Homeowners

CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS

Many times, defects in construction are hidden and do not become apparent for some period of time. For
example, a homeowner usually has no way of knowing what really lies behind drywall short of tearing a hole in
the drywall to take a look.

The law protects homeowners from shoddy construction, even if it does not become apparent for years.
However, once you become aware of a problem, or once you even suspect a problem, swift action is required
by the law. Do not hesitate to contact us.

SYNTHETIC STUCCO (EIFS) CLAIMS

Synthetic stucco, commonly known in the construction industry as
EIFS (an acronym for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, and
pronounced "eefs"), is the subject of many law suits resulting from its
failure as an exterior wall. Typical synthetic stucco failure results in
water intruding into the exterior wall with resulting hidden structural
damage, often quite extensive.

Synthetic stucco has been marketed in the United States for about 25
years, and it has been used extensively in homes built in South
Carolina for at least the last 15 years. It has been marketed as
durable, attractive, and lower cost than traditional stucco. In the
Lowcountry, synthetic stucco has been used extensively as it lends
itself to traditional Lowcountry architecture.

Synthetic stucco walls generally consist of an underlying wall
surface, typically plywood; an insulation board which is attached to
the underlying wall surface; reinforcing fiberglass mesh; and finally, a
finish coat available in many colors and textures.

When synthetic stucco fails as a water barrier, a primary function of
an exterior wall, water becomes trapped behind the insulation board
and saturates the underlying surface and structural members. Water
can even intrude to the interior drywall, appearing as water stains.
Most typically, water intrusion damage first becomes apparent
underneath and around the exterior of windows, but it may manifest
in any number of ways.

Our goal with synthetic stucco claims is to protect the homeowner's
investment in his or her home. Recovery for repairs can be had
against a number of entities, including the general contractor who
built the home, the synthetic stucco manufacturer, and the
subcontractor who applied the synthetic stucco to the home.

As with other legal claims, there are various statutes of limitations,
meaning that swift action is essential. If you are experiencing a
problem, or even suspect a problem, contact us immediately.

HURRICANE DAMAGE

Hurricanes are becoming more common, and the typical damage inflicted is increasing. Following Hurricane
Hugo's devastating visit to Charleston and surrounding areas, many lawsuits resulted between homeowners
and their insurance companies over denied claims and the reasonableness of settlement offers. Even many
homeowners who settled their claims were dissatisfied with the amount.

Before you settle your claim for storm damage, consult an attorney to make sure you are getting everything you
are entitled to. You may feel pressured to accept a quick settlement so that you can begin needed repairs, to
put the matter behind you, or because your claims adjuster will be available for only a short time. Slow down.
You only get one chance to get all that you should, so be sure that you get it right the first time. We can help.

Damage can be caused by wind, storm surge, or both. Storm surge is the least discussed aspect of a
hurricane, yet it is responsible for 9 out of every 10 deaths caused by hurricanes. Storm surge is the dome of
water pushed ahead of the hurricane's eye, and can be as wide as 100 miles or more. During Hugo, while the
storm's eye came ashore at Charleston, the storm surge caused extreme damage in McClellanville, 35 miles
to the north.

Of course, the primary concern during the hurricane is personal safety. For information on safety and other
concerns, the best source I have seen is www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/hurrican.html.

To protect your legal rights to an insurance recovery for property damage, however, documentation is most
helpful. Keep a written household inventory, as well as a photographic and/or videotaped inventory. The
simplest and most useful method, if you have a video camera, is to videotape your home and its surroundings,
along with the contents. In this way, your narration can accompany the videotaped record of your property.

But the best photographs or videotape are of no use if they are destroyed in the hurricane! Therefore,
safeguard any photographs or videotape by storing them in a safe deposit box or taking them with you upon
evacuation.

CONDEMNATION

Condemnation actions are initiated by the city, county, state or federal governments to take an individual's
property "for the public good." The property owner is entitled to fair compensation for this taking, but all too
often, lowball offers are made by the government and the individual property owner mistakenly believes that he
or she has no recourse but to accept the government's low offer.

Condemnation actions really are like any other real estate transaction, meaning that negotiation is possible
and legal action can be taken.