Handling Disputes

If your builder, service provider or salesperson is a member of the Home & Builder Association of Greater Grand Rapids (HBAGGR) they have agreed to abide by the governing principles of this organization, our Code of Ethics.  To view the governing principals, Code of Ethics or the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids click here.

With any homeowner - contractor dispute we recommend that first, the homeowner familiarize themselves with the terms of the contract and warranty coverage.

Second, make sure you have communicated the nature of the problem with your contractor – in writing. 

The Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids has an official complaint procedure for complaints with our member contractors.  We act as a conduit for communication for the homeowner and the member.  Click here for a pamphlet outlining that process. 

If the builder/contractor is a non-member [click here for a directory to verify if your contracor is a member] and you have gone through the recommended first steps above, we encourage you to explore mediation or arbitration to resolve the complaint.   Remember, going to court is always an option in these types of situations, but the HBAGGR’s goal is to provide information and resources to keep you from having to go to court.  

For both member and non-member complaints the HBAGGR does not take sides or get involved, and will not get involved in any litigation.  This is true even for member/homeowner complaints that have gone through the HBAGGR complaint process and the parties agree to proceed with litigation.  It is not until there has been a formal resolution from the court with documentation, that the HBAGGR responds and close the complaint or proceed to the next step with the member company.

There are other resources available for homeowners that you can seek out:

For other questions, please call the HBAGGR offices at (616) 281-2021.

To submit a complaint in writing, please mail to:

Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids

3196 Kraft Ave SE, Suite 300

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

 

Beware of Unlicensed Builders

From the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB): www.buildingmichigan.org

This is the time of year when homeowners are more likely to be victimized as a result of using unlicensed builders on their residential construction projects.  Not only is using an unlicensed builder illegal, it can be a costly mistake that can turn a dream residential construction project into a nightmare.

MAHB Executive Vice President for Government Relations Lee Schwartz talks about the pitfalls of using unlicensed builders for residential construction projects.


 

Q: What do I do about an unlicensed builder?

A: Not being licensed is a misdemeanor, a criminal violation of the law, specifically section 339.601 of the Michigan Compiled laws. The Department's jurisdiction extends only to our licensees. To complain that someone is unlicensed, call your local police department, sheriff's department or the state police. They will need evidence that the person tried to act as a builder or contractor. They can obtain from the Department a written certification of licensure, by submitting a Request for License  Certification form to the Builders Licensing Unit, The certification can be used as proof that the person or company was not licensed. They will then take the information to the prosecutor's office for review and a possible criminal complaint.

 

Source: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/General_337792_7.pdf