In September 2020, our family entered into an agreement with Wormald Homes to purchase a newly constructed residence. Like many homebuyers, we expected our new home to be safe, professionally built, and constructed in accordance with applicable building standards. Instead, what followed was a years-long ordeal involving alleged construction defects, moisture-related concerns, health issues, financial losses, and ongoing legal proceedings.
Shortly after moving into the home in 2021, members of our household began experiencing unexplained health symptoms. Over time, those symptoms worsened. At the same time, we noticed unusual odors within the home and growing concerns regarding indoor air quality. As we searched for answers, we began investigating the possibility of hidden moisture intrusion and mold contamination.
According to our records, repeated concerns regarding moisture trapped beneath portions of the home’s flooring were raised during the investigation process. While inspections were conducted and outside consultants were retained, requests to inspect beneath the ground-floor flooring system were allegedly declined for an extended period. It was only after portions of the flooring were removed that significant moisture conditions were discovered beneath the surface.
During the investigation, affected materials were reportedly described as water-damaged or discolored rather than mold-contaminated. However, remediation-related activities were performed, including material removal, operation of dehumidifiers and air scrubbers, and treatment of affected areas. Independent environmental testing conducted after these efforts identified elevated levels of mold and bacteria within the home environment.
As conditions continued to deteriorate, the impact extended beyond the structure itself. Family members, pets, and even visitors reported symptoms and concerns associated with poor indoor air quality. By March 2023, after reviewing environmental testing results and continuing health concerns, we made the difficult decision to leave the home and abandon many of our belongings out of concern for our safety and well-being.
Our documentation includes photographs and video showing numerous issues throughout the property, including moisture-related damage, flooring concerns, visible microbial growth, deteriorating materials, siding irregularities, roof drainage concerns, and other construction-related defects. Independent evaluations were also obtained from environmental professionals, engineers, medical providers, and other specialists.
The financial consequences have been devastating. According to our records, the total economic impact now approaches $350,000. These expenses include temporary housing, overlapping mortgage and rental payments, medical costs, environmental testing, consultant fees, legal expenses, arbitration costs, replacement of personal property, and other displacement-related losses.
One aspect of this experience that deserves public attention is the dispute resolution process itself. In order to pursue our claims, we were required to proceed through mandatory arbitration. What is often promoted as a faster and less expensive alternative to litigation has, in our experience, resulted in years of delays and substantial costs while limiting the transparency available through public court proceedings.
We have also spoken with other homeowners in the community who reported concerns regarding water intrusion and construction-related defects. While many expressed reluctance to speak publicly due to concerns about property values and the burden of pursuing disputes, their experiences raised additional questions about whether the issues we encountered may be isolated or part of a broader pattern.
This website exists to document our experience, preserve evidence, and provide information for consumers conducting research before purchasing a home. We encourage readers to review the timeline, photographs, reports, and supporting documentation available throughout this site and draw their own conclusions based on the evidence presented.