Residents in Pinellas and Manatee met Tuesday to rally against builder KB Home

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The two KB Home neighborhoods have different names, Willowbrook and Waterford, but now their residents have the same goal thanks to the same problems.

"You can see the bulging coming off of the wall because of the moisture in between," Vivian Balocchi described, pointing at the outside of her Clearwater home.

Built in 2004 by KB Home, Balocchi bought the Waterford property as an investment. That is, until cracks appeared a few years later.

"I leave messages. They don't call back. They give me excuses," she said.

It's a challenge Willowbrook resident, Dan Koehler, knows well. Koehler traveled to the Pinellas development from Manatee County where he owns a KB Home he claims he can't sell because he says it's also falling apart.

"We're trying to unify everybody and speak as a voice," Koehler said. "It's stressful. It's a hindrance on our lives. No one should have to go through this."

In a statement released to ABC Action News Tuesday, KB Home promises it's moving forward:

"KB Home is fully committed to take all necessary steps to ensure that every home needing repair is repaired.  We have been actively working with the Waterford Association, and the appropriate contractor and engineers have already started the process for the repair protocol.  We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the Association and homeowners, which will allow us to take the proper action."  

In addition:

"KB Home has a signed agreement in place with the Willowbrook Condo Association, which authorizes a 3rd party contractor to make the necessary repairs at the expense of KB Home.  In partnership with the Association, we look forward to proceeding immediately for the benefit of the residents of Willowbrook."

Still, neighbors say they've heard promises of repairs for years. In fact, Gail Beaulieu says her neighbor's renters even moved out because of the same problems locking her in her own home.

"You can see this is all mold. It's all damp. It's just falling apart," Beaulieu explained. "I'm retired. I paid cash. So my hands are tied. There's nothing I can do. My money's gone."