All Forum Posts by: Barbara L Dainoff

The home I purchased was flipped.  A foreclosure.  I learned from neighbors after I moved in that pipes had burst in the finished basement (basement was stripped and painted gray when I saw it - ceiling filled w/insulation) and sat wet for 8 to 10 years.  I was advised the basement before home was renovated had mold halfway up the walls.

The mold was not remediated before sale nor was it disclosed.  I'm one of the 24% who will be seriously sickened by mold.  I have CIRS, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.  Mold testing revealed it in the ceiling of the basement, water damage was evident when the fiberglass insulation was removed.  Subfloor, joists and any remaining wood were all positive.  I had remediation done in early May, I was recovering but now my symptoms are back.  

Hello,

Update - now over a year into litigation against flipper/seller and his contractors.  Myriad construction defects - some I've corrected as the home I purchased wasn't livable.  Months after suit was filed I learned my strange health woes have been caused by mold, not disclosed by seller/owner of home, real estate company (only principal)/broker.  Now facing mediation in law suit within 2 weeks.  And discovering with a return of symptoms the remediation that I had done wasn't successful.  Mold apparently is back.  

Thoughts, appreciated -

Barbara

Hi Tamara -

I haven't made much progress.  Waiting for my attorney to write up pleadings.  Have some questions about the responsibility of the Building Department.  If I can include them or the city in a suit.  

Thank you for asking!

Barbara  

Oops - apologies  Didn't mean to post the same thing twice.  I have gotten some info from Representative in my district and had a call returned from Senator's office.  Would anyone have an opinion if filing a complaint with the AG's office would help me?

Thank you -

Barbara

Hello, Monday morning and hoping to avoid a costly (I can't afford) and long (again, can't afford) legal action.  Have read all comments and suggestions although on a Monday morning difficult to reach 1st, local city offices and state representative and senator from my district.  I have left messages and sent email.

I'm not asking the seller for a lot of money. For me it was money to use going forward for my expenses not for rehabilitating a newly renovated home. I've spent $24,000 and it's estimated the house needs approximately another $25K. In the 93A letter I asked for the $49,000 plus legal expenses. In his response the seller wrote the city Building Dept signed off on the renovations (marginally permitted and minimally inspected - no doubt the commissioner was remiss. I've filed a complaint against him with both the city and MA Public Safety. Doesn't help me financially but perhaps someone else.) his Inc would allow me to sue the contractors he hired. He also included #20 in the P&S, signed months before I'd had possession of the home, and None follows it.

Received a note this AM from the consumer reporter at The Globe saying he'd spoken about my situation and would take it up next Monday.  He's on vacation for a few days.  

Any thoughts, suggestions are appreciated.

Barbara         

Hello, Monday morning and hoping to avoid a costly (I can't afford) and long (again, can't afford) legal action.  Have read all comments and suggestions although on a Monday morning difficult to reach 1st, local city offices and state representative and senator from my district.  I have left messages and sent email.

I'm not asking the seller for a lot of money. For me it was money to use going forward for my expenses not for rehabilitating a newly renovated home. I've spent $24,000 and it's estimated the house needs approximately another $25K. In the 93A letter I asked for the $49,000 plus legal expenses. In his response the seller wrote the city Building Dept signed off on the renovations (marginally permitted and minimally inspected - no doubt the commissioner was remiss. I've filed a complaint against him with both the city and MA Public Safety. Doesn't help me financially but perhaps someone else.) his Inc would allow me to sue the contractors he hired. He also included #20 in the P&S, signed months before I'd had possession of the home, and None follows it.

Received a note this AM from the consumer reporter at The Globe saying he'd spoken about my situation and would take it up next Monday.  He's on vacation for a few days.  

Any thoughts, suggestions are appreciated.

Barbara         

Thanks to everyone who offered thoughts and advice.  I'm most appreciative!  If anything else comes to mind please share.  

Thanks again -

Barbara 

Reed - Local politicians, that's an avenue I haven't tried.  Thanks!

Charlie - all great info.  Thank you.  What about the Building Dept - their mission statement is to protect against poor workmanship and ensure safety.  Would you have any idea if they're liable?  I've made a complaint w/the city and with Mass Public Safety.

Eric - Thanks.  The market was tight last year with homes selling on the eve of the OH.  My home inspector wasn't affiliated with the seller.  He picked up a long list but missed the vent.  

A consumer advocate I'd contacted wondered if the CO was bought from the city.  It was issued w/o the new HVAC system inspected.  A permit had been applied for then denied.