Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with rows of houses and streets

Buying a new home is supposed to feel exciting. It should be safe, strong, and built the right way. But many families across the country are finding the opposite. One big home builder, NVR/Ryan Homes, has been getting a lot of complaints from homeowners who say their houses have serious construction problems. Some of these problems are so big that people are now joining class-action lawsuits.

Our law firm is helping homeowners who are dealing with these same issues. We recently filed a case against NVR/Ryan Homes for major construction defects in one of their homes. We won’t name the homeowners to protect their privacy, but the issues in their home show a pattern that many families around the country are also experiencing. 
In this blog, we break down the problems people are reporting, why they matter, and how our firm can help with a free consultation.

1. What Problems Are People Seeing With Ryan Homes?

Many homeowners say their Ryan Homes look nice on the outside but have hidden issues behind the walls. News outlets and class-action filings show the same kinds of complaints again and again.

Here are the most common problems:

Water Leaks Around Windows

Homeowners across different states say water is getting inside their homes through their windows. In our lawsuit, expert testing showed that the windows failed water testing at even the lowest pressure level. That means water was able to get in almost immediately. 

When a window leaks, water runs down inside the walls, causing:

  • Wet insulation
  • Mold growth
  • Damage to drywall
  • Rotting wood
  • Stains and musty smells

One inspector found that the window frames were not sealed properly and had gaps that let water leak directly inside. 

Bad Stucco and Cracking Walls

Many Ryan Homes buyers say their stucco starts cracking quickly. When stucco cracks, water can get behind the walls. In our case, the inspector found:

  • Paint and stucco that absorbed water instead of repelling it
  • Thin, poorly applied paint layers
  • Hairline cracks forming across the wall surface
  • Pinholes that let water travel into the wall 

Once moisture gets in, the wall starts to break down. This can lead to mold, bubbling paint, and major structural problems.

Poor Waterproofing

Waterproofing is one of the most important steps in building a home. If it’s done wrong, the house will not keep moisture out. In our inspection, experts found:

  • Window openings were not properly flashed
  • Caulking was cracked
  • Waterproof layers were installed incorrectly
  • Moisture was trapped behind plastic inside the walls 

One inspector described condensation collecting behind the interior walls because the exterior was not sealed correctly.

Defective Exterior Paint

A home’s paint should protect the walls from rain. But in our lawsuit, inspectors found that:

  • The paint was too thin
  • Water soaked straight into the wall surface
  • Some areas had faded and deteriorated early
  • Moisture sat behind the walls and caused more damage 
  • When paint fails like this, the home cannot stay dry.

Vent Problems That Lead to Water

Some vents were installed the wrong way, allowing water to leak in behind the siding. This might seem small, but over time, water can build up and cause hidden damage

Elderly woman sitting on a couch looking at a tablet with a concerned expression

2. Many Homeowners Across the Country Have Similar Complaints

Your situation is not unique, and that is important.

News stories show groups of homeowners complaining about:

  • Flooding inside walls
  • Cracked foundations
  • Failed windows
  • Poor construction
  • Builders refusing to make real repairs

For example, homeowners in Horry County told the news their Ryan Homes were “just a mess” and that repairs were not fixing the underlying problems.

There are class-action lawsuits

Class-action lawsuits have been filed involving issues like:

  • Faulty private sewage systems
  • Widespread construction defects
  • Builders not fixing known problems

When the same builder has similar complaints in different states, it shows a bigger pattern, not just one bad house.

3. Why These Problems Are So Serious

Water damage is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to a home. It spreads quietly and can cause:

  • Mold (which is dangerous to breathe)
  • Rotting wood
  • Crumbling walls
  • Electrical hazards
  • Expensive repairs
  • Lower home value

In the lawsuit we filed, experts said some windows were so badly installed that they needed full replacement, not just simple patch repairs. 

If the home continues to leak, the damage can multiply every time it rains.

Woman and Man reviewing documents together at a desk with a laptop and notebook

4. What Should Homeowners Do If They See These Problems?

If you notice water stains, cracks, or leaks in your home, it’s important to act fast.

Here are the steps we tell homeowners:

  • Take pictures and videos
  • Write down each time the leak happens
  • Do not let the builder keep delaying repairs
  • Contact our law firm for a free consultation
  • Do not sign anything from the builder without legal advice

Many builders try quick fixes like caulking, painting, or patching. But these repairs often fail because they do not fix the real cause: poor installation and construction defects.

5. Our Law Firm Can Help

Our firm has experience dealing with construction defect cases, including cases against large builders like NVR/Ryan Homes. We understand the inspection reports, engineering issues, and the pattern of problems other families are facing.

When we reviewed the home in our case, expert reports showed:

  • Windows failed official testing standards
  • Paint and stucco allowed water to enter the wall
  • Waterproofing was not done correctly
  • Repairs made by the builder did not solve the problem 
  • We help homeowners fight back when builders fail to take responsibility.

 • Partners of Vargas Gonzalez Delombard LLP, Rene Delombard (left), Louis Gonzalez (middle), and Andrew Vargas (right) - standing outdoors with a cityscape in the background, dressed in business suits and smiling

6. Get a Free Consultation Today

If you think your Ryan Home has construction issues, water leaks, or defects, you are not alone. Many families are dealing with the same problems, and help is available.

Our law firm offers free consultations. We can review your situation, look at your damage, and help you understand your rights.

You do not have to deal with this stress alone. We are here to help you protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation.



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