Blalock Homes

We’ve restrained from posting a review, but, as time elapsed, we feel compelled to share our experience. Aesthetically, Blalock Homes has a good product. They understand curb appeal and the latest trends that are being integrated into building; even quite patient through the design stages. Personally, Kris Blalock seems like a good guy. They do not, however, seem to understand they are involved in a very emotional purchase; these are homes not just houses.

The first two-thirds of the build was relatively smooth, though long gaps without work seemed to appear. This resulted in us moving 3 times due to missed deadlines that the builder set for himself. Just prior to our actual move-in, we found we were significantly over budget. Further, our contract (as do most) specifically stated that upon move-in, our punch list was to be documented, and within 30 days completed. It also stated that if the builder anticipated additional costs, we were to be presented an estimate (non-binding) of said costs upon/prior to closing. Despite this, the spending trend continued well at and after move-in despite the contract stating otherwise; even an attempt to charge us a substantial amount for items for which invoices could not be supplied.

Spending aside, the punch list took 7 months to “complete” and, unfortunately, the 1 year warranty work is still incomplete 2.5 years in. To date, our home stands with major leaks to the outside “waterproof” deck system and structural brick step cracks on the front and rear of the house. Most recently, a leak that they were to have addressed has now damaged two walls and a large portion of hardwood flooring. These are documented warranty and punch projects that we will unfortunately correct on our own after already spending approximately $10K on other mistakes, warranty and punch work. We are still working through propane gas leaks, improper fire-proofing, leaking doors and windows installed incorrectly. All said, most items are due to substandard subcontractors/workmanship which could have been simply curbed with some level of oversight.

At this price-point, aesthetically pleasing houses shouldn’t be the only targeted outcome. Ultimately, home buyers need someone onsite to manage their build and subcontractors; keeping all in scope, on time, in budget through physically overseeing the project.

To close, Blalock seems to have a good sense of aesthetics, though need process maturity in managing their client projects and their business altogether.

Do your homework. Heed reviews; ask around; pull records at the county to see for whom they’ve built; talk to those who have completed builds. This is a major purchase; don’t make it an emotional one.