Family Takes Action Against Builder Of Moldy Home

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Family Takes Action Against Builder Of Moldy Home

Maronda Officials: Company Wants To Complete Repairs

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http://www.nbc4i.com/news/9240758/detail.html?rss=col & psp=news

POSTED: 5:08 pm EDT May 18, 2006

UPDATED: 10:36 am EDT May 19, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The following is an exact transcript of

Burton's report as it appeared on NBC 4 at 6 p.m. on May 18, 2006.

It was once their dream home, but now a local couple said mold has

turned their lives into a nightmare.

They want the builder to do something about it. But today, the

builder went to court in hopes of keeping those homeowners quiet.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Home

Only NBC 4 was in court for that hearing. NBC 4's Burton

reported that the judge had some pretty harsh words for that company.

Burton: The judge says he was shocked that Maronda Homes

wanted the homeowners to take down signs around the house and not

talk to anyone about their problems at home. The judge said that

request was a clear violation of freedom of speech.

Cosner, homeowner: It's unbelievable.

Burton: This is still home for the Cosners, but they don't live here

because they say it's not safe.

Cosner: There's fungus in the vent.

Burton: And in the basement, too.

Cosner: Every time I come down here, I see more white fungus.

Burton: Three months ago, the Cosners paid for an independent

inspection.

Cosner: They said there were five different molds.

Burton: Cosner told Maronda Homes the mold was making her

little boy so sick, they moved out.

Did they tell you they would pay for the hotel?

Cosner: Yes, they said they'd cover our expenses. They have not. Now

they're refusing to cover the hotel.

Burton: The Cosners think water could be coming in through this

window or steel joist. The Cosners say Maronda came and took down

part of the stucco exterior, but that's all.

Cosner: They kept saying they'd fix the problems, but it's been 13

months and nothing's been fixed.

Burton: Although the Cosners have not been able to prove that the

mold resulted from the way Maronda Homes built their house, they're

so frustrated they put up these signs and hired an attorney.

Cosner: We've never been able to agree on what's wrong with the

house.

Burton: For a month, has been working with Maronda

Homes. In a prepared statement, Maronda Homes says it's committed to

resolving these problems to the Cosner's satisfaction and regret

that the current dispute has escalated to the courtroom. Maronda

lawyers came to court today to get a judge to order the Cosners not

to talk about their house and take down these signs.

Judge Dale Crawford: Are you really serious? You want me to enjoin

them from talking to the media? You want me to enjoin them from

talking to friends and relatives about this problem?

Conard, Maronda Homes attorney: No. That's not the scope, your

honor.

Crawford: That's what you said in your motion.

, attorney for the Cosners: A lot could be resolved if

we dealt with these issues and my clients' ability to exercise their

freedom of speech.

Burton: The judge denied Maronda's request. The lawyer for Maronda

Homes says there is no toxic mold in the Cosner's home and an

independent expert says the greatest concentration of mold was

located outside the house. Maronda says it wants to continue to take

steps to complete the warranty repairs for the Cosners and hopes the

family will work with Maronda in a reasonable manner to allow

Maronda to complete the repairs to their home as soon as possible.