WS Builders

We signed a $500K contract with Tree 2 Key LLC custom builder ([redacted]) for the last home available [redacted] on Nov. 12, 2015. [redacted] is the seller agent always working for that builder. This builder is a member of Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County.
We were very excited about the new house until we saw builder's responses on two major safety issues. First, the bottom of the vent hood is 52 inches above the stove (88 inches above the ground). We (5''9' and 5''6' tall) have to stand on toe and lean on the stove to reach the switches, which may cause severe burn and injuries during daily use if not 100% cautious. Talked with the manufacturer, and suggested 21-24 inches above the stove. This vent hood (250CFM) at 52 inches is not working at all since all cooking contaminants splash outside. Second, the glass shower door on the 1st floor bathroom was not installed as shown on the floor plan, which hits the toilet when the door is opened. This makes it difficult to enter the shower, as the door will only open to 60-70 degrees. If opened with force, the toilet and/or glass door could be damaged.
We requested the builder to repair/improve more than 10 times; however, the builder always beat around the bush and never agreed to act. Here is the builder's response, "The home is complete. This range hood setup is typical and Buyer may make changes if they desire after closing", and "Shower door is functional and should be used with care similar to other shower doors".
So we went to other neighbors, and found their vent hoods are only 32-40 inches above the stove, not to mention the powerful vent hoods (600 CFM) they have. So how typical is 52 inches above the stove with a weak vent hood (250 CFM)? Neighbors also have no such shower door issue. Surprisingly, the builder also gave credits to the neighbors for refrigerators, blinds, club memberships, structural change, etc. But for us, NOTHING! We are paying the similar price on the house, not to mention this home is the smallest. Additionally, each neighbor has a privacy wall in the screen porch except for us. Neighbors next to us said Trent promised to install a privacy wall if buyer comes, since they care a lot about privacy. We brought this issue to the builder and Trent at least 3 times, no response at all. At last on the due diligence date, the seller agent texted me "I NEVER PROMISED A WALL".
We also went to the Town of Apex three times, and the code enforcement supervisor says these may not violate the codes, but he suggested the builder to lower the vent hood per manufacturer specifications, and the glass shower door is a safety hazard. Even we notified what Town of Apex said, the builder still refused to repair/improve, and only agreed to act if what we said is true and it's needed to pass the final inspection. The builder probably knows these two safety issues are not code violation based on his "25 years experience", and just wait to see if current conditions can pass the final inspection. That's why he never agreed to address and repair before due diligence date.
We consulted with many local builders, general contractors, Lowes, and Home Depot, Next Door, everyone said these are stupid and terrible designs and the builder should have them repaired before starting to sell this house. Lots of them suggested us to back out due to the builder's arrogant attitude toward these issues. We asked the builder and the seller agent the same questions 3 times, "Would you buy such a house with an unreachable vent hood and a potentially smashed shower door? Are you going to risk the lives of your family members?" As usual, NO ANSWERS!
We kept requesting the builder to address these two issues, but both the builder and the seller agent argued how reputable the builder and the company are; how beautiful the home will be after closing; how they honored the addendum and contract. We as buyers honored the same thing (paid off my car loan, hard pull several times, paid for inspection, appraisal, survey, etc). And what can we expect the builder to do after purchasing the house, as currently he refused to repair safety issues for us? We are not paying half million for an unreachable and "disabled" vent hood for daily cooking, as well as a potentially dangerous glass shower door.
So on the due diligence date, in order to keep our earnest money safe, we gave the builder one last chance. Unsurprisingly, the builder chose to terminate. So is the builder hoping that the next buyer will not point these things out?
To this end, I have shared our horrible experience with this so-called "honorable" custom builder and seller agent. We lost couple of thousands bucks, but we are now relieved. But to you, a potential buyer of [redacted] we want you to be 120% cautious . Never sign a contract with them before they meet all your requests! Do NOT pay more than 500K for this house! Ask for credit! AVOID Tree 2 Key LLC!","neg-1

We signed a $500K contract with Tree 2 Key LLC custom builder ([redacted]) for the last home available [redacted] on Nov. 12, 2015. [redacted] is the seller agent always working for that builder. This builder is a member of Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County.
We were very excited about the new house until we saw builder's responses on two major safety issues. First, the bottom of the vent hood is 52 inches above the stove (88 inches above the ground). We (5''9' and 5''6' tall) have to stand on toe and lean on the stove to reach the switches, which may cause severe burn and injuries during daily use if not 100% cautious. Talked with the manufacturer, and suggested 21-24 inches above the stove. This vent hood (250CFM) at 52 inches is not working at all since all cooking contaminants splash outside. Second, the glass shower door on the 1st floor bathroom was not installed as shown on the floor plan, which hits the toilet when the door is opened. This makes it difficult to enter the shower, as the door will only open to 60-70 degrees. If opened with force, the toilet and/or glass door could be damaged.
We requested the builder to repair/improve more than 10 times; however, the builder always beat around the bush and never agreed to act. Here is the builder's response, "The home is complete. This range hood setup is typical and Buyer may make changes if they desire after closing", and "Shower door is functional and should be used with care similar to other shower doors".
So we went to other neighbors, and found their vent hoods are only 32-40 inches above the stove, not to mention the powerful vent hoods (600 CFM) they have. So how typical is 52 inches above the stove with a weak vent hood (250 CFM)? Neighbors also have no such shower door issue. Surprisingly, the builder also gave credits to the neighbors for refrigerators, blinds, club memberships, structural change, etc. But for us, NOTHING! We are paying the similar price on the house, not to mention this home is the smallest. Additionally, each neighbor has a privacy wall in the screen porch except for us. Neighbors next to us said Trent promised to install a privacy wall if buyer comes, since they care a lot about privacy. We brought this issue to the builder and Trent at least 3 times, no response at all. At last on the due diligence date, the seller agent texted me "I NEVER PROMISED A WALL".
We also went to the Town of Apex three times, and the code enforcement supervisor says these may not violate the codes, but he suggested the builder to lower the vent hood per manufacturer specifications, and the glass shower door is a safety hazard. Even we notified what Town of Apex said, the builder still refused to repair/improve, and only agreed to act if what we said is true and it's needed to pass the final inspection. The builder probably knows these two safety issues are not code violation based on his "25 years experience", and just wait to see if current conditions can pass the final inspection. That's why he never agreed to address and repair before due diligence date.
We consulted with many local builders, general contractors, Lowes, and Home Depot, Next Door, everyone said these are stupid and terrible designs and the builder should have them repaired before starting to sell this house. Lots of them suggested us to back out due to the builder's arrogant attitude toward these issues. We asked the builder and the seller agent the same questions 3 times, "Would you buy such a house with an unreachable vent hood and a potentially smashed shower door? Are you going to risk the lives of your family members?" As usual, NO ANSWERS!
We kept requesting the builder to address these two issues, but both the builder and the seller agent argued how reputable the builder and the company are; how beautiful the home will be after closing; how they honored the addendum and contract. We as buyers honored the same thing (paid off my car loan, hard pull several times, paid for inspection, appraisal, survey, etc). And what can we expect the builder to do after purchasing the house, as currently he refused to repair safety issues for us? We are not paying half million for an unreachable and "disabled" vent hood for daily cooking, as well as a potentially dangerous glass shower door.
So on the due diligence date, in order to keep our earnest money safe, we gave the builder one last chance. Unsurprisingly, the builder chose to terminate. So is the builder hoping that the next buyer will not point these things out?
To this end, I have shared our horrible experience with this so-called "honorable" custom builder and seller agent. We lost couple of thousands bucks, but we are now relieved. But to you, a potential buyer of [redacted] we want you to be 120% cautious . Never sign a contract with them before they meet all your requests! Do NOT pay more than 500K for this house! Ask for credit! AVOID Tree 2 Key LLC!