Benjamin Builders, Inc.

we purchased a bran new home from Benjamin builders on nov.XX XXXX in the next couple of months I went into the attic and noticed frost on the wood of the attic,, I notified Benjamin builders of this issue and they came over to look at the problem..[redacted],, the owner suggested we put a dehumidifier in the attic to which we did but to no avail,, then he suggested to re-roof the back of the house,, which he did in the spring of 2013 and we really could not tell if the problem was solved until the following winter when it got cold...the winter of 2013 I again went up in the attic and noticed the frost was not only still there but was worse..again I called the owner [redacted] and once again he came over and now stated that the house had to much humidity in it,, but when he was in the attic with another one of his men,, my father in law heard them both say that it looked like we needed bigger vents,, then he came down from the attic and spun the drier around and stated that the dryer hose was not completley on..when I called him and asked him what the solution was he told me to change the vent hose..I called a license mass energy certified auditor to come and inspect the attic,, he informed me with a written estimate the attic needed another 9.3 inches of insulation and that nothing was sealed,, fixtures.. pipes ect.., I informed Benjamin builders ,,[redacted] of this problem and he hung up on me,,also upon inspection of the attic they noticed a form of mold..., I have emphysema and mold growing in a attic of a new home only 15 months old to me is unacceptable,, I hold Benjamin builders responsible because not only did he try to fix the problem,, I don't think he had the answer to the frost.He should be responsible and professional to own up and make it right,, the estimate cost so far is $1982.00..Thank youProduct_Or_Service: HouseDesired SettlementI would like the attic completly free of frost and mold at builders expense. A 15 month old home should not be experiencing these problemsBusiness Response Mr. [redacted] purchased a home from us and he did notify us that he had frost on the plywood in the attic in the winter of 2013. My initial thought for the problem was that the frost must of come from the bath fan vent hose in attic; I instructed a Benjamin Builder's employee to be sure connection at each end was securely fastened, and check hose for any defects. He did as instructed, then installed Benjamin Builder's dehumidifier in the attic and returned to home to empty.(Homeowner did not install). I told Mr. [redacted] we would come back in spring and remove shingles and plywood on the entire rear of 42' long home. Removal was not necessary, but in light that I observed discoloration on the plywood, I decided to go to such an extreme repair in case of mold. I never told Mr. [redacted] that I would have to return next winter; I believed the problem was resolved otherwise I would not have spent thousands of dollars to replace the roof if problem was not fixed.Mr. [redacted] called again in the winter of 2014. Upon his call I scheduled myself and [redacted], manager of Builders Insulation to go out to the home. I thought that I would like to have a 2nd pair of eyes on the inspection. Thinking what would be the possible cause for the humidity to accumulate in the attic. I thought 1. Bath vent in attic, most likely ruled out because we already addressed.2.Not enough ventilation; by code we install more ventilation than is required by mass code and international code, but I thought I would bring manager of insulation company in case his insulators blocked vents on install. Visual observation by Mr. [redacted] and myself ruled out this possibility as well.3.Is the home owner running a humidifier or using a space heater which both would cause excess humidity in home. When Mr. [redacted] and myself first arrived at home, we rang front doorbell on main floor of home, no answer. We then walked around to rear of home and knocked on back door, still no answer. I then went to basement door, basement has an In-law apartment, where Mr. [redacted]'s mother and father in law live. Mr. [redacted]'s father in law answered the door. Mr. [redacted] and myself entered apartment and we found air to be dry. Mr. [redacted], myself and father in law went upstairs. It was important for us to have father in law accompany us, because it was our intention to look in each room, including bedroom areas to look for a source that might be causing humidity. As soon as we opened door, Mr. [redacted] said to Mr. [redacted]s father in law, that the air on this floor is extremely humid. I said to him you can almost lick the water in the air. We started in the kitchen and found nothing, found nothing in living room, then checked the attic for blocked vents and found nothing. We then went in the bathroom with Mr. [redacted]'s father in law, I said I wanted to check the bath fan to be sure bath fan was pulling air, found no problem. Mr. [redacted] asked Mr. [redacted]'s father in law if it was OK to run the dryer, he said OK. Mr. [redacted] started the dryer, he looked behind the dryer and said I found the problem. He said the dryer vent in rear of dryer was partially off. Triangular piece was open to living space. I told Mr. [redacted] not to move the dryer, that I wanted Mr. [redacted]'s father in law to observe the problem, before we moved the dryer. Mr. [redacted], then pulled dryer partially out so he could reattach the vent. He was unable to reattach the vent because the fastener was to big and he had no tools. I then called Mr. [redacted] at his work to explain the problem, told him that we could not fix vent hose, that he would need some cinch ties or radiator clamp to secure properly. I also told him how to dry out the moisture in the attic and that he should do it right away, because the weather was unseasonable warm and would be for the next few days. I told him to buy 2 dehumidifiers and put one on the first floor and one in the attic, also to purchase an electrical adapter for attic light that would allow him to plug in extension cords to run 2 fans, one at each end, pointed at rear plywood.It is important to note that Benjamin Builders did not install dryer. Dryer had been installed by homeowner or whom homeowner contracted to install dryer.It is also important to note that home was built by Benjamin Builders as new construction. Town of [redacted] building inspector performed insulation inspection, exterior sealant inspection in both rough and finish. [redacted] who is a Massachusetts reg. architect #XXXXX and certified HERS rater (Home energy rating system) rater, performed pre-construction energy analysis as well as post-construction blower door test and visual inspection to confirm home meets or exceeds the 2009 IECC energy requirements. [redacted] Building Inspector issued certificate of occupancy after his receipt of blower door test report and his final complete building inspection.(Report/Certificate available upon request)I am very confident that the humidity in the attic which was only in back side of house attic; was caused by dryer which is located in back side of house on first floor which had dryer vent partially disconnected, which would allow great amounts of humidity to escape and eventually make its way to the attic.Mr. [redacted] apparently did not want to expend the time and money to correct the problem that he has caused by improperly installing the dryer. He then called me and threatened me that if I didn't pay him $1900, that he would call consumer protection, Revdex.com and take me to court.The consumer protection found no fault. I am anticipating that the Revdex.com will conclude the same. I am more than willing to speak further with a representative from the Revdex.com at anytime. I have been in business for over 30 years, my record with Revdex.com is clean and always has been. One can see how extremely thorough our company is, when we thought the humidity was our problem, we did not repair, but replaced the entire back side of Mr. [redacted]'s roof. It is unfortunate that we spent such a large sum of money, only to realize later that we had not in fact caused the problem. I am also willing to conference call the professionals listed above with the Revdex.com if necessary. I don't mind helping customers with issues not caused by Benjamin Builders, but I will do nothing when an individual tries to extort money from us.If Revdex.com needs to contact me further please contact me on my cell. Sincerely [redacted], President of Benjamin Builders Inc.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)First of all we absolutly do not accept any of [redacted]'s so called trail of events. We reported the frost immediately to him that very first winter. What he failed to tell you was we installed a [redacted] dehumidifer in house. We also had TWO independent inspectors come to our house to examine the problem. I have copies of both estimates. Neither one said no way could the dryer be the issue. They tested the air and found no humidity. As far as my father in law, he said quite a different story, he said they were talking in the attic as to how to fix the problem and by the time they came down stair they yanked the dryer out and [redacted] snapped a picture and left. My father in law saw nothing of a dryer not appropiately hocked up. I understand Mr. [redacted] has been in business for a long time but two things bother me about the dryer, 1. if that had been disconnected for that long a time we saw not one bit of stray lint. 2. Why with all his expderience would he not check a $4.00 hose on a dryer before he spent $3000. on replacing a roof, i'm sure it wasn't out of the goodness of his heart. AS fas as trying to exort money from him, please, we take very seriously that statement, we paid very good money for this new home and we just want the builder to back up his product. We both work very hard for our money and are supporting our relative in the in law appartment. we just want what we paid for, We feel like we have been taken by Mr. [redacted].Final Business Response It is obvious that both parties are at an impasse. When two parties can't agree, then court is the next step. Mr. [redacted] can bring his contractors to support his case and I will bring professionals with proper credentials to support my case. I would like to move to that end.Final Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)WE LOOK FORWARD TO MOVING ON TO COURT WITH YOUR PROFESSIONALS. AS OF LAST MONDAY WE HAD OUR PROFESSIONAL COME IN AND FIX THE PROBLEM THAT 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COULDN'T DO.THE PROBLEM IS NOW SOLVED CORRECTLY. THANK YOU TO THE Revdex.com, WE KNEW IT WOULD PROBABLY END THIS WAY BUT THE COMPLAINT STANDS......

we purchased a bran new home from Benjamin builders on nov.XX XXXX in the next couple of months I went into the attic and noticed frost on the wood of the attic,, I notified Benjamin builders of this issue and they came over to look at the problem..[redacted],, the owner suggested we put a dehumidifier in the attic to which we did but to no avail,, then he suggested to re-roof the back of the house,, which he did in the spring of 2013 and we really could not tell if the problem was solved until the following winter when it got cold...the winter of 2013 I again went up in the attic and noticed the frost was not only still there but was worse..again I called the owner [redacted] and once again he came over and now stated that the house had to much humidity in it,, but when he was in the attic with another one of his men,, my father in law heard them both say that it looked like we needed bigger vents,, then he came down from the attic and spun the drier around and stated that the dryer hose was not completley on..when I called him and asked him what the solution was he told me to change the vent hose..I called a license mass energy certified auditor to come and inspect the attic,, he informed me with a written estimate the attic needed another 9.3 inches of insulation and that nothing was sealed,, fixtures.. pipes ect.., I informed Benjamin builders ,,[redacted] of this problem and he hung up on me,,also upon inspection of the attic they noticed a form of mold..., I have emphysema and mold growing in a attic of a new home only 15 months old to me is unacceptable,, I hold Benjamin builders responsible because not only did he try to fix the problem,, I don't think he had the answer to the frost.He should be responsible and professional to own up and make it right,, the estimate cost so far is $1982.00..Thank youProduct_Or_Service: HouseDesired SettlementI would like the attic completly free of frost and mold at builders expense. A 15 month old home should not be experiencing these problemsBusiness Response Mr. [redacted] purchased a home from us and he did notify us that he had frost on the plywood in the attic in the winter of 2013. My initial thought for the problem was that the frost must of come from the bath fan vent hose in attic; I instructed a Benjamin Builder's employee to be sure connection at each end was securely fastened, and check hose for any defects. He did as instructed, then installed Benjamin Builder's dehumidifier in the attic and returned to home to empty.(Homeowner did not install). I told Mr. [redacted] we would come back in spring and remove shingles and plywood on the entire rear of 42' long home. Removal was not necessary, but in light that I observed discoloration on the plywood, I decided to go to such an extreme repair in case of mold. I never told Mr. [redacted] that I would have to return next winter; I believed the problem was resolved otherwise I would not have spent thousands of dollars to replace the roof if problem was not fixed.Mr. [redacted] called again in the winter of 2014. Upon his call I scheduled myself and [redacted], manager of Builders Insulation to go out to the home. I thought that I would like to have a 2nd pair of eyes on the inspection. Thinking what would be the possible cause for the humidity to accumulate in the attic. I thought 1. Bath vent in attic, most likely ruled out because we already addressed.2.Not enough ventilation; by code we install more ventilation than is required by mass code and international code, but I thought I would bring manager of insulation company in case his insulators blocked vents on install. Visual observation by Mr. [redacted] and myself ruled out this possibility as well.3.Is the home owner running a humidifier or using a space heater which both would cause excess humidity in home. When Mr. [redacted] and myself first arrived at home, we rang front doorbell on main floor of home, no answer. We then walked around to rear of home and knocked on back door, still no answer. I then went to basement door, basement has an In-law apartment, where Mr. [redacted]'s mother and father in law live. Mr. [redacted]'s father in law answered the door. Mr. [redacted] and myself entered apartment and we found air to be dry. Mr. [redacted], myself and father in law went upstairs. It was important for us to have father in law accompany us, because it was our intention to look in each room, including bedroom areas to look for a source that might be causing humidity. As soon as we opened door, Mr. [redacted] said to Mr. [redacted]s father in law, that the air on this floor is extremely humid. I said to him you can almost lick the water in the air. We started in the kitchen and found nothing, found nothing in living room, then checked the attic for blocked vents and found nothing. We then went in the bathroom with Mr. [redacted]'s father in law, I said I wanted to check the bath fan to be sure bath fan was pulling air, found no problem. Mr. [redacted] asked Mr. [redacted]'s father in law if it was OK to run the dryer, he said OK. Mr. [redacted] started the dryer, he looked behind the dryer and said I found the problem. He said the dryer vent in rear of dryer was partially off. Triangular piece was open to living space. I told Mr. [redacted] not to move the dryer, that I wanted Mr. [redacted]'s father in law to observe the problem, before we moved the dryer. Mr. [redacted], then pulled dryer partially out so he could reattach the vent. He was unable to reattach the vent because the fastener was to big and he had no tools. I then called Mr. [redacted] at his work to explain the problem, told him that we could not fix vent hose, that he would need some cinch ties or radiator clamp to secure properly. I also told him how to dry out the moisture in the attic and that he should do it right away, because the weather was unseasonable warm and would be for the next few days. I told him to buy 2 dehumidifiers and put one on the first floor and one in the attic, also to purchase an electrical adapter for attic light that would allow him to plug in extension cords to run 2 fans, one at each end, pointed at rear plywood.It is important to note that Benjamin Builders did not install dryer. Dryer had been installed by homeowner or whom homeowner contracted to install dryer.It is also important to note that home was built by Benjamin Builders as new construction. Town of [redacted] building inspector performed insulation inspection, exterior sealant inspection in both rough and finish. [redacted] who is a Massachusetts reg. architect #XXXXX and certified HERS rater (Home energy rating system) rater, performed pre-construction energy analysis as well as post-construction blower door test and visual inspection to confirm home meets or exceeds the 2009 IECC energy requirements. [redacted] Building Inspector issued certificate of occupancy after his receipt of blower door test report and his final complete building inspection.(Report/Certificate available upon request)I am very confident that the humidity in the attic which was only in back side of house attic; was caused by dryer which is located in back side of house on first floor which had dryer vent partially disconnected, which would allow great amounts of humidity to escape and eventually make its way to the attic.Mr. [redacted] apparently did not want to expend the time and money to correct the problem that he has caused by improperly installing the dryer. He then called me and threatened me that if I didn't pay him $1900, that he would call consumer protection, Revdex.com and take me to court.The consumer protection found no fault. I am anticipating that the Revdex.com will conclude the same. I am more than willing to speak further with a representative from the Revdex.com at anytime. I have been in business for over 30 years, my record with Revdex.com is clean and always has been. One can see how extremely thorough our company is, when we thought the humidity was our problem, we did not repair, but replaced the entire back side of Mr. [redacted]'s roof. It is unfortunate that we spent such a large sum of money, only to realize later that we had not in fact caused the problem. I am also willing to conference call the professionals listed above with the Revdex.com if necessary. I don't mind helping customers with issues not caused by Benjamin Builders, but I will do nothing when an individual tries to extort money from us.If Revdex.com needs to contact me further please contact me on my cell. Sincerely [redacted], President of Benjamin Builders Inc.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)First of all we absolutly do not accept any of [redacted]'s so called trail of events. We reported the frost immediately to him that very first winter. What he failed to tell you was we installed a [redacted] dehumidifer in house. We also had TWO independent inspectors come to our house to examine the problem. I have copies of both estimates. Neither one said no way could the dryer be the issue. They tested the air and found no humidity. As far as my father in law, he said quite a different story, he said they were talking in the attic as to how to fix the problem and by the time they came down stair they yanked the dryer out and [redacted] snapped a picture and left. My father in law saw nothing of a dryer not appropiately hocked up. I understand Mr. [redacted] has been in business for a long time but two things bother me about the dryer, 1. if that had been disconnected for that long a time we saw not one bit of stray lint. 2. Why with all his expderience would he not check a $4.00 hose on a dryer before he spent $3000. on replacing a roof, i'm sure it wasn't out of the goodness of his heart. AS fas as trying to exort money from him, please, we take very seriously that statement, we paid very good money for this new home and we just want the builder to back up his product. We both work very hard for our money and are supporting our relative in the in law appartment. we just want what we paid for, We feel like we have been taken by Mr. [redacted].Final Business Response It is obvious that both parties are at an impasse. When two parties can't agree, then court is the next step. Mr. [redacted] can bring his contractors to support his case and I will bring professionals with proper credentials to support my case. I would like to move to that end.Final Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)WE LOOK FORWARD TO MOVING ON TO COURT WITH YOUR PROFESSIONALS. AS OF LAST MONDAY WE HAD OUR PROFESSIONAL COME IN AND FIX THE PROBLEM THAT 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COULDN'T DO.THE PROBLEM IS NOW SOLVED CORRECTLY. THANK YOU TO THE Revdex.com, WE KNEW IT WOULD PROBABLY END THIS WAY BUT THE COMPLAINT STANDS......