All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

Great pointers, thank you @Jerel Ehlert and @Ronald Rohde

@Chris Seveney, I understand there will be no warranty as its a 2006 property and I bought it as a foreclosure. But isnt anyone accountable for faulty construction? @Greg H. - Thanks, I will get a second opinion. 

Bought this as a as-is site unseen, foreclosure. 

I have a 3 bed 2 bath (1 story) KB home rental property in TX. Recently had couple of plumbing issues where the toilets were not flushing. First time, got the sewer lines cleared in the yard - spent $2500. Then again, toilets kept rocking. A trusted plumber goes out there and starts digging to find the issue. Turns out the builder has a piece of rebar going through the main sewer line. Sewage has been seeping into the ground underneath the flooring for several months. Insurance wont cover it because it is "pre-existing condition" or "faulty construction". The repair and mold remediation job is $20K. 

Any advice on what is the best course of action? 

• Sell property at deep discount
• Spent $20k and suck it up 
• Sue Builder 
• Sue insurance 

Thank you all - Yes, I confirmed that plumbing is NOT covered, corroborating all of your comments. I have not actually filed the claims (paid deductible etc.) just inquiring with insurance company. So premiums wont go up. Turns out I am out $8K and nothing is covered. Thanks @Fred Heller, I will look into American Water resource. Wish I had home warranty, but I bet they would have got out on a technicality too... 

Hi Fellow BPites,

I recently ran into some bad luck and had two major plumbing repairs on two properties. Expenses were $2.5K and $5.5K (& counting) respectively. In both cases I had sewage backup into the home. The former damage was caught early and didnt damage flooring or drywall. However, the root cause was tree roots had hijacked the sewage line, which had to be removed and line cleared. The second issue, did flood the home with sewage, but again limited damage. No flooring or drywall to be replaced. However, the plumbing cost alone is $5K. Root cause is still unknown for 2nd issue. My deductibles are in the $1500 range for each so it is worth filing a claim. 

I thought of filing an insurance claim - and guess what, ASI lloyds tells me "plumbing issues are not covered". They were willing to cover the ensuing damage by the sewage back up (which is most likely less than my deductible) but not the actual plumbing repair. 

My question to the community is, should I hire a lawyer to deal with them? Has anyone had any luck dealing with these insurance companies(especially in Texas)? Yes, I know I am not asking for legal advice - just experience and guidance on whether its worth investing time in this battle. 

Thank you in advance. 

Thank you all -- Yes, I will be going for a trust. Appreciate this great BP community's support. 

Very interesting.. @Nicole A - I will definitely consider that. 

Thanks @Jon Crosby. I have definitely considered that, but I do have mortgages on almost all my properties and I have heard/read online that lenders shall not allow moving the ownership to an LLC. I am not opposed to spending for an LLC if it can solve my privacy problem.