Rivers Edge Subdivision

rorapid · Rivers Edge Subdivision

I am so glad to see that undeveloped land becoming a new subdivsion, because vacant lots are so scarce in this town. We need more people like Mr. Davis and Mr. Barrett to get things done. People are always going to be negative towards change, most of them are just jealous that they don't have the drive or initiative to take on a project like this. I am pretty sure when they finish, that it will be among the nicest places to live in the Roanoke Valley!!!

slash

I haven't really been keeping up with it. Who has a problem with the development?

THE CURE

Who developed the place out by Fairfield Apartments? Someone told me they had a lot of problems with shoddy work.

he who must not be named

Change is good. I learned that some people in town are hesitant to "look for the cheese." Excuse the cheesy quote from a cheesy book.

You just have to keep plugging away until something sticks.

yankeesfan

im happy about growth and change. i just hope they have afordable homes in that subdivision, as the homes /subdivisions surrounding it aren't really in the price range as the average joes.

snapdragon

he who must not be named

34? Yikes. Not good business for Barrett.

THE CURE

It's not so much whether you have problems it's whether the problems are addressed.

BLewis · Problems...

Thanks, Shay. Yes, I have had problems. I have NO problem with growth. Being a part of the media in this area, I am all for economic growth and a growing population.

However, in this case, as I stated at the meeting, I have had serious problems with a house I bought from Mr. Barrett. In September, 2004; I purchased the home. As is normally the case, we did a 'walk through' and gave the real estate agent a list of problems in the house. Among them was a LARGE CRACK IN THE FOUNDATION. Two month later, I started trying to reach Mr. Barrett. Calls were never returned. Later, I was told Mike Davis was responsible for repairs in the subdivision, as he was supposedly the contractor.

As all this was going on, the weather turned cold, we threw the HVAC switch to heat...and...drumroll, please...there was no heat. We called a local company that services the brand of HVAC that is in our home...however, they did not install it. When they went into the system, I was told the person that installed the system should not have a license, as there was NO heat element in the system. Needless to say, that was a cold night.

During the planning board meeting, when I mentioned that I questioned how the city and/or county approved the home for occupancy with the crack in the foundation, I was asked to "condense things"...I guess my time was up!

For two years, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Davis passed the buck saying the other was responsible for fixing this or that... There were promises to fix things that were never kept.

After I had all I could take, I talked to an attorney. She was sure I could sue these guys and the entity that approved the home for occupancy...however, she wanted a $3000 retainer fee. I don't mind saying this for the entire world to see...I work for a living and support a family...I didn't have an extra $3000 laying around, waiting to be spend...so, I threw my hands up and considered myself SCREWED! (and still do, by the way)

After the meeting (the planning board meeting), Lance Marting spoke to Mr. Barrett and me. AFTER talking to me, Barrett told "The Daily Herlad", all I have to do is give him a list of problems...but, it isn't his responsibility to fix them.

My questions to Mr. Barrett are as follows:

1. After providing SEVERAL copies of the list to YOU and Mr. Davis...and to both of you through an attorney...how many lists do you need to UNDERSTAND what is wrong with the home you sold me??

2. If it isn't your responsibility to cover YOUR contrator's VERY POOR workmanship, then who's responsibility is it? It certainly should not be the customer's.

3. Do you know how many people in this subdivision are dissatisfied with the way they have been completely ignored...and downright neglected?

In conclusion, I repeat, growth is awesome. This area has been ready for it for many years. However, I do have a problem with people getting filthy rich, who have neglected past customers...you know, the people who have gotten you where you are! If you think I am angry, wait until you screw over someone, who buys a house from you for a half-million dollars. Growth is great...but, only at the hands of those who are honest businesspeople, with a sincere desire to see the improvement of the community, and who keep the promises they make to those who helped to put them in business.

Mr. Barrett apparently stopped by my home during the business day to talk to me about starting repairs...this was about two weeks ago. Again...I work for a living. I don't think I am hard to locate. Mr. Barrett, if you wish to talk to me...and do the right thing...call ME or come see ME...you know how to reach me!

Thank You,

Brian Lewis
Roanoke Rapids, NC

slash

I think that by telling your story as often as possible and to whoever will listen will help you get your problems fixed Brian. I don't think Mr. Barrett or Mr. Davis want bad publicity if they are trying to get this sub-division off the ground.

he who must not be named

I'm sure you've tried everything, but here's something else: http://www.wral.com/5onyourside/

It's WRAL's 5 On Your Side. They do a lot of things similar to this.

Their consumer complaint form is here:
http://www.wral.com/5onyourside/consumer_complaints/page/1001542/

I've seen a lot of issues resolved by sending things to WRAL. Might be worth a shot.

Nighthawk

I agree with him Brian. Go on WRAL and get Monica on the case. Mike and Barrett don't want THAT kind of bad publicity, and they'll just shut up and pay the repairs to keep you quiet and make as little a fuss as possible.

If I was in your position I think I would run ads on the station calling Davis and Barrett the sleezebags they are and that this ad will continue until they do the right thing. As outrageous a price as they want for these houses, they should be able to guarantee it won't be broken before you even move in!

I must say I had problems with Davis and his Body shop. They were the Nationwide Blue Ribbon shop for my car when we were a claimant. They "fixed" the car, but didn't paint the trunk. When I picked it up, they were closed. I went back the following Monday and pointed out the damage. Then I got the run around from Mike Moseley. He wouldn't return calls. He wouldn't take responsibility. I finally had to get somebody else involved that did a lot of business with them and said they would switch to Floyd's if he didn't make the situation right. Unfortunately money is the only thing that Mike D. seems to see.

buzz

Consider filing a complaint with the contractors licensing board. They have field investigators who resolve these types of problems. For more information, go to their website and scroll to the bottom of the page: http://www.nclbgc.net/faq_fr.html

Cap'n Slappy

I'd like to hear what Barrett or Davis has to say about the situation.

BLewis · thanks

Thank you for your ideas. You know, if I would have had an excellent experience with the purchase, I wouldn't have any problem speaking out for them in such a thread. However, they have screwed me over...and I know I am not the only one!

I would ALSO like to hear what they have to say...I have invited it!

What goes around, comes around!

he who must not be named

If you keep in touch with the other people that have been worked over as well, get them all to send something to WRAL. There's strength in numbers, and gives validity to your complaint.

Cap'n Slappy

BLewis, have you had any response on your complaints yet?

Kestrel · Re: Rivers Edge Subdivision

BLewis · update

Hi All,

I am happy to say, at this time, it seems Thomas Barrett has agreed to take care of the problems with the home. Though this has been going on for way too long, it seems that Mr. Barrett's contractor, Mike Davis neglected his responsibility to service his own work. Someone buying a home should not have to worry about who built this and that...but, only should have to deal with the seller...who would, in turn, deal with his contractors. Although I should not have to concern myself with the sellers contractors, it is obvious the contractor dropped the ball. In fact, Mr. Davis stood on my front porch four days before Christmas, 2004; took the same list of problems from me and pledged to take care of them, as they were workmanship-related issues. Obviously, I am still waiting. In the end, it seems that (with no help from or responsibility taken by the contractor) Mr. Barrett will take responsibility for the problems. I say, publicly, I appreciate his contacting me and his cooperation...and that it seems he will step up and take care of what the contractor should have taken care of two years ago.

THE CURE

I hope it is taken care. You seem to have been very patient.

Kestrel · Re: update

BLewis

I think Davis should step up to the pump and do the right thing and take care of what is NOT right...and there are lots of things! THat said, I will not let them half-a** it! I won't pay anything...I pay my part to the bank every month!!

Thanks for the reply and the tip.

he who must not be named

Have a tried WRAL and did you hear back from them? I'd think this is something they'd love to cover, especially because it might involve some big name people.

Rivers Edge Subdivision

Problems...

thanks

Re: Rivers Edge Subdivision

update

Re: update