Homeowners say taxpayer-funded builder won’t fix leaks

PORTLAND, Ore. - A single mom says her builder has refused to fix her leaky home even though the house is still under warranty and is part of a development that was funded by taxpayers.

Caroline Darrow pointed out windows to a reporter on the front of her North Portland home that started leaking.

“The water collects, and that’s where the damage is,” she said. “I really need to get this fixed fast before the rain starts again, because the damage is going to get worse.”

Darrow’s home is one of more than three dozen built in the Rosemont Commons Project by Tom Walsh & Co. Construction with $22.4 million in taxpayer funding from the Portland Development Commission and other public agencies.

Most of the homes were built for low to moderate income families.

Darrow said Walsh fixed her front windows but he has ignored months of requests to repair leaks to the back windows.

“It’s really scary,” said Darrow. “I, myself, am a single mother. I can’t afford this.”

Her next-door neighbor said he’s having the same problem. He’s said he’s tried to get Walsh to fix his windows but he won’t send a crew to make the warranty repairs.

By phone Walsh said he tries to take good care of the homeowners but when asked about warranties, repairs and allegations of shoddy workmanship, he said he doesn’t want to comment.

“I just want to see the windows fixed. I don’t think it’s a huge issue and as a builder he should know that a problem like this should be fixed immediately,” Darrow said. “It would be quick and easy and less expensive to do it that way. Now he’s going to be dealing with a problem where there’s further damage.”

A Rosemont Commons Homeowner’s Association board member said Walsh did fix his leaky windows. He said he will look into these new leaks.

At this point the only recourse for these homeowners if Walsh does not respond is to file complaints with the Construction Contractors Board and attorney general’s office or file a lawsuit.