Customer ReviewsforDSLD Homes

We purchased a new construction house from DSLD in May 2021. During subsequent inspections I had complaints about the driveway, but was told there was no problem with the driveway. Being the first house completed on the street, I really had nothing close by to compare. The only repairs DSLD had completed to my driveway was a spot by the sidewalk that would retain water, and it still retains water for what that is worth. My main complaint about the "look" of the driveway continued to be ignored. Fast forward to early 2024 and the surface of my driveway starts to come apart, revealing crushed gravel underneath that gets into my yard and inside my cars. As someone who is clearly not an expert in concrete, I had someone take a look and I was told that I had a bad pour when the driveway was originally installed. Subsequent attempts for help from DSLD were ignored, until finally someone reached out to me via email in August 2024. Their response was the driveway condition was due to the weather, a condition known as "spalling". No other driveways on my street are experiencing this condition. This driveway was bad from the beginning and my displeasure was ignored from the beginning. I am asking that DSLD takes rightful responsibility for the condition of the driveway and have it repaired, if possible(again, I'm not an expert in concrete), or dug up and repoured. I am currently having to seek a loan to address this because DSLD will not stand behind their product. Hopefully this will reach someone who will indeed do just that.

This home closed on 5/17/2021. Mr. ******** noted on his 6 month visit on 11/4/2021 that there was water standing on the sidewalk portion of his driveway, DSLD resurfaced the sidewalk and apron portions of the driveway to remedy the issue with water standing on the sidewalk portion of the driveway. Mr. ******** noted nothing concerning the driveway on the 12 month visit which took place on 5/24/2021. The spalling, breaking up of the top layer of concrete on the driveway is due to the extended freeze that took place in Huntsville last winter. When ice is present on the surface of concrete for an extended period of time, it allows water from the melting ice to permeate the top layer and when it refreezes it flakes the smooth top layer exposing the aggregate underneath. Warranties on concrete are 1 year from the date of closing and the warranty does not cover weather related damage.

I mentioned issues with the driveway during every inspection. Again, I am not a concrete expert so I did not understand at the time that I had a bad pour. I would expect the builders to be able to tell that. DSLD is correct in that they attempted to fix the issue where water was being retained, but that was a secondary issue. To my untrained eye, the driveway looked like it had never been pressure washed, and I would bring that up but was told everything is fine. Blaming the issues on the recent ice storm is insulting. My driveway was not the only one under ice during the ice storm. I am sure the ice storm contributed to the issues, but if I am the only house on my street experiencing this issue and my driveway had a bad pour whereas the others did not, it would make sense that the bad pour was a major contributing factor to the spalling. I have had no other issues of major concern with our house. We love our home and believe that DSLD builds a good product. We simply would like for DSLD to acknowledge the issues with the concrete that were present from the very beginning and make it right.

Great product. Love our house! Had a minor issue with the garage door and it was fixed same day! All else has been fine! Super low electric bill compared to our last house!

Thank you for being a DSLD Homes customer. We appreciate your business.

Owning a DSLD home will teach you what you don’t want and what to look for in your new home with a different builder. This home has been a nightmare. This is my sixth brand new home, Four custom built homes. Never ever had so many problems, ever, until I bought a DSLD. Roof was not attached, leaks in the ceiling, attic stairs fell on my head and shoulder, they fixed the roof with low grade shingles the grit fell off, a lot of grit. Called a new roofer out he said they had mold all over them. He went to the westside of my house placed his hand on the roof. The shingles all started sliding off. The roofer & I could see they have never been attached. I am coming up to 7 yrs. I have called and complained almost every year. They look nice but ck the bones. If you can redo or fix what they haven’t, know you have been told of their quality. I hired an inspection to ck my home after I bought it. I started looking inside the attic and the whole house. I knew it wasn’t right. How many women know how to build a house? The inspector told me I needed a structural engineer. I called one of those guys. I find out that my roof wasn’t even attached to my house. I can’t believe this house is still standing with all the problems that it has, even the shingles not even attached to the roof. It’s just freaking hilarious.I WANT my house fixed. I WANT, what the builder told me. I would have and paid for fixed. We had a meeting at my home he ask me to go around and ask anyone having any issues to take their name. **** No!, they showed up to talk with him. Should I tell you how many women showed up? This part Owner & Director of this company roll their eyes at each other, oh yes, they did. Hope you have better luck with your new DSLD home. The city, will I was told by the Director of DSLD, the city can’t and won’t do anything. Well, that is one thing DSLD said that was right. 1 of the supervisors was finalizing the punch list, the employee never saw to complete. Isn’t this fraud???

All of Ms. ******** warranty requests during her warranty period have been completed and signed off. At this time, we do not have any outstanding warrantable items. All warranties expired 2 years ago.

I closed in May of 2024 and I’ve been dealing with DSLD inconsistency ever since day1. I was told this will be taken care of after the final walk and that hasn’t happened. I’ve had problems with the air which I had to finally call myself to get the hvac guy to come out and finally got that corrected. Then the plumbers was doing some work in the bathroom and chipped my wall so Dsld sent a guy out that didn’t know what he was doing and made it worse and just left. I asked him what are you going to do about it and he said just wait until your 6 month walk. I have base boards that’s 2 inches off the ground. It’s truly been a nightmare! Also the technician that comes to my home is very rude and lie. I was told a supervisor would reach out to me, that never happened. I was toldan appointment was set up to fix my baseboard, the repair people never showed up. It has been a nightmare. I’m noticing bad painting every day.I’ve had problems with the hvac, leaking toilet, condensation in the
microwave, bad painting and Sheetrock, and a very rude technician that doesn’t care about the customer that just paid a ton for a home that isn’t complete!

Project Manager met with homeowner, evaluated all concerns, and addressed issues. DSLD values our commitment to ensuring our homeowner's satisfaction with their homes.

We moved into this house May of 2022. Within a month it rained, and we noticed water pouring out of the brick in the backyard north east corner. We notified DSLD who sent the superintendent out to drill a couple of holes. The water continued to drain and would slowly pour out up to 48 hours after the rain stop causing a mud hole. We were advised by DSLD to install gutters and downspouts. This only exacerbated the erosion and the brick continues to drain. There is an area in the Northeast corner of the yard where the ground has completely washed away from under the fence fully exposing the concrete used for the posts. Nowhere near the gutters or downspouts. We have 2 dogs, one of which is a runner and has worn paths in certain parts, but is not responsible for all of the erosion. I was aware of this and told the superintendent who agreed with me. We contacted DSLD who put us in touch with their yard and landscaping specialist. He came out and met with us and the DSLD superintendent who both came up with a plan for drainage and discounted cost for grass and grading. After months of attempts to try and get the person DSLD uses for grass and drainage, we contacted the DSLD superintendent who gave me the name of the actual company. They came out and gave us a verbal estimate of 2000 which was not at all what was previously agreed to. They said they would email us a quote which we never received. I contacted DSLD Management and requested they actually come out and look at the erosion and drainage issues. We were told drainage and erosion isn't a warranty issue and was all caused by the dogs as well as the gutters and downspouts that we were advised to add to mitigate the erosion. We are in our 25th month living in this house and attempted to have this addressed numerous times before we have gotten to this point and are told this is not under warranty.

DSLD installed a fully vegetated yard at closing that was inspected and approved. The gutters that were installed channeled the water to one area, but there was no splash guard or piping to pull water away from the house. This water created the undermining of the yard with nothing ever being done to address this issue. There is also clear evidence of dogs running through the middle of the yard and running along the fence lines. This completely wore out all vegetation in these areas, which led to no vegetation to stop the yard from eroding. DSLD has looked at this yard and has communicated to the owner this is not a warrantable issue, due to the conditions that created the erosion. We have also advised the homeowner to repair the yard before they have further issues with the home and have provided information for contractors that can help them complete the work.

May 5, 2022: We moved into this house. Within a month it rained, and we noticed water pouring out of the brick in the backyard northeast corner which eventually created a mud hole. Informed DSLD. Showed DSLD Superintendent video of water pouring out of lower brick on Northeast corner approximately 6 feet below weep holes. June 29, 2022: 30-Day walkthrough: Received Punchlist from DSLD Superintendent showing action for dirt eroding on left side of backyard at fence. Never fixed. November 8, 2022: Sent pictures of brick drainage to DSLD Superintendent with difference in Northeast and Northwest corners of house. Advised to let DSLD Warranty Tech know issue is being handled for the 6-month walk through. November 16, 2022:  Holes drilled in Northeast corner. The water continued to drain and would slowly pour out up to 48 hours after the rain stop causing a mud hole. DSLD advised us to get gutters which was done.  This only exacerbated the erosion, and the brick continues to drain. June 2, 2023: Sent email to DSLD Mgmt to address drainage in back yard.     Good morning,  Our back yard is continuously eroding. Granted, we have dogs that have made a dirt path through the back yard where they run back and forth. I initially thought that was what this was and would eventually "settle" This is beyond anything our dogs could have caused. I am currently deployed, and my wife sent me pictures yesterday. The ground is washing away in the back down the hill.  It is to the point where the discarded brick and debris from the build are now at the surface. Please see  attached pictures for reference. Is there anything that can be done to correct or mitigate this?  Thank you! There is an area in the Northeast corner of the yard where the ground has completely washed away from under the fence fully exposing the concrete used for the posts. June 2, 2023: Text from DSLD. Ok. I saw the pictures. I'm waiting for manager to come over to South Oaks and I'm going to show him the pics. I do think that erosion is coming from the downspouts being right there, but I need to get with him and see how he wants to handle this. I know that left back corner was always wet and we couldn't figure out why, but the ground never looked like it does now. And there's no way that's from the dogs. Personally I think the issue is with the down spouts. Might need some gutter extensions from ****** or **. I'm not sure if this is going to be a DSLD issue, but let me get with him and I'll get back with you. Worse case I can get out grade / grass guy to meet with Summer and come up with a solution. I'lll be back in touch. We then received the following: June 2, 2023: My manager looked at the pictures and said it's not a DSLD issue. He agreed with me on the down spouts. What I will do for you is get my grade / guy to meet me at the house one day next week to see what the best solution will be. I usually have leftover rolls of grass so I can help you with that expense. You'll just have to pay him for his grade labor and whatever we all decide is the best solution to prevent it from happening again. He's a good guy and he'll work with me to keep the cost down for you. He';s on vacation now. I think he comes back towards the end of next week so tell ******* that I'll be reaching out to her within next 7-10 days. All depends on when he'll be back. We contacted DSLD Superintendent who put us in touch with their yard and landscaping specialist. He came out and met with the us and the DSLD Superintendent who both came up with a plan for drainage and discounted cost for grass and grading. June 8, 2023: DSLD and Landscape/grass contractor met with us to discuss plan for drainage and discounted cost for grass and grading. June 15, 2023: Reached out to DSLD for next steps. No response. July 13, 2023: Reached out to DSLD as no response was received from grass contractor. Was advised DSLD was calling him. Sent more pictures of backyard where pallet was put in place to keep dogs in from sinkhole. Received screenshot from DSLD sending grass contractor message to call me and was informed this was the third time DSLD has reached out to him. September 1, 2023: Reached out to **** ** ***** (DSLD Grass Contractor) asking for an ETA on getting grass to fix erosion. Was advised they would try to get there next week. September 6, 2023: Reached out to ***** ** *****, no response. October 27, 2023: Reached out to ***** ** *****, advised over phone we could meet October 31 st October 31, 2023: Reached out to ***** ** ***** told they were tied up. Advised they would touch base November 1 st around lunch time to confirm time. November 1, 2023: Reached out to ***** ** ****** to confirm time. Told 2-3pm. Later told would not make it out that day. Asked if they could do Nov 2 or 3. **** ** ***** said they would. November 2, 2023: Reached out again to see if ***** ** ***** could come out that day or November 3. No response. April 10, 2024: Contacted DSLD stating ***** ** ***** no showed and stopped responding. Was provided the contact info for the actual company. DSLD seemed surprised and was under the impression we had worked out a plan and given us a price. April 11, 2024: Sent pictures and info to ***** ** *****. Provided email to send quote. Received call to set up time for CTC to come out and look at damage and come up with a plan. *** missed appts we had scheduled, one for 18 April. April 19, 2024: *** came out and gave a verbal quote of $2000 to regrade the backyard and re- sod with no addressing the drainage issue which is not the previous conversation or plan that was discussed. No quote was ever received. April 22, 2024: Contacted DSLD and informed them of the $2000 to regrade and sod which was not what was previously agreed to. Was informed they would get with *** and see if he could get him down on price and that DSLD would not do anything since it is a warranty issue. May 28, 2024: Requested name and contact info for DSLD Manager to escalate. Received contact info for DSLD Manager. Called DSLD and put in a ticket to have him call as well as email him with pictures and explanation. May 28, 2024: Email to DSLD Mgmt:   Good morning, I would like to discuss the erosion and drainage issues with our backyard. We noticed water pooling and draining from the brick in the back corner within a month of moving in.  We had gutters installed, and while the downspouts didn't mitigate the water pooling in the corner, it did not cause the issues we are having.  I have attached pictures showing the ground washing out at the fence line and the corner foundations being exposed that are up-river from the downspouts.  Please give me a call at your convenience. If possible, I would like to show you the condition of the yard in person.  I look forward to hearing from you to discuss.  Thank you!  May 30, 2024: Received call from DSLD Manager who said he would come out and look at the yard 4 Jun. June 4, 2024: DSLD Mgmt and ***** ** *****came out and said none of this was DSLD issues. They stated this was all due to the dogs and the gutter/downspout. ***** ** ***** stated he verbally quoted us $3000. I said previously it was $2000, and he said, no, it was 3, and will probably be more. DSLD and ***** ** ***** left with no resolution other than we pay out of pocket because yards aren’t warrantied, and that we didn’t do anything to fix the problem ourselves, despite putting in gutters and downspouts per their recommendation. June 6, 2024: Contacted a separate contractor to look at the yard. He stated that the grade and sloping is not draining water away from the house. He could clearly see the bottom rows of bricks are discolored and have mildew from wicking the water that constantly stays against the house, as it is not properly sloped. DSLD has failed to resolve the issue and continued to put the blame on downspouts and dogs for areas that are nowhere in proximity to the gutters/downspouts or dog paths. As there is no indication that DSLD will correct the mistakes made on our yard, this serves as a warning to buyers and potential buyers to document everything and to aggressively address any issues.

Underwhelmed. However, this isn’t my first rodeo with communities like the ones by DSLD. I’ve been at my new property for about 1 1/2 years. While no seemingly major issues there have been annoying things like a leak under the cabinet (that the plumbers came to fix, but is still leaking from somewhere), door knobs falling off, toilet seats constantly becoming loose (even after tightening), kitchen sink “fixtures” loosening, and now my garage door won’t go down. I tried reaching out to see if there was still help available to me since I’ve only been here for a little while and I haven’t done anything to cause this, but no response. I know the property manager has moved on to a new neighborhood and I’m not 100% sure if the original builders left as well or not. I’ve called others for repairs and have been quoted ridiculous amounts and it feels a bit unfair since the property is still fairly new, but hey. I also live in an HOA ran neighborhood so there’s extra pressure to have it fixed quickly. It’s a pretty home to the eye, but the quality could definitely be better.

Project Manager met with homeowner to discuss concerns. Items were addressed with homeowner during review. Thank you for being a valued DSLD Homeowner.

Love our home, lived in our new home for 5 years and the home is gorgeous!

Thank you for the comment. We're glad that you are enjoying your home.

AFTER PURCHASE PROBLEMS- I will start by saying the purchasing experience with the DSLD management company exceeded my expectations. HOWEVER, there have been some after purchase problems I will share to hopefully help anyone in the future. I purchased my home May of 2022. Shortly after the sale, DSLD terminated the foreman overseeing this neighborhood being built... which I feel speaks volumes to the issues I now have in my home. There has been a large crack in the concrete outside my front door since before the after purchase 1 year punch list walk thru for which I was told they are not responsible. I also have a dented microwave and stove from both being pryed into a space where the openings were not large enough for them to fit easily, as the cabinets were not installed correctly... I know this is true because someone had to fix where the drywall was damaged above my refrigerator cabinets. I also have a large problem area in the granite where it looks like claw marks... they said again that wasn't their responsibility to change and only filled the holes with some clear epoxy that comes off/out and leaves what again looks like deep claw marks on the counter top (wasn't there responsibility to fix during either walk thru). Just recently, my primary bath exhaust vent began to fall out of the ceiling and upon investigation, I learned the exhaust fan wasn't even secured in any way, as it was forced into the drywall square they cut out. Finally, my home was not clean when I moved in. There were stains in the microwave from food splatters and other stains in the toilet from neighborhood workers using the microwave to heat food and using the restroom, after the house was intended to be move in ready. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THEIR THIRD PARTY VENDORS!!!

The project manager met with the customer on Friday, May 10th to address his concerns. All issues have been resolved and the customer has communicated that he will remove the complaint.

A project manager did come to my home Friday to discuss the problems. I had mistakenly indicated I purchased my home in 2022 when it was 2021. The project manager was extremely helpful and professional. He helped in every way he could to resolve the issues. He let me know the concrete issue was from the walkway settling. He let me know the indentations on either side of the microwave are not dents, they are because the microwave is installed from the top. He called a vendor to have the side panel replaced on the stove... (they are coming at the end of the week to replace the panel). I understand he reached out to the granite people. As explained to me there is no way for them to match the granite so they will be refilling the visible claw marks with epoxy to mask the problem once again. I received a call from granite company who will be here Friday afternoon to reapply the clear epoxy, masking the mistake which left extremely visible claw marks in the granite countertop... (Check all the countertops to make sure the granite put in your home has not been filled with epoxy to hide extremely visible mistakes. The granite in the kitchen is the largest issue. I am not sure how this piece was even used unless the hope was to use the clear epoxy to fill in the claw marks so the mistake would not be discovered until too late). He also secured the primary bath exhaust fan into the ceiling... (unfortunately the fan itself is no longer working after returning to my home Friday). I am confident the fan will be fixed, as they are trying to stand by their work. I appreciate them doing what they can to make it right.