Construction defect

[coffeebean]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Hi,

We finished a project at my property a little less than 1 year ago in which we added living space in part of the garage. Everything done per code with structural engineer, architect, licensed contractor, etc...The space is below grade.

A portion of the wood floor boards have cupped to the point you can fill it under your feet. I do understand what are some of the general causes of cupping, and in my case could be moisture. The problem could be a result of bad design by architect or engineer and/or execution by general contractor. I am getting ready to contact the parties involved and request them to address the situation.

I assume I should contact all 3 parties - Engineer, Architect and General Contractor, and I was planning to do it first via certified mail.

Here is what I had in mind for the main body of the letter.

I have encountered significant damage to the hardwood floor installed at my property located at ---------.
The wood floorboards seem to be cupping. I am contacting the professionals hired for this job to assess the problem, find root cause and repair the damage satisfactorily in a manner that will prevent it from happening again.

Please contact me to schedule a visit to the property.

I had initial talks with a couple of firms specialized in construction repair/forensic to potentially help me make sure the professionals previously hired do find the true root cause and repair it satisfactorily. But I have yet to hire anyone. Could be cost prohibitive.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts on the situation described above and how I should address it.

Thank you very much

 

[Zigner]

I'd start with the general contractor. I don't see any reason to write a super formal letter right this second. Wait to see what s/he says.

 

[coffeebean]

I'd start with the general contractor. I don't see any reason to write a super formal letter right this second. Wait to see what s/he says.

Thanks for response. My concern is that we had some contentions towards the end of the project when GC was very defensive. I do think in this specific case, the architect might have spec'ed a design that is not adequate to handle the humidity from slab and/or from patio outside. For example, use o vapor retarder instead of vapor barrier. No specification to use door plans on the doors that face the exterior.

 

[quincy]

Thanks for response. My concern is that we had some contentions towards the end of the project when GC was very defensive. I do think in this specific case, the architect might have spec'ed a design that is not adequate to handle the humidity from slab and/or from patio outside. For example, use o vapor retarder instead of vapor barrier. No specification to use door plans on the doors that face the exterior.

There is no problem that I can see with contacting all three to see what they say. Wait to see what they each suggest is the cause and the remedy. Go from there.