ComplaintsforBielinski Homes, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Bielinski Homes has been constructing my new house since August 2023. I have already paid them the total sale price of $391,175. So far, there have been two instances where I was forced to accept modifications to our final agreement. Both were caused by their error. First time, they raised the sale price by $2,400 because one item needed adding. Second time, an item listed in the agreement (Change Order) was found inappropriate. After receiving numerous emails of incomplete information over two weeks, I was compelled to accept an item of different size/shape/color/installation, to my great disappointment. They had presented to me possible alternatives as a matter of course, even suggesting an extra charge. Bielinski Homes charges the buyer Change Order Processing Fee of $1,000 for any change the buyer wants to make on the final contract. I asked them to do the same. However, they responded that these modifications are normal part of the building process. I feel it is unfair that they do not compensate for their errors, which caused me tremendous distress. The unexpected price increase and modification to the Change Order were, to say the least, very upsetting, troublesome, and time-consuming for me. I feel being treated unfairly. I would like Bielinski Homes to compensate me with the equivalent of two Change Order Processing Fees ($2,000).

  

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  Ive received a copy of Ms. ****** complaint and am happy to clarify the situation with the following information:

  Ms. ****** sale price increased with a $2,400 allowance due to her request to reverse the home she is building.  Ms. ****** home was initially planned to be oriented with the garage on the left, taking advantage of an existing culvert for the driveway.  Before excavation, Ms. ***** requested that the home be flipped so the garage was on the right instead.  No existing culvert was on this side of the lot, so a change order was issued with a $2,400 allowance to install a new culvert on the right side.  Ive attached the change order, which shows the $2,400 allowance and the reason for the change (** Buyer reversed the house and will not be using the existing culvert) on page 1 and is approved by Ms. ***** on page 14.

  Ms. ***** selected a molded marble countertop with an integral sink and rectangular bowl at ***************** meeting.  It was the first time a customer had chosen this specific rectangular countertop with an integral sink; therefore, we had no experience with it.  At installation, we found the rectangular bowl did not fit the cabinet.  We immediately offered alternatives at no additional charge, which included the following:
  

  An oval integral sink.

  False drawer fronts in the cabinet so the existing rectangular sink could be accommodated.  Note We mistakenly informed Ms. ***** that this would cost an additional $100 when we should have told her that it would be no cost.

   A smaller rectangular undermount sink by Kohler.

   A more oversized rectangular undermount sink by Kohler, which Ms. ***** selected.  This option is a significant upgrade from Ms. ****** original selection.

   In addition, Ms. ***** signed a contract with us that includes *********, our series feature sheet, stating,Builder reserves the right to make product substitutions or changes of equal or better quality without notice or obligation.  Ive attached pages 14 and 15 of Ms. ****** contract, which shows that ********* was included in the contract, as well as her electronic signature.  Ive also included ********* and highlighted the text mentioned above.

  Ms. ***** was offered substitutions of both equal and greater quality.  Ms.***** selected an option of greater quality, which we happily provided at no additional charge.  Ive attached the change order, which shows she was not charged for this improvement to her home on page 1 and approved by her on page 14.

  Customer response

  02/20/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  Bielinski's contention is based on false facts on both of the two forced contract modifications.
  
  $2400 sale price increase:
  My home was not initially planned to be oriented with the garage on the left.  I made it clear from the beginning that the garage should be placed on the right (see attached email dated 2.15.23, page 1).  It had already been accepted by the time our construction contract was signed on 2/28/23.  Also, the change order finalized on 4/26/23 shows the garage on the right in 3 places (see attached Change_Order_4.26.23,pages 1 and 10).  Then, more than one month later on 5/30/23, I was suddenly forced to accept the $2400 addition.  They admitted their error (see attached email dated 5.31.23).
  
  Bathroom sink change:
  I did not select a molded marble countertop with an integral sink.  I selected a rectangular bowl, which was one of the two choices Bielinski offered.  Then, they matched it with the molded marble countertop with an integral sink. What they offered to me turned out to be flawed, after 10 months.
  
  The initial alternatives they offered were far from acceptable:
  Change the sink to a much smaller oval shape, or
  Swap the drawers for non-functional drawers for a $100 charge (for each of the 3 sinks).
  
  Finally, after 16 email correspondences over 9 days, they asked me to accept a Kohler rectangular sink, telling me that otherwise the countertops would be left unfinished (see attached Sink Changeemail, page 1).  As for *********, they did not offer something closer to equal or better quality until 8 days later,causing me tremendous distress.  Besides,the Kohler sink is not an upgrade for me even if it would cost them $1500,which is less than 0.4% of the total sale price (see attached Sink Change email,page 4).  
  
  Regards,
  
  **********

  

  Business response

  02/23/2024

  Bielinski Homes is a reputable company and does not provide false information.

  If Ms. ***** had oriented the home with the garage to the left, she would have taken advantage of an existing culvert.  Because she oriented the home with the garage to the right, a culvert must be installed. This is a cost to the customer, so we charged Ms. ***** with a $2,400 allowance, which she approved.  In a gesture of goodwill towards Ms. ****** we are willing to split the cost with her.  Please note that $2,400 is an allowance and not a guaranteed cost.  Since it is an allowance, the actual cost could be higher, or it could be lower.  No matter the cost, we will split it with Ms.*****.

  As for Ms. *****s sink, it appears that Ill need to define an integral sink.  An integral sink is a sink that is built directly into the countertop using the same materials as the countertop.  This sink is available in various shapes.  We offer it as an oval sink and a rectangular sink.  Ms. ***** selected the rectangular version of the integral sink.  Since this sink didnt fit the cabinets, we offered multiple solutions to rectify the situation.  Ms. ***** selected a significant upgrade,which is a rectangular undermount sink.  An undermount sink is made of a different material and is installed from underneath.  This is a highly desirable look and an upgrade from what Ms. ***** originally selected.  Again, weve provided Ms. ***** with this at no additional charge.  There is nothing more we can offer Ms. ***** on this subject. We believe Ms. ***** is requesting additional compensation, which we are unwilling to provide since we gave her an upgraded solution at no charge.

  Customer response

  03/02/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I appreciate Bielinskis offer to split the cost of ***********.  For the record, however, I would like to correct their story, which totally neglects the chronology.  The $2400 increase was undoubtedly caused by Bielinskis error as I presented in my last correspondence.
  
  As for the bathroom sinks, Bielinskis response again totally neglects the chronology.  Their notice of alteration came long after the Change Order had been finalized.  Worse yet, Bielinski first gave me two terrible alternatives, followed by another sub-standard alternative, to finally offer the current choice after 8 days, involving 3 separate people individually providing disappointing and confusing information.  That was extremely stressful to me.  Moreover, what Bielinski calls an upgradeis actually a downgrade for me in 3 aspects: the size is smaller, the color is not the same as the countertop, and the sink is not mounted seamlessly.  Even disregarding my preference, I am not able to find any information proving the alterations in size, color and installation are more desirable than my original selections.  I understand Bielinski calls the change a significant upgrade only because they incur additional $1500, less than 0.4% of the $391,175 total sale price.  This error and awkward/faulty treatment were made solely by Bielinski.  Nevertheless, Bielinski is not compensating me for the damage on my side.  

   
  Regards,
  
  **********

  

  Business response

  03/04/2024

  We're sorry that Ms. ***** is disappointed by our offer to fix ********* with upgraded options.  The sink is an upgrade to what was initially selected, not because it costs Bielinski Homes to resolve the issue but because it costs more than the original selection from the onset.  Again, we provided multiple solutions, and Ms. ***** selected this upgraded option.  We are not charging Ms. ***** for the upgraded sinks.  Again, we do not provide customers with additional monetary compensation.
  

  Customer response

  03/07/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********.

  I am sorry that Bielinski does not regard the damage they caused to me as worthy of monetary compensation.  However, I refrain from further argument and accept Bielinski's offer as follows:

  1. Split the cost to add culvert (current allowance is $2400), and

  2. Replace 4 integral sinks with Kohler Caxton K-***** undermount sinks.

  Regards,
  
  **********

  
  

  

  Business response

  03/07/2024

  We are happy this issue is resolved.  I believe Ms. ***** must officially accept this by hitting the accept button instead of the reject button.

  Customer response

  03/08/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  **********
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased a home through Bielinski Homes in April 2020. Upon buying the house, we filed numerous home warranty issues with Bielinski, particularly regarding leaking and condensation of our windows that are causing additional damage to our home. They have yet to fix the problem and refuse to work on it further.They initially said it wasn't an issue and was expected. They then had the window mfg come out, and they said, "nothing is wrong." They then had an inspector who said that "everything looked good" and that this type of thing is "normal" in today's construction.Our windows still freeze in the winter and will freeze into ************ drywall, trim, and sill plates at the windows. This freeze-thaw cycle is causing damage to drywall and wood trim around the windows.

  

  Business response

  07/07/2023

  Window condensation can happen in new homes because they are constructed to be more energy efficient than older homes.  A house wrap is used in home builders efforts to build a more energy-efficient home.  The house wrap keeps the home more energy efficient by keeping the conditioned air trapped.  As a result, the invisible vapor around us is also trapped in the home. This invisible vapor is created by simply living in the home. Simple things like cooking or showering will add to the invisible vapor. This vapor will attach itself to the windows, transform into liquid, and freeze. One remedy for this is to exhaust air from the home by using the fan on your hood or microwave while you cook and the bathroom fan when showers or baths are taken. Fans should remain on for at least 30 minutes after bathing or showering. Additional remedies and more information on window condensation can be found in our blog - *****************************************************************************************************.

  Customer response

  07/07/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  What they are referencing as solutions are the same failed solutions of before. The windows actually FREEZE and freeze into the wall sections of the house! This is not normal condensation activity and should not be acceptable on a $400,000 home. It has caused issues to the windows, the drywall, the trim around the windows, and the sill plate below windows in multiple rooms. 
  

  Additionally, as stated in my letter to Bielinski, they failed to come back and caulk around all exterior windows like they said and they have yet to remedy the situation fully. Some, small, amounts of condensation would be acceptable to me as owner. However, 2-3 of ice on both the bottom and middle section of windows, as well as ice on the wood trim and drywall to me is not and should not be deemed acceptable or normal. 
  

  Ive talked to multiple neighbors who face this same issue, and Bielinski has done nothing to assist them besides delay, delay, delay.

  If you build a quality home, stand behind it  I would think Bielinski would have a hard time selling houses if future owners knew theyd be dealing with inches of ice on windows during 3 months of winter.

  In summary, Bielinski has done nothing to offer assistance or inspected beyond superficial means to deem this issue as normal. It was properly noted upon moving in, during the 11-month warranty period and its still occurring 3+ years later at an excessive amount and rate  house humidity hovers around 27%-30% in winter time as well  

  Regards,
  
  *************************

  

  Business response

  07/07/2023

  The photos submitted through this means shows a regular amount of window condensation occuring in the winter which can be remediated by changing lifestyle habits. The customer states in his original message that both a representative from the window manufacturer and an independent inspector have reviewed the situation and stated that all was normal.

  Customer response

  07/07/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  Please show me where 2 of ice and freezing of window casing and walls around window which then leads to thawing, damaging to both the wood trim and wall as normal.

  Because your team says its normal doesnt make it so. Because the tech you used, who did work at many of your houses, said it was normal on the day he was there, but the pictures I showed were excessive thats considered normal?

  How can you look at the pictures of ice, seem separation on windows, etc. and stand behind that as good, sound, build quality?
  

  This is happening on EVERY window.

  See attached for further damage and issues.

  Regards,
  
  *************************

  

  Business response

  07/07/2023

  We are at an impasse.

• Initial Complaint

  03/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bielinski Homes did not complete plumbing in my New Constuction Home Contract called for a 3rd water line and bypass for a future water softner.Water line was installed without bypass

  

  Business response

  03/28/2023

  While we do not agree with the nature of this complaint, we realize it is better to make our customer happy by installing the bypass in the manner they desire.  We have contacted the customer and informed them that we will do this.  The customer is happy with our response.

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The workers there are very rude and dont know how to talk to people. I called on numerous of times and the head of corporate/supervisor basically told me off and hung up nd me face. I asked her one question regarding my deposit and she told me to figure it out on my own and or to goggle it thats whats its for smh.

  

  Business response

  05/18/2022

  This complaint is not about an experience with Bielinski Homes.  Bielinski Homes is a new home and condominium builder.  The complaint is about an experience with a related company that manages apartments which goes by the name Bielinski Management.  Therefore, the complaint is not made for the wrong company.  I can say that both companies take customer service seriously.  Therefore, if we know which employee of Bielinski Management spoke to a customer in the manner that was described, we will address the issue with that employee.  If the employee name is not known, we would like to know the date and time of the event so we may determine which employees were working on that date.  Again, we will be more than happy to address the violating employee because no customer or tenant should feel as though they were mistreated.

  Customer response

  05/18/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  The Supervior name Is *****. She is at the branch in ********, ** the date and time of the call was on May 17th, 2022 at 12:20pm. The number I called was **************. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  

  

  Business response

  05/18/2022

  Thank you Jasmine.  We apologize for your negative experience.  We'll be sure to address ***** about it.

  Customer response

  05/18/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  Thank you
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩