Family learns hard way home didn't meet building code

LANCASTER, S.C. — The Van Burens have two children, a 2-year-old and a 7-month-old. They said they were living in a 900-square-foot house and were looking to move into something larger.

So, they went to Carolina Country Homes in Lancaster and fell in love with a modular home.  It was -- what is known as a "lot" model. So it was already built. The business would tear it down, move it to the Van Burens' land in Shelby and rebuild it. "We found the perfect land. I was so excited. Found the perfect house," Cailyn Van Buren told Action 9.

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The Van Burens signed the contract last summer, hoping to move in in December. "So we went ahead, we sold our house. Had to be out at the end of October." "Right now, we are actually bunking with my mother," Van Buren said.  "It's getting a little bit tight and we're just ready to get in our house."

The company delivered the house. But it's March, and the Van Burens still can't move in.  "All the siding that goes on the side of the house here is laying in the living room floor," Van Buren showed Action 9.  She also said, "We have the mold that's started at the bottom and it's starting to kind of work its way up [the wall]."  She believes that's because the unfinished home has been exposed to the wet weather for months. The interior of the house has openings that need to be closed.

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Carolina Country Homes emailed Action 9, saying it "thought the lot model ... met ... North Carolina building code."  It said, "The house had been on the lot for approx. 5 years and codes change."  The business admits, "This was definitely a mistake that both we and the manufacturer made."  It said that mistake set everything back about eight weeks. Then all the rain hit.  According to Channel 9 meteorologists, the Charlotte area received 40 inches since September.

In any sort of home build, make sure you get everything in writing. For example, make sure you know what happens if weather interferes and what date you can move in. Also, if the home is a modular home that's already built, make sure it meets the latest building codes.  Ask for proof.

Cox Media Group