Who to Contact
If you have a complaint, contact our office with the complaint or problem you are having and we may be able to advise you. Our department can only help with code issues. Contractual items such as payments and completion times are civil issues and out of our control. Only after all attempts have been made, in good faith, have failed to contact your builder in getting a code violation corrected, by the builder. Importantly, you must let the builder correct the violation or his designee or the state will dismiss the claim. All formal complaints must be received within the 18-month time frame from the time the Certificate of Occupancy was issued, use of the following procedure on the next page to file a complaint may be used.
Complaint Against Who?
Complaints may be filed against a Licensed Builder who is also the permit holder.
If you obtained a permit as a homeowner you cannot file a complaint with the state against a subcontractor whether they are licensed or not. Refer to the homeowner affidavit you signed when picking up your permit.
When you act as the builder in the case of a homeowner you are the builder and cannot file a complaint against yourself. The course of action that would have to be taken against a contractor then becomes a civil matter.
Keeping Detailed Records of Events
Prior to moving into a new home be sure to fill out a pre-move in form with your builder. Indicating any and all concerns you may have with the home or items that had not previously been addressed. Certain items that you may have taken for granted at the time may not be able to be verified at a later date as to when the damage or problem actually had taken place, thus putting the burden of proof on you as to when, how, and why.