Newspapers / The Tryon Daily Bulletin … / April 9, 1992, edition 1 / Page 17
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Dream House (Continued From Previous Page) Folk County building inspector Fred Scelow with the North Carolina Code Officials Quali fications Board in Raleigh. This Board serves as a review panel for consumers' complaints about state building inspectors. According io Certification Engineer Mike Page, "The Board is in the process of investigating a complaint by Mr. and Mrs. Farrell against Fred Seelow. The outcome of this investigation will reveal whether a hearing is needed." Mr. Page went on to say that Fred Seelow is no longer with the Polk County Building Inspection Office and, as required by State Statute when an inspector is no longer in the employ of a county or city inspection department, he has turned in his inspection certifi cate. Rick Varnedore of the Polk County Building Inspections Office confirms that Seelow had left the department, saying, "Mr. Seelow was hired as a temporary employee. When his probationary certificate ran out, the county decided to let him go." Jim Parker and the North Carolina Homeowners Asso ciation feel that the state's building inspectors are under- trained, overworked, and underpaid. They believe that this and the fact that inspectors arc often subject to local politi cal pressures causes problems for homeowners. Residential designer Barbara Ricci says, "A situation where building inspectors allow poor work is unfair not just to home- owners, but to contractors who are trying to do a good job. It allows unscrupulous ones who cut comers and violate code to get away with it and take busi ness away from the conscien tious ones who have to charge more in order to do the job right." Meanwhile John Bittle has filed a counter suit against the Farrells to perfect his lien against their property. Attorney Robert Dungan says, "We filed a counterclaim on March 26, 1992. Mr. Bittle has a mechanic's lien of $69,000 against the place and he is counter claiming for that amount." He added, "Mr. Bittle 15 a professional builder with a good reputation and I believe when it's litigated in front of a K ln Polk County. I think he come out fine." Now seven months after Janice and Jack Farrell started construction, they are out $130,000 and their home is only 35% complete. They have spent $37,000 on their land, $52,000 of the first draw of their construction loan (on which they are still paying interest), and the balance on engineering studies and attor ney's fees. After reading the three inde pendent engineering reports, the Farrells say they do not feel that the house can be repaired without dismantling it com pletely. Even if they recoup their financial losses when the lawsuit is settled, the thought of rebuilding on the same lot is distasteful to them. Dick Johnston of Habitat for Humanity reports that Jack and Janice Farrell called him recently and told him that when their suit is settled, his crew may come in and disassemble the house and use all the mate rials in upcoming building pro jects. "We arc grateful to them and the timing is just right," John ston says. Janice Farrell emphasizes that she hopes others will learn from what has happened to them. And she wonders how many other homes have passed inspection that shouldn't have. She says, "Our dreams are crushed. The only thing that's sustained us through this is our faith. We never dreamed our beautiful home in Columbus would turn into such a night mare." By Reen Smith Tomorrow: Reen Smith will file a report on how the Polk County Building Inspection Office is run. Buys Lot Ms. Suzanne K. Plumly of Wilderness Road Tryon, has just bought a beautiful river front homesite in Jackson Grove from the Redens of New Jersey. She is looking forward to building a new home which she is planning with local architect Michael Denick. Connie Glassman and listed by Peggy Dedman, both of Cold well Banker Town and Country Realtors. Tryon Meets Today The Cracker Banel discussion group meets today at the Congregational Church in Tryon at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own snack. On Dean's List Andrea Green and Cyndy Nielsen of Polk County were named to the dean's list at Blue Ridge Community College for the winter quarter. Green is a cosmetology student, while Nielsen is stu dying surgical technology. Clarification The full name of a defendant listed in the court results from Jan. 27 was George Keith Lit tlejohn. Buys Home Mr. Dick Benedict has just purchased the home of Jack and Beth Anne Holmes on Rippy Road. Mr. Benedict was formerly living on Broadway in Tryon. His interests include photogra phy and Library science. You may know him from his assist ing at the Polk County Library. This home was sold by Con nie Glassman and listed by Phillip Edwards, both of Cold well Banker Town and Country Realtors. Daily Bulletin, Thurs., Apr. 9,1992 Read The Bulletin For Local News ROMPING ROOM Room to play inside and out. There’s plenty of interior living space here, and 5 acres. An excellent floor plan in this new 3 bedroom, 2 bath home makes it a great place for family and friends. Decking off the living room and great room expands entertainment potential. And the kitchen has beautiful access to all. Plans for landscap ing are underway, so there’s still time to make a personal statement. For high fliers, nearby Fairview Airport is as good as having your own airstrin $165,000.
The Tryon Daily Bulletin (Tryon, N.C.)
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April 9, 1992, edition 1
17
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