L S Homes

Review: I bought my house from LS Homes in April 2012 and have had a drainage issue with my backyard from since then. They obviously knew there was an issue as they had installed a french drain in the yard prior to completion of the house. The drain did not work properly as it was not in the right position to collect or drain water where it pooled. They have in the warranty that after a rain, it there is still standing water they are liable to fix it. They have fixed it 3 times over the past year and it has worsened the problem each time. I have called the two owners of the company[redacted] and [redacted] both several times and never got a call back from either until a couple of months ago when [redacted] called me after I got somewhat ugly. They have still not fixed the issue. They sent [redacted] out there and he took pictures one day without my knowledge or permission to be in my fenced back yard. I have had 3 different landscapers give me quotes in the past week to fix the drainage issue and resod my yard as the grass is dead due to all of the standing water I have had. Each of the landscapers said that the drainage pipes were installed totally incorrectly and would not ever work to clear up the issue. I have pictures of my yard much more than 48 hours after rain and have pools of water.One landscaper that LS Homes uses for retention walls actually discussed with LS Homes, last summer that the installation was incorrect. I sent [redacted] an email last week and pictures today stating that I expected to hear from him. I would like for them to pay for the new drainage system I am having installed as well as for the sod. I have been more than patient about this. [redacted] send me an email stating that after several inspections over the last several months it is his opinion that the grade of my your has been established with the S.C Residential Building Standards. He states he has been to my home several times and found no standing water. Odd since he can't get in my yard.Desired Settlement: I would like for them to pay me the cost of the new drainage system and the sod, removal of dead sod and correct grading of my yard by the landscaper of my choice. I feel that the $2100 I am asking for is reasonable especially as some of the estimates I have gotten have been between $1200 and $1400 just for the drainage system

Business

Response:

[redacted] -

I just wanted to recap the discussion we had yesterday regarding the concern you have about the grading of your back yard.

After several inspections over the last several months, it is my opinion that the grade at your yard has been established in accordance with the South Carolina Residential Building Standards. I have been to your home several times shortly after a rainfall event and found no standing water. Not even in the swale areas that you would expect to find standing water for longer periods of time. All of my visits have been within 24 hours of having rain, so I believe the 48-hour requirement has been met. I have kept all of the photos from my previous visits and will be glad to make copies for you again. If you feel like my interpretation of the standard is incorrect, you can contact the SC LLR and ask them for an opinion. I will be happy to meet with them if an appointment is indeed scheduled.

I have discussed the grading with [redacted] and [redacted] and I have explained to them that I have never witnessed standing water in your yard in excess of 48 hours after a rainfall. I am not sure there is anything further to be done.

I am sorry that I cannot be any more help to you at this time.

Thank you,

LS Residential, LLC