How Maronda Homes Uses This Clause
Maronda Homes purchase agreements have been documented to include certificate of occupancy / change order escalation provisions. Modifications requested after contract execution are typically processed as change orders at the builder's pricing, which may be substantially higher than the cost of including the same item in the original specification. Maronda's affordable-housing model means base specifications may be more limited, potentially generating more change order requests. (Source: common production builder contract pattern; buyers should verify in their specific agreement)
This provision typically appears within the purchase agreement alongside other terms that may limit buyer remedies.
Maronda Homes's scale means contract templates are largely standardized across its operations. A clause identified in one market's contract is likely present in other markets' contracts, though local addenda may modify the terms.
Builder-Specific Details
Combined with Closing Penalty
Certificate of occupancy issues may interact with closing deadlines and associated penalties.
Standard Form Contract
This clause appears in Maronda Homes's standard purchase agreement, which is generally presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Buyers typically have limited ability to negotiate individual terms, though making the request in writing is still advisable.
State-by-State Enforceability
Enforceability of this clause varies by state. The following reflects Maronda Homes's operating states.
| State | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Likely Unenforceable | Florida law requires a certificate of occupancy before a building may be occupied. The Florida... |
| Ohio | Likely Unenforceable | Ohio has a statewide building code, the Ohio Building Code (OBC), administered by the Ohio Board of... |
| Pennsylvania | Likely Unenforceable | Pennsylvania has a mandatory statewide building code, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code... |
| Georgia | Uncertain | Georgia requires compliance with state minimum building codes under O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-25, and... |
Related Clauses in Maronda Homes Contracts
This clause often works in combination with other provisions in Maronda Homes's purchase agreements.
Certificate of occupancy issues may interact with closing deadlines and associated penalties.
Items that emerge between CO issuance and closing may fall outside punch list scope.
What Buyers Can Do
- Understand what the certificate of occupancy covers. A CO means the home meets minimum code requirements for occupancy. It does not mean the home is defect-free or that all contracted work is complete.
- Review change order terms. Understand how changes to the original specifications are handled, including pricing, approval, and timeline impacts.
- Have the full contract scanned before signing. This clause is often one of several interconnected provisions in Maronda Homes contracts that collectively limit buyer remedies. A contract scan can identify all of them.