Jean (not his real name to maintain his anonymity) and his wife believed they had discovered the perfect location for their retirement, but they have faced a multitude of issues since purchasing their property. From delivery delays to humidity problems and unsatisfactory finishes, the couple claims that the renovations do not align with the original specifications.
Both career soldiers, Jean and his wife envisioned spending their later years in a peaceful setting, away from the bustling city. Consequently, they decided to sell their house in Koningslo, Vilvoorde, and relocate to a comfortable apartment in a new building equipped with a lift, situated in a greener area.
The project “Les Hauts de Trémouroux” appeared to meet their needs: a contemporary residence in a renovated old retirement home, surrounded by the Perwez countryside. However, the reality did not meet their expectations: “Our new apartment is far from what was promised.” Jean expresses through the orange Alert Us button.
A visit to a show apartment convinced them
After discovering the real estate project online through an advertisement claiming “35 luxury apartments,” Jean and his wife were impressed during their tour of a show apartment on an open day in September 2021.
“We were assured that it was in perfect condition, with exceptional finishes.” Jean recalls. The couple finalized their decision to purchase their future cozy nest at the end of November that same year. However, Jean explains that he has faced a series of disappointments regarding this property, the first being the delivery times.
Late delivery of apartments
The project, initially slated for completion in March 2023, has experienced delays. “The renovation was significantly impacted by adverse weather, extraordinary post-Covid circumstances, and the war in Ukraine,” explains Louis de Bellefroid, Project Manager at Dare 2 Build. “We delivered the building within the time frame agreed upon in the contract.” he adds.
Jean and his wife had to adjust their plans by negotiating an extension with the buyers of their house, allowing them to remain in Koningslo a bit longer. Ultimately, they were able to relocate to Perwez in August 2023, but their initial excitement about their new apartment quickly turned to disappointment.
Cellars, a major problem
The primary concern with this real estate project relates to the cellars. Jean, along with other co-owners, has yet to access his cellar. “When the site was handed over, we discovered leaks through the old walls during the exceptional bad weather we experienced over the past two years,” explains Louis de Bellefroid.
“The cellars are perpetually flooded; the doors are moldy and no longer close, and the water and gas meters are constantly accumulating condensation, with the gas pipes beginning to rust,” says Jean.
Additionally, the retired individual is unhappy with the system of partitioning individual cellars that was ultimately chosen by the developer: “The specifications called for concrete blocks, but what arrived were partitions made of metal grids.” This alteration is defended by the real estate developer: “The grids permit much better ventilation,” he argues.
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“Yes, it will ventilate. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the specifications are unmet,” responds lawyer Pierre Grégoire, who visited the site after being approached by several co-owners.
Dare 2 Build maintains that the commercial specifications permitted such a modification.
Garbage enclosure: a problematic solution
Another significant issue is the installation of an open enclosure for garbage storage situated in front of his house. This arrangement has led to illegal dumping, unpleasant odors, and a rat infestation. Jean describes this situation as “false advertising”; he anticipated “so-called ‘smart’ containers, which are underground, and a view of a grove and parking area, not an open garbage space.”
“It was at the express request of the municipality of Perwez that we had to modify the placement of the containers, as this municipality only manages above-ground individual/collective containers, not underground ones,” explains Louis de Bellefroid. “A dialogue is ongoing between the co-ownership and the municipality to enhance the situation,” he adds.
“Regardless of the municipality and garbage collection, there is an aesthetic issue regarding the view and a problem concerning odors,” emphasizes lawyer Pierre Grégoire.
A façade marred by humidity
A considerable amount of moisture accumulated in the façade walls of the old, abandoned building. After the renovation, large damp spots emerged on the white paint. “We are about one year after the apartments were delivered, and already a repainting of the façades is necessary,” Jean laments.
“A lime paint was applied according to industry standards. This painting technique allows the façade and the old walls to breathe,” explains the real estate developer. “However, this paint can lead to stains appearing in certain areas, for which no other acceptable solution is currently available,” he adds.
The images show that the stains are predominantly on the lower section of the façade. “Unfortunately, the company was unable to finish painting the base of the building (…) It will return to complete its work after the resumption of construction at the end of the building’s holiday period,” states the developer.
The long list of grievances also includes the interior finishes of the apartments, which are below standard, and the balcony floors made of grating. “This is a series of obvious issues, either related to non-compliance with the specifications or to improper execution of the work,” declares lawyer Pierre Grégoire.
“We are doing everything we can to address these issues,” assures the developer, who believes the project remains “a success of its kind.”
Legal action in preparation?
Currently, Jean and other dissatisfied co-owners are contemplating legal action. Some co-owners, particularly investors who do not reside on-site, feel less directly affected. Lawyer Pierre Grégoire is waiting to confirm the number of owners interested in pursuing legal action and a potential mandate from the co-owners’ association.
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Challenges Faced by Homebuyers in New Developments: The Case of Jean and His Wife
Jean (a pseudonym for anonymity) and his wife believed they had discovered the perfect retirement setting, but their experience has been marred by a multitude of problems since purchasing their property. With lengthy delivery delays, humidity issues, and unsatisfactory finishes, the couple expresses their disappointment in a renovation that drastically deviates from the original specifications.
The Quest for the Perfect Retirement Home
As career soldiers, Jean and his wife yearned for a peaceful environment away from the urban hustle. They decided to sell their house in Koningslo, Vilvoorde, aiming to move into a modern, comfortable apartment in a newly built facility equipped with an elevator, all nestled in a greener locale.
The project “Les hauts de Trémouroux” appeared to check all their boxes: a contemporary residence transformed from a renovated old retirement home, situated in the picturesque Perwez countryside. However, the reality was far from what they anticipated: “Our new apartment is far from what we were promised,” laments Jean, reaching out for assistance via the orange Alert Us button.
Show Apartment Visit: The Turning Point
They discovered the real estate project through an online advertisement highlighting “35 luxury apartments.” A visit to a show apartment during an open day in September 2021 sealed the deal for Jean and his wife. “We were assured of flawless conditions and exceptional finishes,” recalls Jean. By the end of November that year, they finalized their purchase, eagerly awaiting their new haven, only to face a series of disheartening realities.
Significant Delivery Delays
The project was initially slated for completion in March 2023, but multiple delays ensued. “The renovation was significantly impacted by inclement weather, post-Covid circumstances, and the ongoing war in Ukraine,” explains Louis de Bellefroid, the Project Manager at Dare 2 Build. “We eventually delivered the building within the contractually agreed timeframe,” he emphasizes.
As a result of the delays, Jean and his wife had to negotiate an extension with the buyers of their house, ultimately moving to Perwez in August 2023. However, the excitement of entering their new apartment soon faded amid a wave of disillusionment.
Problems with Cellars: A Major Concern
The most concerning issue in this real estate project is the unusable condition of the cellars. Jean, alongside other co-owners, still lacks access to his cellar. “The old walls suffered from leakage during exceptional bad weather,” explains de Bellefroid. “Cellars are perpetually flooded, doors are moldy and won’t close, while water and gas meters face constant condensation, leading to rusting gas pipes,” adds Jean.
Additionally, Jean expresses dissatisfaction with the developer’s choice of materials for the individual cellars. “The specifications outlined concrete blocks, but what we received were metal grid partitions,” he notes. The real estate developer argued that “The grilles offer much better ventilation,” although Jean disagrees: “It doesn’t change the fact that the specifications were unmet.”
Garbage Enclosure: An Unpleasant Reality
Another major grievance involves the installation of an open garbage enclosure situated directly in front of their residence. This arrangement has attracted illegal dumping, unsightly odors, and even rodents. Jean refers to this experience as “false advertising,” as he expected “buried smart containers surrounded by natural aesthetics rather than an exposed garbage area.”
According to de Bellefroid, this modification arose at the request of the municipality of Perwez due to their policy against managing underground containers. “We are currently discussing improvements with the municipality,” he assures. However, lawyer Pierre Grégoire emphasizes that there are significant issues regarding aesthetics and odors bound to this situation.
Concerning Facade Conditions
A substantial amount of moisture accumulated in the facade walls of the once-abandoned building. After renovation, unsightly damp patches emerged on the freshly painted surface. “We are already one year post-delivery; repainting is imperative,” laments Jean.
De Bellefroid defends the painting technique, noting: “We applied lime paint correctly. This method allows the facade and the old walls to breathe.” Nonetheless, he acknowledges that such techniques can lead to unsightly stains without a satisfactory solution available.
Reports show that most stains are concentrated towards the lower section of the wall. “Unfortunately, the company was unable to finish painting the bottom of the building, but they will return to complete it after the construction holidays,” he adds.
Interior Finishes and Balcony Concerns
Beyond exterior discrepancies, dissatisfaction trickles down to interior finishes, which are reportedly below standards. Moreover, the flooring of balconies consists of grates, compounding Jean’s grievances. “There are numerous apparent problems either because specifications were ignored or the work was executed improperly,” notes lawyer Pierre Grégoire.
The developer, while recognizing ongoing issues, maintains that the project remains “a success of its kind.”
Considering Legal Action
At this juncture, Jean and other dissatisfied co-owners are contemplating legal action. Some investors, who do not reside on-site, feel less compelled to intervene. Lawyer Grégoire awaits confirmation from the disgruntled owners seeking legal remedies, as well as the potential endorsement of the co-ownership association.
Case Studies: Other Homebuyers’ Experiences
- Sophia’s Renovation Nightmare: Sophia encountered similar issues in her newly acquired home, experiencing extensive delays and sub-par finishes. Like Jean, she considered legal recourse.
- André’s Unfinished Apartment: André’s experience with delayed deliveries and unforeseen additional costs led him to seek legal advice, mirroring the sentiments of Jean and his cohorts.
Practical Tips for Potential Homebuyers
- Thorough Research: Always research developers and projects before committing.
- Check Reviews: Look for previously published testimonials from other homeowners to get realistic expectations.
- Inspect Regularly: If possible, inspect the property during construction to ensure it meets your specifications.
- Inquire About Guarantees: Ask developers about warranties or guarantees on work completed.
