To: Grand Forks Board of Realtors
From: Grand Forks Housing and Urban Development
Date: 2/13/98
It has recently come to our attention that there
are some discrepancies between the floor plans you received and the actual
homes being constructed. Contractors in Congressional had flexibility in
interpreting the floor plans. Some contractors followed the plans to the
letter, others personalized the homes by adding extras, and others eliminated
nonessential items. As a result, houses of the same style will differ in
amenities. The variables may include:
number/location of closets
number of bathrooms
garage windows
garage doors (non insulated)
decorative trim
patio door vs. window
location of washer & dryer
type/style of windows
type of furnace & water heater
space for a dishwasher, etc.
We realize that such a wide range of variables may create misunderstandings,
so we encourage you to contact Jerry Barton of our staff with any questions
or comments. I have assigned him to work directly with you on these concerns
for the next few weeks. For the time being, it is imperative that you contact
him before a purchase offer is made to determine if any changes were made
to that particular house. He will also be available to meet with the Board
of Realtors, individual agencies' agents, or their clients to help explain
the variables. We are also working with the construction manager and contractors
to develop a list of the differences, cost variables, and reused floor plans.
We are also considering allowing work items to be added to the purchase
agreement, but still can not allow change orders after that time. The initial
changes would have to be requested during the early stages of construction
and be relatively simple to implement (e.g., no structural changes). Items
under consideration indude central air conditioning, patio doors, range
hood vs. space for a microwave, and upgrading the flooring. Your suggestions
on
this topic would be welcome.