Liens Placed On Homes Over Problems With Subcontractor; Homeowners Listed as Defendants

Denver, CO. -"More than 200 home property owners in the Denver metro area are finding their names listed as defendants in a lawsuit because materials used to build their home were not paid for. The lawsuit, called a Mechanics Lien, claims a subcontractor still owes money to a supplier of heating and air conditioning units that were installed in new homes. In many of the cases, the homeowner had no idea...Donald Wilson says his client is still owed $291,000 by Barrett Barnes Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., which has filed for bankruptcy...'It's not what you'd expect,' said Misty Brown, who lives in the Tollgate Crossing neighborhood in Aurora. She bought her home from builder DR Horton (DHI) last December and was served legal documents on Thursday...Court documents obtained by 7NEWS show the majority of homes affected in Arapahoe County were built by DR Horton in several different subdivisions including Tollgate Crossing and The Conservatory. Wilson said similar cases have also been filed in Adams, Douglas, Elbert and El Paso Counties. The subcontractor also reportedly did work for other developers...Wilson said that involving property owners, who likely presumed all building materals were paid for when they bought their home, is part of a state statute that dates back to the late 1800's...property owners are typically protected under title insurance. Anyone who receives legal notice about this case is urged to locate title documentation presented at closing, then contact their title company. Homewoners can ask to 'tender defense,' which allows the title company to represent them through the legal process."...
POSTED: 1:37 am MDT June 20, 2007
UPDATED: 4:31 am MDT June 20, 2007

Comments

[Unhappy homebuyer!]

If you see a community built by Altieri Homes, a Maryland/PA builder, run the other way as fast as you can! You will have problems, won't be able to contact anyone or have them respond, will receive mechanic's liens against your property and many more issues. This builder takes your money and then ignores you. Very unethical and the owners respond to emails rudely and sarcastically and only do so to stall.
BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK FROM ALTIERI HOMES, COLUMBIA, MD.