them If you know of a pet shop or an animal sanctuary or a vet, they may be happy to take you shredded paper from you for bedding. Stay positive!