DW
Daniel Wallace
Sep 8, 2026
Our experience with Clayton Homes in Raleigh began in late 2024, and we closed on our home in July 2025. Unfortunately, what should have been an exciting experience has turned into a nightmare because of an issue we specifically raised before the home was ever placed.
During site selection, we questioned whether the proposed location was safe because a road culvert directly in front of the property discharges stormwater from across the street toward our land. We specifically asked whether flooding or runoff could become a problem. Rick, the project manager, assured us the location was fine. Ethan, the soil scientist used during the process, also indicated he was not concerned. We trusted the professionals involved and moved forward.
In June 2026, our property flooded for the first time. Since then, it has flooded FIVE TIMES. The flooding has affected the area around the home and caused foundation-related damage. The most frustrating part is that this is the exact issue we asked about before placement.
We contacted Tina, our salesperson, and were told to refer back to the sales contract. The problem is that we have been unable to locate a copy of that contract in our closing or financing paperwork. We repeatedly asked Clayton for a copy. Around a month ago, both Tina and Rick essentially stopped responding.
The only person from Clayton who has continued communicating with us is the person handling the remaining one-year warranty items, and we appreciate her help. But when it comes to the much larger issue of the home's placement and repeated flooding, we have received virtually no assistance or meaningful communication.
To be fair, I am not claiming Clayton is 100% responsible for everything that happened. The property also went through permitting and approval processes involving other parties. We are currently caught between the county, the state, and Clayton, with each pointing toward someone else regarding responsibility.
What we do know is that we specifically raised concerns about stormwater and the culvert BEFORE the home was placed, and we relied on the professionals involved when they told us the location was acceptable.
Now, barely a year after closing, we are brand-new homeowners dealing with repeated flooding, damage, and an extremely complicated situation involving multiple agencies, while the people who worked directly with us during the sale and placement are no longer communicating.
We have sought legal help and contacted government agencies, but the involvement of multiple parties has made this very difficult to resolve. We are also currently working with local media outlets and actively trying to bring this story to local media attention so that our situation is brought to light and other future homeowners understand how serious site placement, drainage, stormwater flow, and documentation can become after the sale is complete.
If you are considering buying from Clayton Homes in Raleigh, document EVERYTHING. Get every representation in writing. Keep copies of every contract and document. Independently evaluate drainage and stormwater conditions, especially if there are culverts, ditches, low areas, or runoff nearby. Do not assume that because someone tells you the site is fine that you will have someone standing behind that decision later if problems arise.
We would much rather be writing a positive review about enjoying our new home. Instead, we are watching our property repeatedly flood while trying to determine who is willing to help fix the problem.
Thank you, Clayton Homes. Thank you, Rick. Thank you, Tina. We asked the right questions before placement and trusted the process. We just wish that same level of involvement existed now that something has gone terribly wrong.