Homes Examined for Construction Defect Lawsuit
Posted by
Christina ColeApril 22, 2007 6:28 AMA team of men, carrying clipboards and cameras, started checking northwest Lodi neighborhoods, last week. Crawling about, through and over homes in what will likely be over 50 detailed inspections.
The inspections are related to a construction defect lawsuit that includes 90 owners of 54 homes in Towne Ranch that were built from 1994 to 2002, according to documents that were filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court.
As many as fifteen contractors hired by the defendants, including other firms led by the Lodi Developer, began inspecting homes to see if the allegations of construction defects were truly a viable option.
A Hazelwood Way homeowner, one of those suing Bennett and some 30 subcontractors, said a fixed-pane window has cracked three times from excessive settling since she moved into the new home in 2003.
"All the windows are leaking." "We spent $50,000 to $60,000 on upgrades and spent extra on a bigger lot. These things shouldn't be happening."
Court papers state the residents are seeking a minimum of $50,000 per home for repairs. The suit doesn't allege the homes are improperly sound, but the subcontracts may have employed shortcuts that homeowners have the right to get sorted out and fixed.
The complaint claims 26 elements of shoddy construction, from faulty carpeting to improper soil compaction. Among those that are being sued is a company that sold light fixtures but didn't install them. In turn, the construction company has sued the subcontractors to protect him from liability.
This is not a class-action case. Each home gets an individual reward based on the issues in the home.
Read more about the construction defect lawsuit.