Berkeley County homeowners demand accountability from Pulte over ongoing construction violations

The Berkeley County Council convened on January 27, 2025, to address several pressing community concerns, primarily focusing on infrastructure and housing quality issues raised by residents.

The meeting began with a resident, Sandy Geissler, voicing concerns about the traffic conditions on Nexton Parkway. Geissler highlighted that while part of the road has been developed into a four-lane highway, significant portions remain two lanes, creating hazardous conditions as traffic increases due to ongoing development in the area. She inquired whether the county has allocated budget resources for the engineering and construction needed to expand the road to four lanes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for local residents.

Following Geissler, other residents shared their experiences with housing issues related to construction quality. Geissler detailed her ongoing struggles with the builder, Pulte, regarding unresolved warranty items in her home. She expressed frustration over the issuance of a certificate of occupancy despite numerous outstanding repairs, particularly concerning structural support in the attic. Geissler questioned the oversight of building inspections and the adequacy of the county's regulatory processes.

Another resident, Susan Wilkinson, echoed Geissler's sentiments, recounting her own experience with Pulte. Wilkinson reported that her home had numerous code violations, many of which remained unaddressed despite multiple inspections. She expressed concern about the long-term implications of these unresolved issues, particularly if she were to sell her home in its current state.

The discussions highlighted a growing dissatisfaction among residents regarding the quality of new construction and the perceived inadequacy of building inspections in Berkeley County. Residents called for greater accountability from builders and more rigorous oversight from county officials to ensure that homes meet safety and quality standards.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the community: residents are seeking prompt action from the county to address both the traffic concerns on Nexton Parkway and the ongoing issues with home construction quality. The council is expected to review these matters further in upcoming sessions, with residents eager for updates on potential resolutions.