I purchased a Fernbrook home in Maple in October 2015; after many delays we closed in July 2018. You would think with nearly 3 years to build the house would have very few issues, how wrong I was.
In addition to the long list of deficiencies, there were items not done, because the builder couldn't. Instead of deducting from the final purchase price at closing, I was forced to pay in full and now sit back and wait for the $5k+ that I am owed; peanuts for Fernbrook, but a lot of money for me.
Issues still outstanding:
1. Every window has to be replaced because they are covered in splattered concrete and scratched.
2. Floors, which I upgraded are chipped. They obviously used the cheapest hardwood they could find; laminate in my condo was better.
3. They moved 2 pendant lights as they were in the wrong place, still waiting for the ceiling to be repaired.
4. When the toilets upstairs are flushed it sounds like you are inside a waterslide; you can hear the loud rush of water traveling through the house.
5. AYA Kitchens are awful. Cupboards scratched and chipped. Kickboards falling off. They should be ashamed of their work...they will get their own review next.
6. Door trims were cut too short, at least 1/2 an inch.
7. Some baseboards were overcut, and you can visibly see the cut.
8. Marble countertops in bathrooms are scratched.
9. Custom mirrors are chipped and not flush...likely because the walls are on an angle.
10. My upgraded bath is chipped.
11. Windows are missing screens.
12. Window sills are chipped.
And these are the major items.
I bought the home for the elevator, as my elderly parents live with me. What I concluded after speaking with some trades, Fernbrook tenders the work. They opt for the cheapest. The companies that win the tender now must do the work for less than what they quoted, in order to make a profit, so they hire inexperienced labourers who do a terrible job. Then you have Fernbrook's site supervisor who signs off on terrible work for reasons best known to him or herself.
I will NEVER buy a Fermbrook home again. My parent's have bought new before, and have not had issues.
I am hoping one day the government will intervene with new home sales, and hold back some of the money in escrow, pending all issues being rectified. It won't help me now, but others in the future.
