The following email from Donna Loggins, a resident of Olathe, describes the shoddy and unhealthy construction of their home by Chris George Homes in Olathe, Kansas. Note that tens of thousands of dollars in repair are required, that Olathe codes were violated, and that the family may have to move out.

This is but one of many letters that have recently been sent to NeighborhoodNet, Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings (HADD), and, most importantly, the members of the Kansas House Committee on Business, Commerce, and Labor. The hope is that the heart felt letters from homeowners, along with the publicity (see articles in the Johnson County Sun and the Kansas City Star) will persuade legislators that they need to do something immediately. Representative Ray Merrick has submitted bill HD2835 to begin addressing these problems. Representative Al Lane, Chair of the Committee, has stated that there is not enough time to do anything about this legislation.

We fervently hope that Representative Lane and his Committee will find a way to address this legislation after all - that they will understand that the time has come to do their duty.

Dear Committee:

This is regarding the HOME BUILDERS BILL 2835. As I read in the paper this morning I could not understand why the License plate covers and the no call list are more important than the fact that these HOME BUILDERS are getting rich from building homes that are having so many problems.

The home that we built less than a year ago has been the worst thing that I ever did. Within the first month we started having problems. My wood floor is turning black which is mildew, my walls and ceilings have black screws poking out, I can put fingers between two floors and touch plywood, my floors are like rollercoasters, we have had the carpet replaced after only being here 4 months. I have had 3 heat pumps within 9 months. My decks are leaving my house. My floors are jumping up and down.

NO VAPOR BARRIER.

The city of Olathe told me that even though it is a NATIONAL CODE for every home to have a vapor barrier they know that 95% of builders don't do it. The city does not enforce the codes on soil strength like 2500 pounds per foot.

My family may have to move after our home is retested next month. Also I do special needs child care. I 'm having to really watch my home for their health.

The home that we built less than a year ago is already needing around $80,000 to $110,000.00 worth of repairs. For a $220,000.00 home that is the result of a BAD BUILDER.

As we voted for you we knew that we would be more important than license plates and people calling to sell something.

My child has missed 16 days of school because of this home. I have already spent $11,000.00 for testing reports from engineers, foundation companies and I got so tired of people saying "Honey I am so sorry". Even the Government soil conservation people are really puzzled with my haunted unhealthy home. There are 4 other homes that I know of in my neighborhood that are having problems.

There is so much more that is wrong with my home and we home owners know that it is easier to have our money taken and our HEALTH taken than it is to put a stop to these builders.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PASS THIS FOR US, FOR YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR GRANDCHILDREN. PLEASE WON'T YOU HELP US?

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME AT 913-780-4063 I am always home nursing my children's health.