The total cost to repair the damage is estimated to be around $100,000.
BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — Tucked away in the Moss Creek community just north of Highway 150, the Miller House has long been a place of relaxation and camaraderie for the neighborhood’s 50 homeowners. But that all changed when a burst pipe back in December of 2023 flooded the 2,200-square-foot recreation center, leaving it in severe disrepair.
“The community wanted a recreation center, and that’s what this is,” said one homeowner. “It has a pool, tennis court, and a volleyball court.”
But following the flood the facility was far from what it once was. The floors had to be pulled up, drywall ripped out, and furniture scattered. Some residents have described the scene as “looking like a tornado hit it.”
The busted burst pipe that flooded hundreds of gallons of water into the building, busted after freezing in the overnight hours in late December of 2023. The water damage eventually led to the discovery of mold and mildew that forced major repairs.
Residents say the building began deteriorating rapidly after the water started creeping up the walls. It ruined the drywall and some of the wood.
“There was mold and mildew everywhere, and they started tearing up the floors and walls,” said another homeowner. “It’s been a nightmare.”
The total cost to repair the damage is estimated to be around $100,000. However, there has been one major hurdle: the insurance company. The company denied the claim after citing a clause related to power outages.
“They said if it’s due to a lack of power, they are not responsible,” explained a homeowner.
The problem? The power was shut off due to an unpaid bill. The HOA’s management company, Cedar Management, initially blamed Duke Energy for the issue, claiming payments had been made. Duke, however, refuted this claim, stating that they had sent notices of delinquency for several months.
“We sent out emails, letters, telephone calls, and notices,” said a homeowner. “We are not responsible for what happened here.”
The confusion continued as some homeowners told WFMY News 2 that the Cedar Management company failed to provide any proof of payment, leaving the homeowners in limbo.
“We have been left in the lurch,” said homeowner Joe Byers. “We have no solution.”
With both companies pointing fingers, homeowners found themselves stuck in the middle, spending countless hours and their own time, and money trying to repair the rec center.
“It’s been a brick wall,” said Byers. “A mess, an expensive mess.”
Desperate for answers, several homeowners contacted News 2, prompting an investigation. The community HOA also hired an attorney to help resolve the problem.
“It’s extremely disappointing to have a company not live up to their standards,” said Haehn.
The case dragged on for more than 12 months and ultimately ended up in court. Finally, after months of frustration, and multiple emails and conversations back and forth both Cedar Management and Duke Energy agreed to take responsibility and help pay for the repairs.
In a statement, Duke Energy said, “This issue has been resolved amicably to the parties’ mutual satisfaction.”
The community is now seeing the results of their persistence. The repairs are finished, and homeowners are satisfied with the settlement.
While the Miller House is now restored, homeowners hope that the lessons learned will prevent future setbacks for their beloved community.
The HOA Board has selected a new management company that is now in charge of the community.