Action 9: Shoddy Floor Work Has Homeowner Angry
The new floor, a hardwood laminate, covers the new den plus two adjoining rooms and hallways at his home, but there are sections with the edges sticking up. "It's vinyl, it's vinyl – it's supposed to be hardwood," Wright said...In the foyer it's so bad that the vinyl is coming up in chunks."As you can see, something has dropped on this and vinyl is peeling right off," Wright said. And in a bedroom, the threshold is no longer nailed down, and neither is a piece of den molding.

World Homes says only small number of houses defective -working to repair problems
World Homes Guyana Inc says that of the 600 houses it has built so far only a small number has defects because of shoddy work by contractors, something which is beyond its control... Concerns have been raised in several quarters surrounding the quality of work executed by contractors in various locations on low cost housing. Members of the Guyana Association of Professional En-gineers (GAPE) have linked this to the fact that there is no registration system for local engineers hence anyone can carry out construction work without facing the responsibility for work of a poor quality.

Building Is Risky Business
Create job documentation that is so tight, it could scare off a hungry attorney at the onset...Review trade contractor's insurance and written agreements...Time to tune up these items. Study your trade contractor's liability policy to make sure the dollar limits are high enough for your jobs, and check for their exclusions in coverage. For example, if your policy excludes soil movement, then be sure your subcontractor has this particular coverage... All jobs should have a written and signed trade-contractor agreement, preferably one which includes "hold harmless" indemnity clauses, waiver of subrogation, warranty provisions, insurance requirements (that you request), and a provision for binding arbitration for dispute resolution. In simple terms, you want to transfer the risk to your subs, making them the primary insured. This agreement establishes which policyholder's insurance will pay first and who is responsible in a claim... Consult a construction-contract lawyer for review of all your sales contracts. Make sure they, too, contain binding arbitration provisions in the event of a dispute.

Who's to blame?
They are among three township homeowners who have been vocal at recent board meetings, putting the blame for their woes on Almont's inspection process and the man who, until recently, was responsible for inspecting the work done by builders... Patrick Smylie says he and his wife have experienced nothing but issues ranging from poor grade and water retention to improper sealing and brick work at their home. They suspect it was built on a spring vein and point to their sump pump, which puts out over 5,000 gallons of water during the wettest months of the year, requiring his constant attention.

Former opponent discusses Anderson arraignment
Alaskans are still reeling after the news of state Rep. Tom Anderson's arrest and new details that continue to emerge...Anderson was arraigned on seven federal charges yesterday, including bribery, extortion and money laundering...he introduced himself, though, as a lobbyist for the Homebuilders Association.

Ernest O'Gaffney wants an initiative on Christian County ballot in 2007
Ernest O'Gaffney, who says last year he unknowingly purchased a home that sits above a sinkhole, will gather signatures for a building-code initiative to be put on the county's ballot in 2007.The lack of building codes perpetuates "a situation where anyone with a pickup truck and a hammer can build a home without any inspection whatsoever, except for the septic tank, thus stripping the public in the unincorporated areas of the county of any protection as to health and safety whatsoever," O'Gaffney wrote in a letter to the county Board of Commissioners.

Mississippi - Three On Your Side Investigates: Building According to Plans or Not?
The City of Madison is dealing with mortgage fraud, foreclosures, and homes abandoned by builders in upscale neighborhoods. Now code inspectors are scrutinizing details on new home construction. One city inspector preferred not to go on camera.  He pointed out inconsistencies on the approved blueprints from the current stage of construction on one Woods Crossing home. He said, "It has a dormer over the garage, the plans don't have that." Details specified on plans, but in non-compliance when built. Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said the plans submitted are not what's on the ground."

State says Stewartstown code inspector certified unsafe homes
A Stewartstown building code inspector allowed people to move into a home that lacked safe drinking water, had leaky windows and doors and was built with lumber that wasn't properly identified, the state alleges. The home is one of four in York County that E. Michael Lee certified were safe for occupation but weren't, according to the state Department of Labor and Industry. Lee's certification to conduct building code inspections is in jeopardy. After investigations into his work, the state Department of Labor and Industry says he is incompetent, neglected his professional responsibilities and risked public health and safety.

With the housing boom over, its dark side is coming to light, including fraud. Government data show more criminals – and more consumers – lied to sell or buy expensive homes.
Pam Houchen, the former mayor of Huntington Beach who helped dupe lenders and borrowers in a real estate scam, is a good example of a national phenomenon. The local scheme contained an element common to other cases nationwide: people tricking banks and consumers out of their money. Such shenanigans, which fall under the umbrella of mortgage fraud, ballooned as the housing market heated up, according to government data and industry experts.

Area foreclosures are growing more frequent
Tara was thrilled when she was able to buy her first home and live closer to her mom. Tara and Jason were both only 21 when they bought the condo...Their first mortgage was with a company offered by the builder of their townhome. The couple made one payment to the first company, and their mortgage was sold to a second company in June 2003...The checks were sent on time as arranged and cashed, but never credited to the mortgage loan.