Scott Lee Homes, Inc.

My house that Scott Lee Homes builts is less than 4 years old and for the past year we have experienced septic system problem. bubblingWe have had sewage bubbling up in our back yard for the past year. Last years my wife called his office and explained to them our problem, but in there words it is not a warranty issue. I beleive an honest bussiness person would help take care of their customers. All I require is for Scott Lee Homes to contact me and resolve this issue.All I know to do if they do not help is contact my attorney and see if the others with this type problem would be willing to go to gather against Scott Lee Homes.Someone please help with this.Desired SettlementHelp in solvig the problem, whatever that means. Business Response /[redacted]/Let me first begin by apologizing for the problems Mr. [redacted] describes he is having, I realize there can be nothing more frustrating than having a problem and feeling like you have not been heard. Just for the record, Mr. [redacted] states he has spoken to other homeowners that have the same issues and I am not aware nor have I been contacted by Johnston County Environmental Health regarding any other homeowner septic issues.I would like to begin by first explaining that Johnston County Environmental Health does a comprehensive soil study to determine which soils are suitable to become eligible and permitable for lots. I purchased these lots from a developer, just as Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] purchased from me. Once developed into lots, it becomes my job as the builder to obtain another permit from Johnston County Environmental Health which gives a detail description of where and how the system is to be installed. There is nothing about the location, design, size or anything whatsoever about a septic system left to my discretion or interpretation, systems are entirely governed by Johnston County Environmental Health, and we pay a state licensed contractor to install according to the permit. Unfortunately, throughout the county, there are occasional instances where the system may fail, which is why each lot is designed to have a designated are for repair. There can be several reasons for the failure, to my knowledge the system worked for several years and now has encountered problems. Without living in the home and under the current conditions, it is impossible for me to try to assume reasons for its occasional problems but according to Johnston County excessive rain will certainly cause occasional septic issues. As the builder, I obtained a permit, hired a state certified installer to install the system, the system was installed according to Environmental Health's specifications and inspected for proper installation prior to being covered. These are the actions of "an honest business person". Finally, this system apparently worked for several years, some condition must have changed. When we did the walk-thru on their home we thoroughly covered their septic tank and drain lines and the warranty that came along with their system. I am sure when Mrs. [redacted] called in 2013, three years after they moved into their home, it was only standard they be told their home was no longer under warranty. We warrantied their home for one year and went to their home on several occasions to perform warranty work during that first year.Final Consumer Response /[redacted]/(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)No matter what Scott Lee says I will not now, or in the future, withdraw my complaint. I may never be able to prove anything, but a house that is only 3 years old when the problem started should not have a failing septic system. As I stated I will NEVER withdraw this complaint.Final Business Response /[redacted]/Again, had there been any determination that Scott Lee Homes could have been the cause or even prevented any septic issues I could see why we should be held responsible. The homeowner is now aware that the builder has absolutely no authority or control in the determination of suitable soils, sizing of systems, placement of systems or repairs of systems. I simply purchase approved lots from a developer already accepted as suitable for a septic system. As a builder I go through approvals of the installation only, which for this lot was approved. I cannot answer why this system has failed. It was installed properly, signed off by the County officials and worked properly for several years.