What to do, what to do....

Given that I've accepted another job in another state (some 1400 miles away), I've remained very calm about the house. Especially, considering that it's got foundation problems. I'm still basically calm. However, on Tuesday, I talked with the Head Warranty Guy. Now, I'm just plain po'd. He was a condescending, patronizing jerk, who freely acknowledged that I was ticked and that he wasn't going to try and change my attitude about him or the builder. He did add the company line - they'll fix it. So, I asked how long. I can't give you a time frame he says. I say based on information I have from the engineer (he didn't review anything with my current Warranty Manager because he was unaware the Engineering firm had been to my house once, let alone twice) and their general slowness it's looking like it will take six months. No he says, it won't take that long. Okay, how long I ask. I can't tell you he says.

I think he was more focused on the driveway situation than the house. And, that my friends has taken over 9 months to get any kind of response from the builder and we still don't have a game plan. He was darn proud of himself when he told me a guy would be out testing soil for the driveways so they could fix them. I'm wondering why they didn't do that 9 or 10 months ago when driveways were cracking left and right. Pretty much every house on my street needs a new driveway.

My house continues to have existing cracks which get worse, new cracks and seam bulges appear almost daily, and the sidewalk from my driveway to my front porch continues to sink lower and lower on the left side.

I think I've played nice for long enough. I called a Realtor friend. She was flabbergasted that it had gone on this long and nothing from the builder. She knows a Real Estate attorney and she gave me his information. My dilemma is how much do I want to spend pursing this? Would it be better just to sell at a loss and let someone else bully the builder. Since all of the repair work is covered my Warranty and must be done by the builder, a really strong person could get the house at a reduced price (not too reduced) and just have the frustration of dealing with the builder and living through the repairs. I just want to move on. And, honestly, I'm not sure I want to deal with it.

So, now, I'm trying to come up with some type of game plan. Which will probably involve at least one conversation with the attorney to find if I have any options and if it would be worth it.

It's Official!

Well, after two weeks of waiting, it's offical. The job in Annapolis, MD is mine. And, with a much better salary than I had hoped. God does have a plan. Given the problems with the house (I can't sell or lease it right now), having the extra money will make it a lot easier for me to carry the house if I have to while the builder makes all of the repairs.

I'm stoked. When I moved back to Texas, I planned on retiring here. But, there were things about the move in general, that in hindsight, I realize I had some major doubts that were not just about buying the house, but about the job and the move as a whole. I just didn't know it. I don't have those doubts this time. I'm looking forward to it. I've got a lot to do to prepare for the move, which will probably drive me insane, because I'm ready to go.

I figure it'll take about two days to drive from here to there. So, if anyone has any tips for traveling two days in a car with a cat, please share!

Vindication...

Today, the drywall guys were supposed to come fix the damage that has occurred to my house due to the movement. I was hesitant about this as the house is still moving, which means more damage will occur. Whether he planned to or not (I was pretty strong in my suggestion that he come out today not just for the inside, but the outside as well), new Warranty Guy came out as well. Thank heavens he did. He's got 15 years experience with the builder, plus he's built homes in the past. He's gotten a lot of mixed information (and told me that previous Warranty Guy had resigned, which didn't surprise me as this is a lot more than I'm sure he thought it would be).

He had a copy of the most recent engineers report; the engineer was back out about two weeks ago. Based on that and the damage he saw, he knew immediately that the house is still moving and repairing anything would be somewhat futile. I said I was fine if he wanted to call the drywallers off. He was happy about that as that is exactly what he was thinking. Finally a guy who is not just spouting the company line of "don't worry we'll fix it." His words to the drywaller: "there is a boatload of work to do out here, including possibly some re-sheet rocking." Ya think? I'd been trying to tell him that, the drywaller that, even previous Warranty Guy. But, now that he's seen it, Warranty Guy knows there is a lot that will have to be done.

And, what did the engineer's report recommend. A geotechnical investigation to determine the potential and likelihood of future movement. Basically, it means they'll test the soil in and around the foundation.

They were doing two houses today up the street and there is a third on my street as well. I don't feel quite as bad about my house now that I know I'm not alone, though I'm sorry it's happening to others.

End result is I can't sell my house as it is. I think I knew this. I'm still calm. By the time it's been fixed and ready for repair on the inside, I should be moved out. Which, in my opinion, will make it easier for them (and me) to repair. I won't have to worry about moving my stuff and they'll be able to see everything that needs repairs. The good thing is once it's fixed, there will be a 20 year warranty for the new owners. And, hopefully, there will be new owners. I'd really rather not lease. I'd like to just be in my new place without any ties to the old. A clean break so to speak. Except for my friends. No breaks with friends; just property and state.

Embracing the wanderlust....

Well, sorta. As many of you know, my current job has been less than good. I may write more about that later, but it was far from a good fit. I think I knew this before I moved, but attributed it to cold feet about buying the house. Always, always listen to your little voice.

So, I've looked at jobs off and on, but sorta told myself I'd try really hard to make my next job a return to Civil Service in my current profession. I'd seen postings here and there, but most weren't good fits or were in areas I didn't really want. Well, I've accepted a Civil Service job in an area that wasn't on the list, but I think it will be fine. It's a tentative offer and I'm waiting on the official, so I guess it could go belly up. Assuming it doesn't, I'll be headed for Annapolis, MD and a job with the Navy. I'm scared and excited at the same time. No, I won't be buying a house anytime soon, basically for the "escape fast if you need to" card. I don't think that will be the case, but I didn't think that a year and a half ago either. My goal is to settle in there for many years. I've moved a lot, but I also settled once before. Hopefully, it will happen again.