GLENDALE, CA - A construction defect lawsuit was filed today in Los Angeles County Superior Court, North Central District – Glendale, against builder Lepal, LLC, on behalf of the Ramsdell Village Homeowners’ Association in the City of La Crescenta, alleging multiple defects in the common areas managed by the Association. The Ramsdell Village is an 8 unit condominium project located at 3770 Ramsdell Avenue.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the plaintiff Homeowners’ Association by the law firm of Kasdan Simonds Weber & Vaughan LLP. "This condominium project was not built in accordance with approved building standards," said Ken Kasdan, the senior partner of the Kasdan Simonds firm. "It’s unfortunate that the Homeowners’ Association must file a lawsuit to get the property repaired by the builder.”
According to the lawsuit, construction defect problems include:
· Improperly installed roof, roofing systems, chimney caps and ventilation components that allow water to enter the structure;
· Improperly installed hardscape, irrigation system, landscaping system and drainage system that cause water and soil erosion, resulting in damage to the residence;
· Stucco, brick veneer, exterior walls, including, without limitation, exterior framing, and other exterior finishes and fixtures and the systems of those components and fixtures that are improperly installed so as to allow water to pass into structure and through designed and/or actual moisture barriers;
· Improperly installed site walls and their associated drainage systems, that allow water to pass beyond, around and through their designed and/or actual moisture barriers causing damage;
· Improperly installed site walls that allow water to flow beyond, around or through areas and beyond areas designated by design;
· A structure that does not materially comply with the design criteria for earthquake and wind load resistance as set forth in the applicable government building codes, regulations and ordinances in effect at the time of original construction;
· A structure that is not constructed so as to materially comply with the design criteria of the applicable government building codes, regulations, and ordinances for fire protection of the occupants;
· Improperly installed stucco, brick veneer and other exterior wall finishes and fixtures, including, but not limited to, pot shelves, horizontal surfaces, and columns that contain cracks and separations;
· Irrigation systems and drainage that do not operate properly and damage landscaping or other external improvements;
· Paint and stains that are not properly applied and cause deterioration of the building surfaces;
· Roofing materials that is not properly installed, resulting in materials falling from the roof;
· Ceramic tile and tile backing that is improperly installed, allowing the tile to detach.
The lawsuit states that as a direct result of the defendants’ violation of the building standards, and the defects and deficiencies, the Homeowners’ Association plaintiff has been damaged and request damages believed to be in an amount in excess of $3 million.
The Kasdan Simonds law firm has offices in Irvine and Walnut Creek, CA, and in Phoenix, AZ. The firm represents plaintiffs in major construction defect litigation, toxic mold litigation, medical product liability and commercial disputes. For more detailed information on the firm, visit www.kasdansimonds.com.
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