On vacation in Washington State, a friend directed me to see his brother who lives on Vashon Island - south of Seattle.  When I crossed the ferry and drove through the serene areas, past the self serve flower stands, I questioned how bad this problem could really be.  In Texas, builders are encouraged to manhandle and mistreat homebuyers because there are two different statutes created to protect them.  But Washington is a progressive state - unlike Texas, they actually have zoning and land use restrictions. 

Well, I was wrong.  This homebuyer described how the "carpenter" cut some of the header studs (2 x 8" boards) with a CHAINSAW!!!  He went on to tell about how the windows did not connect with the frame in the house and how the delays persisted for over a year.  This was a major builder, and yet, the quality was something from a third world. 

Word of caution to all home owners - stay involved and be prepared to fight.  It is YOUR house.