Kronau, Sask. homeowners upset with Crawford Homes, drives around with ‘Buyer Beware’ sign

A couple from Kronau, Sask. are so upset with a local homebuilding company they have been driving around with a sign to warn residents about what they call a “nightmare experience.”

Homeowners Brad Lenz and his wife Sharon Lenz hired Crawford Homes to build them their retirement residence.

The couple took possession in November 15, 2013 and according to the Lenz, they discovered numerous problems.

According to Brad, Crawford Homes agreed to fix some of the problems. However, it wasn’t to the Brad’s satisfaction.

Lenz said after the repairs were completed in the home, the problem was worse than when it began.

“You don’t know how to fix stuff, and when they leave its garbage.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You don't know how to fix stuff, and when they leave its garbage."

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He alleges Crawford Homes have been taking shortcuts with his estate in Kronau.

However, Bashutski denies that allegation.

“We met the people and said ‘okay here’s the things we’re going to fix.’ We ordered materials, we tried to build a very good home,” Crawford Homes president Al Bashutski explained.

The Lenz’ are currently in a legal battle with Crawford Homes.

The statement of claim, filed Nov. 17, 2014, the Lenz listed 19 deficiencies or breaches of contract, for example, layout of the laundry room and window lining.

They also allege that Crawford Homes was negligent and failed to rectify deficient and/or poor workmanship.

“The defendant has failed to address the deficiencies in a timely fashion… the remedial measures that were taken by the defendant were done in the same poor quality workmanship as the original work,” the statement states.

Crawford Homes in response filed a statement of defence on Feb. 4, 2015, stating it denies each and every allegation contained in the statement of claim, except where expressly admitted.

Crawford Homes denies that it failed to properly design certain aspects of the home using good quality material as well as acted negligently with respect to the home.

“Crawford categorically denies… that it did not act in good faith in the performance of its contractual obligations,” the statement said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Crawford categorically denies… that it did not act in good faith in the performance of its contractual obligations," the statement said.

The matter is now before the courts, and could take years to wrap up.

Another homeowner who didn’t want to reveal his name said he’s been waiting two years for the company to fix his windows.

The homeowner who lives in the Harbour Landing neighbourhood in Regina said water had been leaking through because of the unfinished window of the home.

When asked about the specific case, Bashutski said they were sending crews down to repair the issue, and it should be completed by Tuesday.

“Over the last 36 years, we’ve been the number one builder for at least half those years,” Bashutski explained.

“Sometimes you will have things go wrong, like a window leak,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lenz’ said until their day in court arrives, they will continue to drive around with their sign, and park it in front of Crawford Homes’ show homes every day.