builder/landscaping and acceptance from city

Started by StaceyF • 3 replies • 955 views

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StaceyF (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Our HOA is paying for maintence of our landscaping, but the builder has yet to be release from the city, financially. The city is holding a lot of money inorder to insure that the builder has all the landscaping in place, living, with no problems. I don't think it's the HOA's responsiblity to be taking care of landscaping that is in such poor shape due to poor installation. The city officials all think it was done poorly and although the builder has repeatedly asked for their monies back, the city refuses because it still needs a lot of work. Does anyone have any ideas on this?

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Stacey,

The money that the City is holding back is called "BOND" money that the Developer paid to the City , to insure that he followed thru on what he was required to do according to City Developement and code rules and what his original plans were.

Until he fulfills his requirements to the City, County or whatever body of government that has his developement plans, he will not get the BOND money back. But, be made aware, your HOA will also be required to sign off on the bond. Do not sign off until you are satisfied with everything working properly. Landscaping is a very difficult thing to monitor because unless things are watered properly, they will die and there are other reasons for landscape to fail surviving so this is what we call an iffy item.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

What do you mean was "done poorly?" What are we talking about here?

If you are willing to make "corrections" so that you can move along with your turnover, make an offer to the builder and arrange to keep the bond $ for the HOA, after revisions.

Seems like a small thing holding you up - or is it?

KellieP (Maryland)
Posts: 6

Posted:

Lanscaping is a problem in our community as well but many of us in this 188 home community are hoping once the construction is complete and the final lots are sold we will have resolution.

In five to 8 months (depending on the real estate market) our development will be 74% complete, our transition of the HOA Board will begin from developer to homeowner. How do you start the process to withhold bonds to insure landscaping and other unresolved issues remain the developers responsibility? I have been told this is a very effective tool to have some control over the transition so the HOA does not wind up holding the bag so to speak on neglected items.

any advice or info?

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