Business ProfileforMontebello Homes

Please look elsewhere for a builder. My husband and I were so excited to build our "dream house" on an acreage. Of course, the acreage development's recommended builder was Montebello Homes. Unfortunately, we had issues as soon as the ink dried. A few examples: -The builder changed the drawings on us to make things easier for them, without our approval and started pouring the footings for the house. Once we discovered this, they needed to rectify the problem and re-pour to concrete, which they weren't happy about -Throughout the build process, we caught many items that were not done correctly (windows installed backwards, walls located in the wrong spots etc) as per the drawings which needed to be fixed - many times we felt like we were the general contractor ourselves catching these errors. -If we wanted to customize anything or "add on" anything, the builder would not be transparent with us about where we were financially, and could never give us a straight answer. I had to start my own spreadsheet, which in the end is what the builder even relied upon for overage charges due to extremely poor bookkeeping -throughout the process, the builder let us know who vendors they utilize (flooring, plumbing, cabinets etc.) so we made appointments with each supplier and the builders, but the builder failed to show up for every appointment. When we went ahead with the meetings, the builder was angry about the cost of the supplies, and made us go back to each supplier again multiple times. Through these processes there was never anyone who assisted us from the builder in making selections or designs - we were essentially left alone, event though during our consultation meeting prior to signing, it was promised there would be someone who walked us through the entire process -We requested a wall to be a feature wall and be covered in shiplap, but asked first what the cost would be. Without getting any cost, we visited the house to find the wall completed. We again asked what the cost would be, and instead we were met with the response of "we will just remove the shiplap if you are going to be difficult" -Our possession date was pushed back many times, and even was pushed back once 7 days prior to taking possession, leaving us not even knowing when we would be moving. -upon possession we had the longest list of items not finished or deficiencies our lawyer and realtor had ever seen. The builder promised to have many of these items fixed promptly, but unfortunately, we needed to hound them and send email after email or phone call after phone call to get any amount of work finished -we requested a concrete patio on our back of the house, and the builder rushed to pour the patio slab, and it sunk very quickly becoming very unstable. It took months of emails and calls and meetings to have them agree to finally fix the issue - something that was negligently done in the first place At this point, we will have been in our home for almost 9 months, with a full list of items that still were not finished when we took possession. Even with a significant dollar amount held back from them, they will not answer us anymore! Since moving into our home, we have heard nothing but negative comments from our community as it sounds like this builder has outstanding items at many of the houses and is not keen on finishing their projects or even assisting with any deficiencies that pop up. I have spoken to the owner of this company as well as the lead project manager, neither seem to care about finishing our home whatsoever. If you want an added stress or headache in your life, please build a house with them. Otherwise, stay clear.

We are saddened that this homeowner felt the need to post a negative review but understand that building a new home can be a stressful process with up and downs.

We are pleased we were able to complete the home with a very minimal delay given all the issues and challenges posted to us, our suppliers, and trades due to the Global Covid Pandemic.

Though there was a list of deficiencies upon possession most all items had been completed within 6 months of possession, even having 1 of our employees go to the home to supervise trades to accommodate the homeowners and trades schedules.

Only 3 minor items remain, 2 of which are aesthetic items that the homeowners are not happy with how they look. This includes the large number of items they added after possession.

Many challenges in trade availability, supply availability and warranty of work/item caused these items to take some time to rectify. As well as hostilities between these homeowners, and ourselves/our trades.

When a post-possession claim was submitted by the homeowners to Progressive Home Warranty with 17 items on it, it was concluded by Progressive that only 1 item was warrantable/not within building standards.
Noting this item had only come to our attention a couple weeks prior to the claim and we were waiting for the replacement part to come in. Which was resolved within a week of the claim decision, as we were instructed to stop any fixes until the decision was made.

All communications were always responded to with small delays in gathering of information and timelines to give a valid response while also ensuring other homeowners and projects needs were met. With the exception of threatening emails which we do not tolerate or engage in.

Furthermore, although the hostility between us and the homeowners caused tension, we still fixed up all items that were fixable with absolutely no cost to the homeowners. Despite multiple threats, defamation claims, bullying, and accusations made against us. As well as us having to replace and change our plans as it was extremely difficult to satisfy the homeowners.

We had also worried of the claims made by these homeowners per the development, so we made it aware to other homeowners and checked in with them to see if this was true.

Even placing someone new as a contact person to make sure the homeowners felt comfortable reaching out. We only had 3 homeowners out of the development say any items were outstanding to be completed. In which we were already aware of two cases where the fixes were delayed due to comfort of the homeowners during covid, or their availabilities.

No other homeowners have reached out to us, and we have multiple confirmations on items being done. We do understand that in purchasing a new home many homeowners believe all items should remain perfect for a long period of time and do not understand or accept that after time items fall out of warranty.

Which makes homebuilders the ones to explain warranty and standards while trying to keep homeowners happy at our financial and reputations expense.

We understand and respect that these homeowners may have a negative view of us and didn't enjoy the end of their experience. We do believe we have given them a quality home, at a great price, and repaired/replaced/fixed items beyond what is normally done by homebuilders.

We would like to extend our apologizes that the experience went the way it did.