The ongoing home building boom in southern Wisconsin is great for the economy, but a bust for some homeowners.

News 3's Linda Eggert reports on why some say their dream house is more like a living nightmare.

Most homes go up and have no big problems, but I-Team reporter Linda Eggert investigates why some say building a home can be risky business.

One rural Janesville couple says they've seen their $350,000 house turn against them. They claim the builder didn't fulfill his contract and left them with a host of construction-related problems, including water leaks and mold.

The builder denies that and says the house is up to code.

One private home inspection consultant who checked the house says he's seeing similar problems in a growing number of newer homes.

"I'd say we're probably getting two calls a week on building problems at this point," said John Freiburger, home inspector, Freiburger Consulting Inc. "What we're finding is that the newer homes have a level of problems completely out of proportion to the older homes. The older homes seem to be much more resistant to the kinds of water problems that we're seeing in newer homes."

Freiburger said lots of defects and leaks are being detected in "custom" built homes, and that some repairs are running into six digits because major reconstruction is needed.

Online Resources:

State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection -- Find information on Wisconsin's top consumer complaints, get the facts on deceptive business practices and scams, or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128. File a complaint online.

State Department of Commerce
Division of Safety and Buildings/Uniform Dwelling Code Section/ Field Services
Web site and Complaint Form

Wisconsin Builders Association
4868 High Crossing Blvd
Madison WI 53704
(800) 362-9066

Better Business Bureau
10101 W. Greenfield Ave, Suite 125
Milwaukee, WI 53214
(414) 847-6000 | Toll Free Within Wisconsin (800) 273-1002
E-mail: info@wisconsin.bbb.org