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A1's avatar

This is common in North Central Florida. Contractors will buy low quality materials for three homes but move the costs to two homes to sell and the third home is pure profit for the contractor. The buyers who fall for this scam are from the NE USA.

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Marilyn F's avatar

Nice name, “mixed bricks”

Sounds eclectic

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Dusty's avatar

Sadly, believable. Thanks for sharing photo for perspective (big, expensive house)!

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Marcia F's avatar

And that looks like an expensive custom home! I would expect this more from lower income houses, perhaps. Surprising that this is tolerated and possible. Your being driven around by an interesting Texan is why the exceptional quality of your journalism overflows with nuance and interest.

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William Voelz's avatar

I can see it now. Used to be in new home construction, electrical. Back in 2010 began seeing contractors/builders fencing in easily pilfered materials. Other wise very easy to lift brick, block, dimension /framing lumber, and sheets of decking, rolls of roofing felt, shingles etc. We never left spools of electrical cable on site after a day of work, but sure had some already laid out wires stolen for scrap prices.

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William Voelz's avatar

Zactly!

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Marcia F's avatar

I made the false assumption that constuction sites had security.

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William Voelz's avatar

If a high end say 20-30 home project where every house is in some phase of construction the developer may temporarily gate the area. Access to begin the day unlock. Last guy out locking. Yes. But in situations where a few new projects are underway. No gates or fences. Up to the property owner to secure his stuff. And the subs to either lock their materials against theft. Or take it with them overnight. All this depends upon location, of course. Some areas very vulnerable to theft. Others no problem.

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Marcia F's avatar

Thanks for reply. A night guard on the smaller projects would not be feasible....but still, even the smaller thefts add up for a small builder. I remember this very expensive house being built near our home high on a hill hidden from all traffic and view, etc. had all the tools stolen. I thought at the time that was unusual. I see now it is not. New aspect of construction costs.

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