New homes demolished: sinking threat

In Zuid Holland, 27 newly-built homes had to be demolished because support poles used in their construction were too short. As a result, many of the homes were starting to sink. In Dirksland, in the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee, some homes sunk down seven centimeters on the Honingeter and Forsythia. On Tuesday, co-workers of the contracting business were already busy dismantling the roofs. The homes already had owners, who were set to move in during the Summer. Project developer Estate Invest from Middelharnis, and Oosterland-based construction firm Boogert, had to make the difficult decision. The residents now have to wait until mid-November until some of the homes are standing again. "We've already experienced delay, that's why my girlfriend and I went to live with my parents in Middelharnis for a while, but not it's going to become a very long time", one of the buyers complains. The poles that the homes were built on appeared to be too short in January, leading to sagging. The building was halted and the situation was attempted to be remedied with extra poles. This now seems impossible, so the buildings must be destroyed and the project has to be restarted. Half of the 27 homes were already sold. Buyers who are hesitant about retaining their contracts will not be able to remove themselves easily according to an advisor to Boogert, Kees Flipsen. "They signed a contract. Granted, there is a building-time delay, a hefty one at that, but the contract does not give a limit after which the contract is no longer valid."