A Westmoreland County family says a routine look around their property turned into a worst‑case homeowner surprise: a large void lurking beneath the concrete floor of their garage in a house built by Ryan Homes. The find has them worried about safety and urging neighbors to take a hard look at their own foundations.
KDKA consumer investigator Meghan Schiller visited the home to review the damage and the family’s video of the hollowed‑out space, according to CBS Pittsburgh. In that coverage, the owners said their house was built by Ryan Homes and that they want to warn other buyers in similar developments about what they found beneath their garage.
Ryan Homes Built The House
Ryan Homes, a national production homebuilder, operates under parent company NVR, Inc. and includes Westmoreland County among its listed markets. According to NVR, Inc., the Ryan Homes brand sells and constructs single‑family homes in multiple states, including the Pittsburgh region where this property is located.
How Voids Form And Why They Matter
Engineers and pavement specialists say voids beneath concrete slabs often trace back to poorly compacted fill, water erosion or washout, including from leaking utilities. When soil support is washed away or never properly compacted, a concrete slab can be left partially or completely unsupported, raising the odds of cracking or even sudden failure under load. Technical studies of slab and pavement failures point to drainage problems, inadequate compaction and repeated traffic or vehicle loading as factors that can create or enlarge sub‑slab voids and gradually undermine a garage or driveway over time, according to ResearchGate and the AECOM maintenance manual.
Neighbors And Prior Complaints
The homeowners told the station they hope their story convinces other buyers in nearby developments to inspect garages and foundations for similar problems. The local TV segment shows video of the gap beneath the garage and includes the family’s account of discovering it. Previous local reporting has also highlighted complaints from other Ryan Homes customers in the region, including a 2020 investigation into warped, melted siding on new houses, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
What Homeowners Should Do
Experts say that if you notice gaps, new or widening cracks, or sections of a garage or driveway starting to sink, you should avoid parking vehicles or placing heavy loads in that area and arrange for an independent geotechnical or structural inspection before regular use continues. Consumer guidance also recommends documenting what you see with dated photos and video, contacting the builder in writing, and reviewing local permit and inspection records. When pursuing a warranty claim or filing a complaint, homeowner resources advise preserving all evidence and verifying contractor credentials and licensing, according to the Construction Contractors Board.
