United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Saint Paul Regional Office
Regional Loan Center

Construction Complaints

In certain instances, VA may be able to intercede on your behalf if construction-related problems arise after you move into your VA home. In order to be eligible for VA assistance in this regard, the property must have been appraised as either:
  • “Proposed or Under Construction,”
  • “New Construction” requiring a 1-year VA builder’s warranty, or
  • “Existing Construction with alterations, improvements, or repairs” subject to VA fee inspections.
If your home qualifies for assistance under the aforementioned criteria, you must file a written complaint with the St. Paul Regional Loan Center. The complaint must meet the following requirements:
  • Be in writing from an individual homeowner, and
  • Include an itemized list of the complaint items.

Note: Maintenance items are the responsibility of the homeowner. For instance:

  • Maintenance of drainage-related items such as drain tile, sump pump, etc.
  • Periodic inspections and cleaning of individual septic systems, eaves, and downspouts.
  • Periodic servicing of mechanical equipment. This would include your water heater, furnace, air conditioner, etc.
  • Normal protective measures to prevent accelerated deterioration of material. This might include paint, deck stain, siding, etc.
  • Repairs or hairline cracks attributable to normal curing or settlement or slight cracks in your driveway, sidewalk or basement not caused by faulty construction, would not be covered.
Generally, the homeowner’s complaint must be registered within the period covered by the VA Builder Warranty or the first year of any Ten-Year Warranty.

Exception: VA will recognize complaints received after the above time limit if there is an indication of an accelerated deterioration of soundness or material failure in advance of normal life expectancy.

If you feel that your situation meets the criteria outlined above, please submit your written complaint to the Construction and Valuation Department, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111.