builders responsable?

[dschnell]

My wife and I purchased a brand new home in Howell Michigan this year. We moved in July 1st. The house is in a homeowners association, but this only applies to the common areas. It was built by a licensed and ISO 9000 certified company. Here is my problem. We purchased the home as a spec home. That is, it was still being built as we purchased it, and we then picked out our interior designs with the builders decor center. In our joy of buying and excitement, neither my wife or I noticed the steep incline of the driveway. It was only after it was blacktopped and we first parked in it that we realized how steep it was. This was prior to our moving in. We are now into the winter months, and if we get even a slight dusting of snow, both our cars either slide down the driveway when we try to back out, or we cannot even make it up the short drive to the garage. My question is: Is the builder/developer responsible for a hazardous condition like this, or are we stuck with this problem? I'm not sure what can be done to change anything on the drive. It just seems to me, it was poor developing and lot preperation that has caused this problem. I appreciate anyones help.

 

[HomeGuru]

The answer is yes. Where is the architect/engineer in all of this?

 

[dschnell]

yes?

The house was already up and finished on the outside, mostly, when we looked at it. Inside was still just studs. We never spoke with any architect. This home was one of several designs that the builder had to choose from in the sub. I feel the home was simply built to high above the ground level, and then back filled. For instance, my garage has 16 ft ceiling in it!We love the house, except for a few problems besides the drive. We just never noticed or thought about it being a problem until now. I am going to contact the township and see if they have a specific requirement for grade. Any other advise, or what to do to solve this problem? Thanks for your earlier quick reply!

 

[HomeGuru]

You should hire an engineer to look at home and compare the as-built conditions to the plans. The exisitng elevations and the finished elevations need to be verified. You need to get copy of the grading and foundation plans and topography map.

 

[dschnell]

Thanks

Ok. I thank you foryour help.

 

[HomeGuru]

Please let me know what the outcome is.