Water leaks spread mold through Valley homes built by Pulte

PHOENIX - When you buy a new home, you don't expect problems.

But some Valley homeowners say that's just what they got after buying homes from one of the nation's largest home builders, Pulte homes.

Tiffany Steadman bought her house in the Stetson Valley development in Northwest Phoenix new two years ago.

But for the last few weeks, the exterior walls of her home are having to be re-constructed by Pulte repair crews because of a water leak.

Steadman says the leak also caused mold in the walls.

Pulte won't give a number of homes affected, but residents say dozens of homes are noticing the problems.

The company says the homes are limited to the Stetson Valley development and the West Wing development in Peoria.

Meantime, Steadman doesn't believe Pulte completely repaired her home.

She says crews did not examine or repair the lower three feet of her home's walls nor the garage walls.

Art Dickerson is another homeowner in Stetson Hills who also bought a new home.

He believes there is water leaking into his home, but says Pulte refused to conduct a water leak test.

Pulte says their inspector didn't find the same kind of leaks, instead saying the water was coming from wind-related issues when it rains and that's not covered.

But Pulte told the ABC15 Investigators they were willing to re-inspect the house.

In a statement, Pulte says, "The vast majority of homeowners have expressed their satisfaction," and that they continue to inspect homes, "even those that are out of warranty."

While some homeowners did say they were happy with the repairs, those ABC15 contacted were also concerned about re-sale value.

They say that they must disclose the condition and that will limit the people who would want to buy.

E-mail the ABC15 Investigators if you've had similar problems with any builder.

Here is the full statement from Pulte issued to the Investigators:

Two years ago, Pulte Homes identified an issue with water infiltration in several of our neighborhoods in north Phoenix. A repair protocol was developed with a third-party engineer that is excellent and thoroughly addresses the issue. The comprehensive repair process, which often involves removal and replacement of the exterior stucco, can take several weeks.

While the repair process can be extensive, the vast majority of homeowners have expressed their satisfaction with their home and the fact that Pulte Homes is addressing the issue and making repairs. We continue to inspect and repair homes - even those that are out of warranty.

Pulte Homes takes pride in its reputation in the building industry and is committed to standing behind our homebuyers and their home purchase. In this specific situation, we are addressing the issue and making repairs on all homes that have any signs of water infiltration.