VERTEX provided construction assessment and construction expert witness testimony on behalf of the homeowners of a newly constructed, luxury home in an exclusive area in California’s Central Valley. A series of work quality issues had escalated tensions between the homeowners and the general contractor and necessitated arbitration. While shoddy paint was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back for the homeowners, VERTEX’s Steve Hill identified an even larger problem that would have posed a serious safety risk had it gone undetected.
VERTEX’s Steve Hill performed a thorough examination of the home when it was considered ~ 90% complete in order to opine on the quality of the work. VERTEX’s assessment identified a number of significant problems, including bursting drywall seams, subpar tile work, and inadequate concrete patches. The contractor had failed to properly adhere large marble slabs in the shower. The five-foot-by-10-foot vertical panels—which weighed over 1,300 pounds—were showing evidence of peeling/detaching.
VERTEX’s Steven Hill testified in an arbitration hearing that was slated for several weeks. However, less than 48 hours after Hill’s testimony, the parties negotiated a settlement. In the end, the contractor agreed to pay for the necessary repairs, and the work was completed to the owner’s satisfaction.
To learn more about VERTEX’s Construction Forensic Consulting services, or to speak with a Construction Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
This project was completed by Xpera Group which is now part of The Vertex Companies, Inc.