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Good Morning!

Our local paper (Martinsburg, WV) has a story on the front page that M.D.C. Holdings, dba Richmond American Homes of West Virginia is being sued by 10 homeowners for allegedly failing to install functional radon pipes in their new constructions.  It says that one homeowner claims that fake pipes were installed to intentionally deceive the building inspector!!  WOW!

As far as I can tell there are no realtors/brokers named in the suit at this time. 

I know that when I've shown new constructions, I've pointed out that pipes, not mitigation systems, were in place.  I also have given my "Radon Speech" many times to prospective buyers of all types of homes (what it is, what it does, EPA recommendations, etc.)

I believe that Richmond American builds homes in other areas of the country and was wondering if similar allegations have been made.  Anyone know of anything?

Thanks,  Amy

askleadingedge.com

Amy Salisbury, Realtor/Owner

                                 amy@askleadingedge.com     www.askleadingedge.com

 Leading Edge Properties

130 Augustine Avenue, Unit 54, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 

304.724.9191

Striving to provide excellent customer satisfaction in all things real estate related in the beautiful Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, just an hour west of Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.

Serving Jefferson County: Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown.  Berkeley County: Martinsburg, Inwood, Bunker Hill, Falling Waters, Hedgesville, Gerrardstown.

Please feel free to email questions and comments!

 

7 Comments on Lawsuit filed against developer

JUN
23
2008
731,139 Points 144 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

GOOD! I have a huge problem when develpers advertise ammenties, certain builders then they decide to CHANGE them!
10:58am • #1

I didn't know that new construction required this.  I'm going to have to check my house!  I fail to see how a realtor could be liable for not realizing that these pipes were fakes.  Especially if the building inspector passed the house and CO'ed it.
11:00am • #2
109,849 Points

Wow, fake Radon pipes.  That is a new one.  I can't see the builder possibly defending that one successfully in court.
11:01am • #3
8 Featured Posts

I'm guessing that the builder disclosed that radon pipes would be installed, but did not inform the buyers what this means.  In our area, the pipe is installed, but no fans, etc are connected.  Uninformed buyers may believe that because the pipe is there, nothing else is required.  And, no need for a radon test, as the pipes are already in place! 

Just another reason a buyer should work with a Realtor, not just the builder's rep.
11:06am • #4
134,101 Points

Amy

It sounds like the state should be investigating this, seems like an obvious case of fraud.
11:19am • #5
116,834 Points

Holy, moley on this one.  I agree with Stuart when he says there is no way this builder can defend against this one.  Big mistake.
11:36am • #6
AUG
13
2010

Having the pipes in place would not change or at the least would have a minuscule effect on the the radon levels. Radon is very localized your neighbor in a town house could have over what the EPA recommends as the mitigation point (4pci/l) and yours could be fine and the only way to know is to test.  Here is a couple of interesting facts from a recent EPA publication, Radon (Radon by products, more to the point) is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the USA.  Real estate professional should also know that the presences of radon should never be the cause of a lost sale.  Radon mitigation, which has proven to be very effective, could cost less than a good refrigerator.
alan
7:50am • #7

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Amy3

Amy Salisbury West Virginia Realtor/Jefferson/Berkeley

Charles Town, WV

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Leading Edge Properties

Address: 130 Augustine Avenue, Unit 54, Charles Town, WV, 25414

Office Phone: (304) 724-9191

Cell Phone: (304) 582-3635

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Observations on the local real estate market in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and the market in general. Buying,Selling,Real Estate,Charles Town,Harpers Ferry,Shepherdstown,Martinsburg,Berkeley County,Inwood,Bunker HillFeedjit Live Blog Stats http://amysalisbury.postlets.com/ <!-- Facebook Badge START -->Leading Edge Properties

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