Brick Veneer Bad Install

8 years ago

My husband and I are in the process of building a home in the DFW area. The builder has made corrections to almost everything we have brought to their attention or, at least, given us an acceptable explanation. However, the exterior brick is another story...

During the first day of the installation, my husband informed the project manager (verbally, unfortunately) that there was an issue. However, the house was fully finished with crooked brick, noticeably uneven spacing, broken brick, workers who chipped instead of straight cut with a wet saw, and two different colors of mortar.

First, the builder blamed it on the brick, so we had a representative from Meridian out to the house (clay brick, no issues). Then they blamed it on our mortar choice, yet their designer was the one who suggested it. Now, they have said pick one or two places that we want fixed, but that's it.

We have sent them an email stating...fix it, put a mortar wash/slurry that we approve, reduce the purchase price so we can fix, or give us our $30,000 back and we part ways. We have also consulted with an attorney who says we have a good case.

Any suggestions for anything else we can do?

The first picture is after trying to fix mortar color and crooked brick. The rest are still places that have not been addressed.

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Chelly
Original Author

8 years ago

We fortunately have several sample pictures of the houses built when we signed...those are of much higher quality. Our house seems to be the worst, but a few that have been built recently look pretty bad. I do not think they have filled either of the expansion joints.

As far as the price, I do not care if it was a $100,000 or $10million house, paying for poor workmanship should not be forced on anyone.

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Comments (12)

User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Do you own the land? If not, walk away. There’s worse behind the walls that you don’t see.
Chelly
Original Author
8 years ago
Do not own the land. We have viewed every step of the way, and this seems to be the only inconsistency. I wish there was a guarantee to get our $30k without expensive legal fees...I cannot see the builder willingly refunding our payment (not deposit).

It is in a new build community and overlooks the lake, so someone without good eyesight might buy it as is.

View from the back patio...
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Suru
8 years ago
Oh, boy, that's a pretty bad job. My amateur, never installed brick in my life, job looks better than that.

I don't know about your brick veneer, but when I was installing our veneer on our new build, the brick I received varied in length, width, and thickness. It was quite the chore to go through each box of brick and pick pieces that would look good next to each other. It took a lot of time and patience. I also snapped level chalk lines both vertically and horizontally and used my level on every brick I stuck on. I can't imagine why they would chip the edges instead of using a wet saw to cut the brick.

The only solution I can think of is to paint the brick so the grout lines and crookedness won't be as noticeable. I think to make it right though, the mason should tear it out and redo it. I'm really sorry that this has happened to you.
worthy
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It's not structural and likely no worse than other homes in the neighbourhood, so unless this is a custom multi-million dollar build, I can't see a court case going anywhere. Of course, your lawyer is the expert on that. (BTW, that control joint should be filled with an appropriate caulking.)
galore2112
8 years ago
You are in the DFW metroplex? And your builder thinks this brick installation is acceptable??? I know I’ve posted pics of awful quality construction in DFW in the past but I have never seen a brick job that bad. Brick is the most popular siding material in the metroplex and there are many brick layers here who know what they are doing. Who did your builder hire to deliver this mess? I didn’t think it was possible to get such a horrid brick job in the Dallas area. I mean, even the cheapest starter homes here have great quality brick veneer.
Suru
8 years ago
As far as the price, I do not care if it was a $100,000 or $10million house, paying for poor workmanship should not be forced on anyone.

I couldn't agree more! But, it seems like because the subs are busy, then the homeowner should just accept whatever crappy job they do. And no one is in a hurry to make it right, nor do the GCs even seem to care.

It's one thing when you are a DIYer and the result is less than perfect, but when you are paying a "professional," then you should expect a professional level job.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
8 years ago
Sorry for your experience. It's a pretty poor job to be sure. I don't often recommend painting brick, but I think doing so in this case will mask the defects.
Chelly
Original Author
8 years ago
Update:

I met with the owners of the building company. They are indicating a willingness to work with us. Hopefully by Monday we will have their proposal.
Chelly
Original Author
8 years ago
Oh boy, my estimate for slurry/mortar wash came back very reasonable at just shy of $14,000.

The builder offered us $7,000 and said we would have to close as is in 2 weeks...not really how I hoped it would go.

Now my husband has noticed the mortar cracking around the house.
Chelly
Original Author
8 years ago
Now hopefully we can get our $30k back without going to mediation. I think we both agree it is time to walk away.
robin0919
8 years ago
I hate to say it but hire an engineer to inspect your house. That's horrible work!!!! Hopefully in your contract it will be paid for. If not.....they sr*&&^%$^ you!!!! I hope you can get your money back!