Chesterfield couple says dream home turned into nightmare due to builder’s neglect

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — When Jonathan Bottoms and his wife, Alex, thought they had found their dream home in the Midlothian area of Chesterfield County, the first-time homebuyers didn’t think a home inspection on a brand-new house was necessary. But once they moved in, the couple began noticing one problem after another.

Jonathan told 8News the home’s hot water heater exploded and, a week later, the air conditioning stopped working — this happened in August, causing the home to reach 85 degrees inside.

With two young kids and unexpected home repairs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two said making the house a home was difficult.

“I think I’ve cried more in the past four years than I have my entire life,” said Alex.

The couple learned their home was covered by a warranty — but when they would report problems like water damage and splitting floors to the builder, D.R. Horton, they were never fully resolved.

“Every time that I raise concern or question about any of the repairs they did, again, they would speak to me like that’s the way it’s supposed to be done,” said Jonathan.

The couple said they reached a breaking point and sued the builder in December 2020, after which both sides agreed to settle.

“I was like, ‘This is it, this is the end. We’ve made it,'” said Alex.

The Bottoms and their family attorney told 8News the settlement funds were not sent by D.R. Horton directly, locking up their ability to receive payment.

8News reached out to D.R. Horton about whether there are plans to make repairs to the Bottoms’ home. A spokesperson responded with the following statement:

“ D.R. Horton is committed to providing quality customer service in Southern Virginia and across the country.  We include a robust new home warranty with all our homes and have been working diligently to address this homeowner’s warrantable concerns. We do not believe we are in breach or refusing to honor any prior settlement agreements and stand willing to address any warrantable items. We always encourage any local homeowner with a concern to contact us directly at SVACustomerCare@drhorton.com . “

Kyle Schnaufer, City Manager for D.R. Horton Southern Virginia

The Bottoms are awaiting a court date next month. In the meantime, they urge first-time homebuyers to do their due diligence, do research and get a home inspection — even if it’s a new home.

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