Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We approached DTH to build a home in **** ******. We presented a well thought out plan to be built on two lots we already owned. The initial good faith estimate was within reason so we paid them the $8,500 pre-build design fee. After working with their team to finalize the design the cost estimate came in at $355k OVER the good faith estimate. Yes you read that right $355,000 over! Total scam - at that point they already had taken our money but offered to make additional adjustments for an additional $2,000. Had I known their cost would have been that high over the good faith estimate I would have never written the check in the first place.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/29/2024

  10/28/2024
  
  Better Business Bureau
  1333 W Loop S #1200
  Houston, TX 77027
  (713) 868-9500
  

  Subject: BBB Case # ******** - Design Tech Homes, LTD
  

  Dear Dispute Resolution Team,
  

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the complaint filed by the ****** family regarding our services. We take all feedback seriously and strive to provide clarity on our processes and interactions.
  Initial Meeting and Estimates
  

  We initially met with the ****** family to discuss their vision for a new home. They provided a 2-dimensional rough sketch of their desired floorplan, which lacked critical details such as ceiling heights, interior specifications, and exterior elevations. Based on this limited information, we provided a good faith estimate, clearly communicating that these figures would be subject to change pending a detailed plan, soil testing, and a site visit.
  

  Pre-Construction Agreement
  To further assist the ****** family, we entered into a pre-construction agreement. This involved creating a full set of plans through multiple design meetings and conducting a soil test and site visit for a fee of $8,500. This process was designed to eliminate uncertainties and enable us to present a fixed contract price.
  

  Revised Plans and Budget Discussion
  As the design evolved, the homeowner requested changes, including a much larger porch and an increase in living square footage. During our site visit, we identified significant site development challenges due to the topography, which necessitated extensive retaining walls and excavation.
  After compiling all necessary information, we presented a revised estimate, which unfortunately exceeded the homeowner’s budget. In response, we scheduled a reset meeting to discuss the differences between their original sketch and the full set of plans, highlighting the reasons for the cost increases. We proposed options, including using one of our base plans with modifications or revisiting the design to meet their budget. The $2,000 additional funds the client is referring to was suggested if they wanted to build from one of our modified base plans that we already have a comprehensive price and plan on, which would allow us to go straight to a construction agreement. If they went this route we would have collected $2,000 and credited the original $8,500 deposit from the pre-construction services agreement.
  
  
  New Plan Development
  The homeowner chose to rework the plan for a more cost-effective solution. We re-drew a new set of plans, conducted an additional site visit, and re-priced the project for no additional cost. We were pleased to find that our new proposal aligned with their agreed-upon budget.
  Conclusion
  

  However, upon presenting the revised plans, the ****** family informed us that they had decided not to proceed with construction. During a follow-up call, they expressed dissatisfaction with our services, revealing that they had no intention to move forward after the initial plan and agreed to re-work it with us out of “morbid curiosity”.  We were surprised, as we believed we had made significant progress towards meeting their needs.  The soils report and the survey that we did on their behalf were provided to the Rummel’s.
  We sincerely regret that we were unable to meet the ****** family's expectations and appreciate their initial engagement. We strive to go above and beyond for all our clients and will continue to improve our processes based on the feedback we receive.
  
  Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are committed to providing quality service and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Mike F****** ******
  Design Tech Homes 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/10/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Design Tech built our home and we moved in July, 2022. The nails used in the Hardy Plank on the back porch and eaves were not properly installed therefore leaving rough spots on the nail heads. Now we are having dark spots appear on the nail heads. Design Tech came out to look at the situation and said this was mold/mildew on these spots and that I can pressure wash this to clean these areas up. I told them this would not fix the problem and that I shouldn't have to pressure wash a new home every six months. If the nails were properly installed and a good paint job was performed then this would not be an issue with mold/mildew. Design Tech said this was my problem and they were not going to do anything about this situation. Homes are painted all over Houston and do not have this issue within 6 months.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/16/2023

  We visited this home several weeks ago to inspect this issue.  It appeared from the ground that this home just needed to be cleaned.  We then got up on ladder and wiped the dirt that was collecting on the nail heads the spots disappeared.  We then informed the customer that this is a home owner maintenance item and that homes needed to be washed yearly.  It is recommended to pressure wash a home every six months after the pollen season and then again before winter.  This will help keep a home looking great and make the paint perform.  Just like a car needs to be washed a home needs to be washed.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/18/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,
  
  The issue pertains to the mold/mildew on the nail heads that were not properly prepared for painting.  This is why I don't have a mold problem anywhere else, only on the nail heads.  I had a professional painter come out and look at this and asked what needs to be done to correct the problem.  There were 2 main things noted, the putty that was put on some of the nail heads were not sanded down therefore creating a pimple effect and a lot of the nail heads didn't have anything on them and they were counter sunk in the plank.  Both of these conditions caused a place where moisture can be held and therefore mold can build up, this is why the patio ceiling looks like it has chicken pox in only 6 months.  A thin coat of paint and no primer on the nails did not help either.  Pressure washing does not fix the problem, it's a temporary cosmetic fix.  I need to get these nail heads smoothed over and a good coat of paint for this problem not to reoccur in another 6 months.  I understand there are some general common sense things in keeping your house looking good and an occasional pressure wash is needed to keep this up.  This was just a poor paint job with improper prep work, plain and simple.  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/08/2023

  We will send down our paint Representative to check the Mil thickness of the paint.  This will determine if the paint thickness was correct when it was painted.  We will get that scheduled and notify our client when we are able to get this scheduled in the next few weeks. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/21/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,
  Design Tech notified us on June 13 wanting to schedule a time for their paint experts to come and look at the paint/paint job.  I told DT that I had painters scheduled for the 14th but I would postpone them for a day in order for DT to send out their chosen people if this would help in getting this issue resolved.  DT wanted them to look at the area most effected with the bad paint job and sent 2 people out on the 14th.  They looked at my paint job and BOTH said this issue was a result of faulty nail prep and they would be telling DT the same. They also stated that if the prep work is not done properly then it didn't matter what paint was used as a bad job will result. This has been the situation all along and now DT has sent their experts out and they are telling the same story and yet we continue to still have this issue.  I'm not sure what more convincing needs to be done with DT,
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2023

  I have received the report back from the paint representative.  Is seems that the paint job was fine but the nal head prep was not as good as it should have been.  If the client will aloo we would be happy to come out and ensure the nail heads are prepped properly and paint the effected areas. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/14/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  

  Design Tech sent 2 of their independent paint experts over to review the paint job and assess this situation.  They both concluded that it was a faulty nail preparation issue therefore causing this to be a poor paint job.  I went out and hired a professional painter to come in to repair and repaint this portion of the house, which Design Tech had refused to do. DTH was aware I had someone come to do the job correctly when they admitted it was a faulty job.  I discussed with Design Tech about the reimbursement of my cost.  I paid this painter $1,400 to fix this problem and Design Tech is only willing to reimburse us $500 for their faulty paint job.  This issue has been going on for over 3 month so in order for this to get resolved we are heading to court.
  
  Regards,
  
  
   

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/27/2023

  We agreed to reimburse Mr, ****.  Wea re now waiting to hear back from him.