Subcontractors file against Heritage Oaks property

By MELISSA BURNSED

Just weeks after North Florida News Daily reported on the shutdown of construction at Macclenny’s Heritage Oaks, because of developer Watson Custom Home Builders financial woes, new property owners within the development are being hit with liens from unpaid subcontractors.

The liens are legally the responsibility of the builders, but homeowners can be held liable under the states construction lien laws. That news has come as an unwelcome surprise for home purchasers who were unaware that their property was caught up in the financial maelstrom.

If Watson fails to satisfy the lien holders, the homeowners can be forced to pay twice for their property. Even though they are making mortgage payments, subcontractors who file liens for materials and services provided can force a homeowner to sell their property in order to recoup unpaid construction cost liens which the builder failed to make good on when the home sale was initially completed.

According to figures provided by the Baker County Clerk of the Courts office, more than 20 liens have been filed against a half dozen lots in Heritage Oaks and a second adjoining Watson development, Leaning Oaks.

The twin developments are located on the city’s Westside, off Lowder Street, on the former site of the Pineview Golf Course. All the interior infrastructure including streets, water and sewer lines and lighting have already been completed. Only a few homes have been erected, with numerous lots left vacant.

A homeowners association, managed by the developer is responsible for maintenance but according to Heritage Oaks residents since the developer shut down operations they haven’t received any response to calls for service and information.

Baker County residents aren’t the only ones being caught in the financial squeeze. In the first quarter of the year, more than 200 liens have been filed across the state, against Watson and the homeowners who have purchased property from the builder.

With new home sales at their lowest level in years, Watson opted to cease operations last month while they attempted to get a handle on skyrocketing construction costs and their debt load. The company closed sales offices at all of their subdivisions located in North Florida and South Georgia, although they did pledge to complete any existing contracts for homes under construction.

Calls to Watson’s corporate offices for comment on the situation were not returned.

The Baker County liens have been filed by subcontracting companies who provided services and materials used in the completion of the new homes that are in the $180,000 to $250,000 price range. They include Don Harris Plumbing, Ferguson Enterprises, Trusses Unlimited Inc., Trinity Materials, Classic Industrial Fence LLC, Designer & Builders Source, West Stucco Inc., SMM Soffitt & Siding Inc., L & W Supply Corp., The Lighting Emporium and Premier Windows & Cabinets.