Hipps Homes

Before purchase of the home and because major renovations had been done - including wall replacement - I asked specifically if water damage or mold had been discovered. I was told, "no, in fact everything was remarkably preserved." After purchase of the home and during the first use of the master shower, the floor was discovered to be flexing. Both Mr Hipps and the plumber/electrician who had done the work told me this is common and I was "just not used to mobile homes." I spoke with 2 other plumbers, an insurance inspector, and the team at Home Depot where the shower stall had been purchased and was assured that if properly installed, the floor should not flex. Afraid to make matters worse, I began using the guest bathroom shower. Within a week, the Marlite wall showed signs of water instrusion or leakage. The insurance inspector who looked at the bathroom determined there was leakage behind the wall and that it had extended to the floor beneath the tub. As Mr Hipps refused to pay reasonable cost (he offered a "couple hundred dollars") and because I was not able to use either shower, I was forced to proceed with repair at my own cost. The contractor reported extensive evidence of water damage and previous mold. The tub enclosure walls and flooring had to be completely torn out and new floor/walls installed. After speaking with neighbors, I was informed they had personally seen the mold and one of neighbors provided photos. The pictures show what appears to be mold. While I knew that Mr Hipps was the "contractor" who had done the renovation on the home, it was not until the time of escrow that I was told that Mr Hipps held a lein on the property. I wonder if this isn't a conflict of interest as he was also the realtor. Also, after contacting the state contractors licensing board, I found Mr Hipps hired unlicensed persons to complete the work. As I understand it, the law would require Mr Hipps either to hire licensed persons to perform the work or pay the worker's workman's compensation which he is not on record as having done. I have already paid for (1) bathroom to be repaired but still have to replace the stall shower in the second. There are now signs of leakage from that shower since apparently the shower was not only improperly installed but was not properly sealed. A second issue involves property lines. When I was considering purchase of the house, I indicated my interest was contingent on identification and confirmation of the property lines as I own two large dogs and yard size is important to me. Mr Hipps provided a drawing which he indicated was from the Home Owner?s Association. Based on those drawings I purchased the home. The architectural board has since advised me that the drawing was not accurate and the property line is not what I was told prior to purchase. At a minimum, Mr Hipps should pay both what I have already spent to repair the guest bathroom (less the inclusion of tile) plus reasonable cost for hiring a licensed contractor of my choice for repairing the master bathroom including replacement of the shower stall and any necessary work to address water damage. I consider reasonable to be the average of a minimum of three (3) estimates.