OWNER BUILDER NETWORK

We contracted with Jeff Walling, president of Owner Builder Network in August, 2011 to provide the following services for $2,000, which we paid for up front: 1. a copy of the Owner Builder Kit (collection of sample permits, checklists, contacts, how-to info) 2. Owner Builder Support for a shop (permit help, design review, quotes for parts through his business, inspections and general assistance) 3. $1,000 to be applied towards Owner Builder Support for an adjacent house. Shortly after signing our contract, I had a series of debilitating health issues. After several months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, I am able to live at home, but am bed-bound 4 out of 5 days and can not travel outside the house alone. We were clearly unable to continue our dream of building a house in the country, much less managing the construction ourselves, and put the land up for sale before we had even staked a location for the first shop. We contacted Mr. Walling, explaining our situation and asking for a partial refund for work uncompleted. Despite numerous email and phone calls, he has refused to respond. Specifically, we asked for a $1700 refund, (roughly $1000 for the unstarted house, $100 for the undelivered Owner Builder Kit, and $600 for the undelivered plan reviews, material ordering, inspections and contractor referrals). To date, we have not received any refund and Mr. Walling has declined to respond to multiple contacts. I was extremely dissapointed in the manner the Kit was waved as a super-propriatory and critical part of their plan, yet was never delivered to us, despite several requests. It clearly made our permit filing much more difficult, deprived us of local contacts, and it felt like we were being held hostage for more money. Our contract is hand-written and does not specify what happens in the event of a catastrophic medical problem or other acts of god which would leave us unable - not unwilling - to complete the construction. However, Mr. Wallling was verbally very clear that he would provide refunds for such unavoidable situations, and was adamant that any such events would not be an issue as 'his word was his bond.' The service itself can provide a great benefit, and many have had great success. I believe that our problems lie not with the Owner Builder Network, but with this particular extension and Mr. Walling. I would use the service again, but I would NOT do so with Mr.Walling. I would urge others to work through different offices, or to retain legal council to provide a detailed contract with deliverables, assigned prices, refund conditions and timelines.