It is important for the public to know the facts.  If you have been terminated or disciplined for speaking to co-workers, the public or the media about inadequate safety measures taken necessary to protect you from the Covid-19 Virus, you may have rights against your employer.  Schoech Law Group is open for phone appointments during this difficult time, call for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Click here for a Bloomberg Article. 

McDonald’s Employees Protest Workplace Sexual Harassment.  See full article here.

Matthew Schoech selected as top rated construction litigation attorney in Sacramento, CA.  

Super Lawyers

The Supreme Court ruled this week that employees must be paid for of minutes they routinely spend off the clock on tasks like locking up a turning on the alarm.  Read the full article here. Make sure you are getting paid for your time spent working.  If you are forced to perform tasks after you clock out give us a call to discuss your rights!

Just because you are harassed at church does not mean it’s ok. Churches are also responsible for keeping people safe and avoiding harassment. It’s not ok to be harassed in the church.

Churches are responsible too.

The Washington Post reports:

A quorum of about 30 male trustees and three female trustees of the 1,200-student Texas seminary were present for a meeting that began Tuesday afternoon to discuss the fate of Patterson, a past president of the Southern Baptist Convention who has been revered as a giant for standing guard for decades against liberalizing changes.

In recent weeks, Patterson, 75,  has come under fire for taped comments he made between 2000 and 2014 about women, including those remarking on a teenage girl’s figure and saying female seminarians need to work harder to look attractive. He also said women who are abused almost always should stay with their husbands. After thousands of Southern Baptist women signed a petition calling for the seminary’s board of trustees to oust him from his position, he apologized for making comments about the teenager, but he did not apologize for his comments about abused women. The comments had resurfaced on a blog this year.

The Washington Post also reported Tuesday that Patterson allegedly told a woman who said she had been raped that she should not report her allegations to the police and encouraged her to forgive her alleged assailant. The story was published as the seminary’s board was meeting. 

"The board also affirmed a motion stating evidence exists that Dr. Patterson has complied with reporting laws regarding assault and abuse," Ueckert said in the board’s statement. It did not say more on that matter except a bullet point noting "The seminary stands against all forms of abuse." Ueckert also addressed the seminary’s firing of a PhD student from his $40,000-a-year job as the catering kitchen manager and the revoking of his scholarship for tweeting about the Patterson debate, telling him that he was "indiscreet" and that his decision to speak publicly about the dispute "does not exhibit conduct becoming a follower of Jesus." Patterson had told the post that Nathan Montgomery had "a long history," but Ueckert disputed this, saying stated that the board has found no evidence of misconduct in his employee file. He did not address whether the student’s job or scholarship would be reinstated.

Ueckert declined to take further questions from The Post.

According to The New Yorker, Mr. Schneiderman slapped, choked or spat on at least four women with whom he had been romantically involved, two of whom spoke on the record. The horrific accusations included alcohol-fueled rages, racist remarks, drug abuse and threats — including to kill the women or use his power as the state’s top law enforcement officer against them if they defied him.

Read the Full Article. 

Did you complaint about being harassed and get fired?  Give us a call to discuss. 

Read the verdict report here.

Companies have learned they can no longer give a pass to star employees accused of misconduct. Confronting high-dollar clients may be harder. Read the full story.

Were you fired for something you did not do?  You may have been wrongfully terminated.

Read the article:  https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article210956389.html 

Coaches are not allowed to harass.

If you feel uncomfortable don’t let it continue….

Click Here for the Article. 

His boss built a ‘White only’ clubhouse at work. Now this Natomas employee is suing.  Check out the article:  http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article213029574.html 

Current policies and programs have failed overwhelmingly to address and prevent the problem, said a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Click Here for the Article.

Click Here to for the Article!

Real Estate Attorney –  Matthew Schoech Successfully Defends Purchaser of Property in Real Estate Dispute

Construction & real estate attorney, Matthew Schoech, has successfully defended a real estate dispute after the seller instituted claims for breach of contract. Mr. Schoech represented purchasers of a single family residence who were convinced by their real estate broker to pay additional funds to the seller in excess of the property’s appraised value. The purchasers contacted Mr. Schoech for a free consultation after feeling like they were duped in the transaction.  It was discovered that the broker was a dual agent and also a partial owner of the property at issue all creating a severe conflict of interest and breaching the agent’s fiduciary duty owed to the buyer.

A real estate agent owes a fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty and loyalty in the dealings with the buyer. A buyer’s real estate agent also owes the duty to diligently exercise reasonable skill and care in performance of the agent’s duties, a duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith, and a duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the buyers diligent attention and observation.  When an agent acts as a dual agent for the buyer and the seller these duties are heightened due to the inherent conflict of interest.  Arguments were made that the dual agent was in breach of their duties owed to the seller and the matter was amicably resolved at mediation for a fraction of the amount sought by the seller.

If you find yourself in a real estate transaction dispute and need an experienced real estate attorney to evaluate your case, call the Schoech Law Group, PC at (916) 569-1940, or send an e-mail to matt@norcallawfirm.com.  You will receive a FREE CONSULTATION and legal advice from an attorney with a track record of getting his clients as far ahead as legally possible!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Construction law attorney, Matthew Schoech, was recently named recipient of the 2014 List of Rising Stars published by Super Lawyers Magazine, dated Jun/July 2014! Employed as an associate attorney in 2005 for Anderson & Kriger, Matthew possessed all the personal and professional qualities necessary to be successful.  In the field of complex construction litigation, he gained the respect and acceptance from his peers.  In 2012, Matthew formed a partnership and became the Managing Partner of Anderson| Schoech.

This recognition is only given to 2.5% of the attorneys in the State of California after going through an exhaustive selection process.  Selections are made up of three steps: 1) nominations by peers; 2) validations by independent researchers across 12 categories; and 3) final review by a highly credentialed panel of attorneys.

Don’t delay!  If you or someone you know is in need of a construction law attorney, please contact Matthew Schoech at (916) 569-1940 for a free consultation.  Servicing all of Northern California and surrounding areas.

Learn more about the Super Lawyers Selection Process:  Selection Process

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The California construction law firm of Schoech Law Group has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the original owners of a 2006 multi-million dollar residence in Santa Clara County.  In 2012, the owner of the 12,000 sq. ft. residence discovered water intrusion into the 3,000+ sq. ft. basement resulting in significant water damage.  The owner tried contacting the builder but their attempts were ignored.  Prior to filing suit they hired a crew of contractors to dig up the drainage system around the perimeter of the house to rectify the problem.  The repair efforts have cost the owners thousands of dollars which will be included as additional monetary damage in the lawsuit.

After being contacted by the owners, Schoech Law Group immediately hired a forensic expert to inspect the property and assess the damage.  Attorney, Matt Schoech, and the expert visited the site and documented many areas of concern.  The following damages, among others, were found: defective roof truss framing members, window leaks with interior damage adjacent to window locations, inoperable appliances indicating a potential issue with the electrical system, and the HVAC system below Title 24 requirements.  The expert’s inspection report will be used as a key instrument in prosecuting the client’s claim.

Schoech Law Group is currently litigating cases in surrounding counties such as San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Alameda.  They have recently settled cases in other nearby counties obtaining significant settlement recoveries for their clients.  They handle cases throughout all of northern California as far down as Santa Barbara County.

If you own a custom or tract home and hired a contractor to make costly additions or alterations, and have discovered defects, call and speak with a California construction law attorney at Schoech Law Group for a FREE CONSULTATION. 

Owners of residential or commercial property that is under 10 years old, or that has been remodeled within the last 10 years can pursue the builder/contractor for defective workmanship. Keep in mind that California construction law is very complex and you may have as little as three years from when you discovered the problem to file a claim.  For an immediate consultation call our office at (916) 569-1940, or send an e-mail to advice@andersonschoech.com.
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

If your roof or windows are leaking and you own residential or commercial property that is less than 10 years old, or have had a remodel done within the last 10 years, please read the following information.  The Schoech Law Group, PC, a California construction law firm, lists some helpful steps that you can take should you discover that your roof or windows are leaking and causing water damage to your home and/or personal property. 

BEING AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO ADDRESS WATER INTRUSION CAN BENEFIT YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

1. Call Your Builder or Contractor. The first step to addressing your roof or window leak should be a phone call to the contractor who built or remodeled your property.  Although California property owners have legal rights for a broad range of construction defects for up to 10 years from the substantial date of completion of a property or remodel, an owner should still make an attempt to contact their builder when possible.  Regardless of whether you are an original or subsequent owner, you should have warranty contact information, including a phone number that may be found in the original sales documents you received when you purchased your property.  Contacting the builder/contractor first is always the recommended course of action.  If the builder/contractor fails to make repairs or makes inadequate repairs contact Schoech Law Group, PC, for a free consultation and remember to never agree to sign a release in connection with repairs.

2. Document necessary repairs the best you can.  Although we typically advise our clients to hold off on making any "non-emergency" repairs in order to avoid covering up any defects, a roof leaking or a window allowing water into your property during heavy rain should be rectified.  In the event that it is crucial to immediately repair a roof or window leak in order to prevent further water damage, it is important to document the repair.  Take before and after photos of the damage caused by the leak.  Have the contractor performing the repair give you a write-up of the source of the problem and what was done to repair it.  Save any and all your work orders, repair recommendations, invoices, copies of checks, etc.  These documents will become highly pertinent should you later decide to take legal action against the builder or contractor.

3. Call a California construction law attorney at Schoech Law Group, PC.  You might be able to recover the costs of repairing the water intrusion and may be entitled to monetary compensation and/or repairs from the builder/contractor.  An attorney who specializes in this field of law will give you a free consultation to evaluate your defects and discuss the various legal options you might have.  California construction law is very complex and there are certain statutes that you need to be aware of.  Within the 10-year statute of limitations for latent construction defects, you only have three to four years to bring a claim from the date you became aware of the problem, therefore, legal counsel should be sought immediately.

The fact of the matter is that water should not be allowed to pass through any area of your property, whether through the window, window frame, door frame, roof, stucco, or other area.  If it does, this is a clear indication of faulty construction and a property owner may have legal rights against their builder/contractor.  If you retain the services of an experienced construction law attorney at Schoech Law Group, PC, we can handle your case on a Contingency Basis, meaning there are no out of pocket attorney fees, and fees are only deducted out of any monetary recovery received by the client.

Call our office today at (916) 569-1940, or send an e-mail to matt@norcallawfirm.com, and speak with a California construction law attorney about your roof or window leak, or any other construction problem at your property.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Construction and real estate attorney, Robert Finkle, has recently settled a matter prior to filing a lawsuit on behalf of a homeowner against a large multi-national condominium converter.  The case involved an owner who purchased a condominium, which had been converted from an apartment unit, in 2006 located near Lake Tahoe, California.  Shortly after taking possession of the property the homeowner learned a loud previously undisclosed noise would emanate from the service elevator located near the unit, making it much less desirable. 

The homeowner attempted to resolve the issue directly with the condominium converter on his own to no avail.  After many unfulfilled promises by the converter, the owner contacted and retained Mr. Finkle who immediately issued a demand.  Through negotiations with the convertor, Mr. Finkle was able to obtain a positive result for his client in less than a year without filing a lawsuit.  The converter ultimately agreed to purchase back the unit, at a rate well above market value, even though many years had passed since the original purchase.

If you have purchased a residential or commercial property and have recently discovered construction defects that the seller failed to disclose to you, a California construction and real estate attorney at Schoech Law Group can help.  Whether it’s conversion, remodeled, or renovated property and unknown defects have become revealed, we will evaluate your situation and offer the best options to resolve your problem.   For a FREE CONSULTATION please call (916) 569-1940, or e-mail Robert Finkle directly at robert@andersonschoech.com.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Yes.  If you’re a homeowner who purchased property that is less than ten years old, or have remodeled in the last 10 years, you do have legal rights for any construction defects.  When a consumer buys a new house from a home builder the builder normally provides a home warranty number to call if there are any defects that need to be addressed.  This works great if you’re dealing with a builder who honors the warranty and rectifies the problems.  However, what do you do when the builder tells you that your defect is out of warranty?

Homeowners should be weary of builder/contractor representatives who come in and say their defects, such as cracks or leaks are only covered under a one or two year warranty.  These representatives will often make false statements causing homeowners to believe that, even though they have a construction defect, there is nothing they can do. Unfortunately many homeowners settle for this response and are burdened with the cost and labor of making the repairs themselves, without any compensation from the builder.  The fact is, most of these issues may not be under warranty but are still under a 10-year statute.  You can still make a legal claim against the builder or contractor to recover some of your costs or help with the repairs.

California law provides ALL homeowners 10 years to file a construction defect lawsuit against their builder

The law is often called SB800 or Civil Code 896 which says you can recover for various defects for up to 10 years, well beyond what the builder tells you. A construction defect attorney at Anderson|Schoech, on behalf of a homeowner, can either make a claim for repairs or proceed to litigation to recover monetary damages for construction defects.  Keep in mind that there is no requirement that you have to be the original owner to file a claim.  Subsequent owners are subject to the same 10 year period for construction defects as the original owners, regardless of what the builder claims.

The law office of Schoech Law Group has helped many homeowners across Northern California, recovering favorable settlements in claims against their builders and contractors.  We handle cases in counties such as Alameda, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, and many others all the way down to Santa Barbara County.  We have over 40 years of combined legal experience to prosecute your claim.

Listen to the live recording of Matt Schoech, construction defect attorney and partner, as he informs property owners of their legal rights, and determine if you need to call him for a FREE CONSULTATION.  You can reach Matt at (916) 569-1940, or e-mail him directly at matt@norcallawfirm.com. 
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Schoech Law Group, construction and real estate law attorneys, and Business Advantage members of the Sacramento Kings attended a recent game against the Houston Rockets! Attorneys and paralegals were available to answer questions concerning construction defect and real estate claims.

Schoech Law Group prosecutes claims on behalf of local businesses and homeowners who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances dealing with defective construction in their commercial or residential property.  With over 40 years of combined legal experience the knowledgeable attorneys and staff practice in such a specialized area of law and help the owners of any defective property that is less than 10 years old. Whether it’s a new property built or if you have had defective remodel work performed within the last 10 years, Schoech Law Group is on your side.  The firm also handles claims relating to real estate fraud/failure to disclose, breach of contract claims, SB800/Right toRepair, Homeowner Association’s construction disputes, and more.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a construction and real estate law attorney at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your property! We focus on construction defect and real estate litigation on a Contingency Fee basis.  No recovery, no fee!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Schoech Law Group has recently settled a single home lawsuit against a major California home builder in Placer County.  The case was filed nearly two years ago in Placer County Superior Court when the original homeowners of a single-family residence began experiencing construction failures, deficiencies and damages to personal property.  After reaching a road block in their negotiations with the builder, the homeowners contacted Schoech Law Group, who immediately sued the builder and aggressively sought resolution.  Schoech Law Group filed a lawsuit alleging the builder was liable on multiple basis, including defective product liability, negligence, breach of implied warranty, among others.

The defects included water intrusion through windows and doors, which resulted in water damage to other areas of the house including window sills, drywall and framing.  There were also multiple windows whose seals had broken resulting in fogging and staining of the glass, missing and cracked roof tiles, roof leaks, stucco cracks, and excessive concrete slab cracks, among others.

By way of the settlement, our clients will receive enough compensation from the builder to make repairs.  Because this case was handled on a contingency basis, the clients were never required to pay any out of pocket attorney fees through the pendency of the case.  Ultimately, fees were deducted only upon the receipt of the settlement funds.

If you have hit a brick wall with your builder and are tired of mere "band-aid" repairs or no repairs at all, call the construction defect law firm of Schoech Law Group at (916) 569-1940 for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Managing partner and construction defect attorney, Matt Schoech, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the owner of a Bay Area, multi-million dollar home in San Mateo County.  The custom home was built in 2005 and has a defective pool that is cracking and leaking, causing damage to the deck and surrounding areas that will cost the homeowner tens of thousands of dollars to repair.  Anderson | Schoech has retained a pool expert who recently conducted a preliminary inspection to evaluate the defective conditions.  The expert’s findings confirmed our client’s allegations of swimming pool defects.  The expert’s defect report will be used to prosecute our client’s lawsuit.

Does My Leaking Pool Warrant a Construction Defect Lawsuit?

If you suspect your pool is leaking and losing water or have noticed cracking within or around the pool a construction defect lawsuit may be warranted.  You may want to hire an inspector to determine how much damage there is and the cost to repair the defective pool.  Some leaks are quick and fairly affordable to repair without the need of litigation while other leaks may require the replacement of the entire pool.  Most experts will conduct tests to determine if the pool is leaking and may provide a formal report so that you can decide whether it is worth it for you to proceed with legal action against the pool contractor.  A construction law attorney at our office can help you make that decision and offer various legal options based on the specific details of your case.  Each situation is different so please consult with one of our attorneys.  Anderson | Schoech is experienced in litigating claims concerning swimming pool defects.  One of our most recent settlements for a defective pool case involves a custom pool that was leaking wherein the client received a favorable settlement including statutory attorneys’ fees.  Call us today at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Northern California construction defect attorney at a no-cost consultation. We focus on construction defect litigation on a contingency fee basis, no recovery, no fee.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

If you own a home under 10 years old you should know your legal rights and beware of home builders making false representations regarding warranties for construction defects claims.  It is important for a homeowner to know their legal rights.  A true example, a homeowner began to notice that the front door to their house would not open, it was literally wedged shut.  There were cracks throughout the house a quarter of an inch wide, and when they called the builder they were told that all the cracks and the door sticking was a result of  "normal settlement."  The builder candidly admitted that perhaps the door was installed improperly, but that didn’t explain the cracking walls.  A combination of sticking doors, windows, and cracking in the drywall and stucco is often indicative of geotechnical related issues.  As with the above example, builders may try to downplay the issues and make minor cosmetic repairs instead of addressing the underlying issue.  Don’t let the builder’s "band-aid" repairs cause you to delay in bringing your claim.

Furthermore, we have witnessed time and time again where some builders tell homeowners that they only have a one to two year warranty on any given issue and the claim is out of warranty and lead homeowners to believe that they have no rights.  California law says that a property owner has up to 10 years from substantial completion of construction for most construction defect claims to bring a lawsuit against the builder.  So it is important to know that a builder could misrepresent what a homeowner’s rights are.  Therefore, if you are a homeowner who is having a difficult time with warranty claims to the builder the Schoech Law Group, PC, can help.  One of our experienced construction litigation attorney’s will determine whether you should continue working with the builder, if a warranty claim should be covered, or whether it’s time to proceed with litigation.  The Schoech Law Group, PC, handles construction defect litigation on a Contingency Fee basis, meaning no upfront attorney costs.  If there is no recovery, there is no fee.  Call our office for a free consultation at (916) 569-1940 or e-mail us at advice@norcallawfirm.com to learn your legal rights.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

How Do I Know If My Property Has Construction Defects?

Before we can answer this we must first define a "construction defect."  A "construction defect" is a legal term of art that requires expert opinion to determine.  Typically it involves negligent construction or design of a building component or it could involve defective products or materials.  Typically you can recover for construction defects if those defects are causing damage to other building components or if the defective component is still under warranty with the builder.  Defects in a property can include:

• Water intrusion through leaky windows
• Roof leaks and ceiling stains
• Interior drywall cracks or stucco cracks
• Foundation/soil movement under or near building
• Cracked foundation and slabs
• Plumbing, mechanical, or electrical system failures
• Swimming Pool Losing Water

Look around your property to see if you are experiencing any of these problems or anything else that does not appear to be right with the construction of your home.  Talk to you neighbors and it is very likely that they may be experiencing similar problems.  If you have found construction issues that your builder/contractor is unwilling to repair, call and speak with an experienced  construction attorney at Anderson | Schoech to learn your legal rights. 

We provide free consultations to frustrated property owners and will evaluate your potential claim.  We handle the majority of our cases on a contingency fee basis so if there is no recovery, there is no fee!  Call us at (916) 569-1940 or email Matthew R. Schoech, Esq., directly at matt@norcallawfirm.com to learn your legal rights.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The Northern California attorneys of Schoech Law Group have been retained by a group of 10 homeowners located in the center of California’s San Joaquin Valley in Merced County.  The homeowners who live in the tract-home development in the city of Los Banos have reported various construction defects including drywall and stucco cracks, exterior concrete cracks, plumbing leaks with damage to first floor living areas, shower leaks, electrical deficiencies, inadequate HVAC units, cracks in garage slabs, cracks around the windows, baseboards separating from the wall, and counter tile cracks.

Schoech Law Group attorney, Robert Finkle, will be prosecuting the claims and bringing in an expert in the construction field to conduct a complete investigation of each home.  The costs for these investigative inspections will be paid for by the law office in advance and reimbursed to the attorneys at the end of the case through any settlement recovery received by the clients.  The case is being handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning that attorney fees will only be deducted if there is a monetary settlement received by the clients.  If there is no recovery, there is no fee. 

Schoech Law Group prosecutes construction defect cases in all of Northern California and offers free consultations to owners of residential and commercial property.  Whether you believe you have construction defects in a property that is less than 10 years old, or you have had a defective remodel job done within the last ten years, call our office and speak with one of our experienced attorneys.  Schoech Law Group has a combined legal experience, focusing on construction defect law, for over 40 years!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

For the 3rd consecutive year partner and construction attorney, Matt Schoech, is dedicating his upper lip for the month of November to grow a stache for a global movement better known as Movember–all in the interest of men’s health. All around the world the month of November has become a platform where men are challenged to grow a moustache in an effort to raise funds to combat prostate and testicular cancer. Funds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the LiveStrong Foundation, and other great organizations. Matt Schoech is part of the group "Mown It!" which has already raised over $3,300 for this great cause. Donations can be made at http://mobro.co/mrschoech.

Excerpt from Movember website:
Movember is A Global Movement
"Since its humble beginnings in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 3 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate across 21 countries worldwide.

In 2012, over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world joined the movement, raising USD $147.0 million. In the US, over 209,000 Mo’s raised $21.0 million."

Learn more about Movember: http://us.movember.com/about

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Construction & real estate lawyer, Robert Finkle, of Schoech Law Group has been retained by the owner of a single family home located in Marin County that may be the victim of a bad flip. The property was purchased by his client in February of this year from a contractor who flipped the home, concealed and covered up defects which later came to surface only a short time after the client moved in.

Other parties will be brought into the case, including an entity that purchased millions of dollars in homes over the last couple of years, “flipped” them, and re-sold them for a profit. We believe there may be other single family homes that could be the victims of bad “fix and flip” jobs. In this case, the home appears to be suffering from significant movement due to a bad foundation repair applied by the contractor.

If you recently purchased a home that underwent major renovations or remodeling before being sold to you and you are noticing poor workmanship or construction defects please call our office for a free consultation.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

ROSEVILLE—

Solar panels are supposed to create energy and save money.

“We were excited about it because so much had been written about solar and how it would reduce our electrical bill,” said Edward Snyder a concerned homeowner.

Roseville was in the process of becoming the largest solar community in the nation, so several hundred families moved into what they thought would be their dream home.

“We basically purchased it because it had solar panels on it,” said Jennifer Everett, a concerned homeowner.

Many of the families soon found out their dream home was, really, a nightmare.

“The first thing that happened was the savings weren’t there,” Snyder said.

Snyder became angry that the $17,000 system he paid for only saved him about $500 a year. After more than a year of fighting, he gave up – until he had a fire.

“The solar system caught fire. The shingles caught fire. It was pretty scary … There was a lot of smoke coming off of that roof,” said Snyder.

The insurance report and investigation revealed that the fire started in the center of one of Snyder’s solar panels. The panel got too hot, fried the wiring and caused the roof to ignite.

“I am totally pissed off, not only at the builder, but the government,” said Snyder.

Read more: http://fox40.com/2013/11/04/solar-panels-cant-take-the-heat/#ixzz2jnWcYrUp

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The construction law attorneys of Schoech Law Group have recently filed a construction defect lawsuit in Northern California’s San Joaquin County against a local builder. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a group of frustrated owners who purchased their single family residence in a new tract-home community. Several homes are suffering from severe water intrusion through the windows resulting in interior water damage. After a rush filing of the group action case in the county court, construction law attorney, Matthew Schoech, was able to protect the legal rights of his clients whose homes are approaching the ten-year statute of limitations.

California law contains a “statute of limitations” which puts a maximum time limit of 10 years in which a homeowner may bring a lawsuit against the builder/developer for construction defects. The time limit is contained in the California Code of Civil Procedure, section 337.15.

An amended complaint to the lawsuit is being filed this week adding new homes that are also near the ten-year statute of limitations. If you’re the owner of a home in San Joaquin County, or other area that is less than 10 years old and would like a free consultation to determine whether the construction defects in your home warrant a claim against your builder, please call our office today!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The Construction law attorneys of Schoech Law Group have filed a group action lawsuit against Brookfield Homes in San Mateo County Court. The attorneys are representing a group of homeowners who live in a 50+ tract-home subdivision, located less than 5 miles away from the San Francisco Bay. Construction began in Landmark at the Ridge in 2003 and finished around 2009. Several homeowners are now experiencing premature dry rot issues in the exterior, decorative wood trim, window frames and sills. There is also dry rot on the wooden balconies and loose railings causing a safety hazard. One party guest almost fell off the second story balcony due to the loose railings that the builder failed to properly repair.

There are other defects such as failing sewage system pumps, roof leaks, dry rot underneath shingles, and interior water stains near windows that some homeowners have been forced to repair at their expense. Schoech Law Group will have all their clients’ homes inspected by an architectural expert as part of the first steps in seeking fair compensation from the builder.

The construction law attorneys are handling this case on a contingency fee basis, meaning no hourly attorney fees. Fees will only be taken out of the client’s recovery at the successful completion of this case. If there is no recovery, there is no fee to our clients.

If you purchased a residential or commercial property that is less than 10 years old and have noticed premature construction problems such as dry rot, roof or window leaks, plumbing problems, mold or other defects that the builder is unwilling to repair please call our office for a free consultation.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The California construction defect attorney of Anderson | Schoech will be filing a lawsuit this month in Tuolumne County on behalf of the owner of a single family residence in Sonora, CA. The 1952 single family home was part of a renovation loan program put on by Tuolumne County. The remodeling job included renovations of the roof and now the roof is sliding off the siding of the garage. There are problems with the roof leaking and causing black mold in the bathroom of the garage and surrounding areas. Anderson | Schoech will have the home inspected by a general contractor who will be used as an expert witness in the case. The case is being handled on a contingency fee basis which means the owner will not pay any up front attorney fees until the completion of the case and attorney fees will only be deducted from any settlement proceeds.

If you have had a defective remodel job done in your kitchen, bathroom, roof, deck or an addition to your single family residence or commercial property within the past ten years, or have purchased a home that is less than 10 years old that has construction defects, call Anderson | Schoech for a free consultation. One of our construction defect lawyer’s will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The construction and real estate attorneys at Schoech Law Group are proud to announce its 4th consecutive year as an official sponsor of the $100,000 Sacramento Challenger, a USTA Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament!

The Challenger tournament will commence September 27th through October 6th, 2013 where prominent players strive to reach Finals weekend on October 5th-6th and the grand prize money of $100,000.

Join Schoech Law Group and hundreds of people who will visit the racquet club and watch the pros over 8 days of intense swings and vigorous serves all while enjoying great food and drinks! The tournament, which is one of six $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit events, will be held at the Natomas Racquet Club in Sacramento. For additional information about the event visit their website at www.sacramentochallenger.com.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

California Construction Defect Attorney – Defective Solar Panels Class Action Lawsuit

The northern California construction defect attorney of Anderson | Schoech law firm will be filing a class action lawsuit for defective solar panels against a reputable home builder in Sacramento County on behalf of a growing number of homeowners who purchased their homes from 2006-2012. The homeowners are seeking recovery for replacement of the defective roof tiles, increased utility bills, diminution in value, and other damages. The builder in this new subdivision had advised the homeowners to refrain from using their solar panels as they attempted to work out a fix for the defective conditions.

Recently it was determined by the builder that the repairs were ineffective. Through the Sacramento law firm’s preliminary investigation it was determined that the solar panels on several homes in the development are operating at only about 50% capacity or less. Already a homeowner has had their solar roof tiles burn out and this has also created a significant risk of fire. If your home has defective solar roof tiles which were installed as part of original construction you may have rights against your builder. Our firm handles cases on a Contingency fee basis so there are NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS and if there is no recovery, there is no fee. All owners, whether original or subsequent, may bring suit against their builder, and homes purchased through a short sale or foreclosure also qualify.

If you believe your home has defective solar panels, please call one of our attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION to get answers to your questions and to determine whether or not you have a valid claim against the builder.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

We have just completed two binding arbitrations as required by the D. R. Horton Sales Agreement for a 5-home case and for a 26-home case. These homes are located in Imperial County down by the Mexican border and they suffered from defects including soil movement, windows, improper attachment of roofs, drywall cracking and problems with the heating and air conditioning systems.

In the five-home case we obtained a binding arbitration award of approximately $150,000.00, primarily because of the soil movement issues which affected these homes. In the 26-home case we obtained a binding arbitration award of approximately $260,000.00, approximately $10,000.00 per house, and both cases involved extensive analysis of the California SB 800 Law.

Although only coming into prominent use recently, the SB 800 Law is in fact ten years old this year and it sets standards for construction for new residential units and procedures for trying to resolve construction defect claims without litigation. Developers have generally been using the SB 800 Law not to resolve cases but to delay resolution of cases. We are now in a new boom cycle of construction of homes and it will be interesting to see if construction standards are higher and if developers act in good faith to use SB 800 to resolve construction defect lawsuits.

Personally, I do not believe that most developers are going to act in good faith. However, I think they have been sued now for over a quarter of a century and that building standards will have improved at least slightly. In any case, every new home sales contract will have a reference to SB 800 and to binding arbitration of disputes. New home buyers should insist on seeing all of the documents they will be asked to sign at least a week or two in advance of the closing date and escrow so that they have a chance to review them and/or take them to a real estate attorney to fully understand the rights that they are signing away when they sit in the office with the escrow agent. Generally, developers will refuse to give you those documents which could be a warning sign about the condition of the new house that you have fallen in love with.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Schoech Law Group extends a warm hand to a special organization called Operation Backpack. Schoech Law Group donated one backpack and Schoech Law Group employees, Brenda Graham and Matt and Selah Schoech, donated two more backpacks to make 3 of 51 backpacks on behalf of the Sacramento Legal Secretaries Association Operation Backpack drive. The SLSA goal was nearly doubled from the original goal of 30 backpacks to 51.

Operation Backpack is an annual drive to fill backpacks with school supplies for homeless and low-income children in grades ranging from Kindergarten through High School. Operation Backpack is organized by the Volunteers of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1896. To find out more, see http://www.voa-ncnn.org/Events/Greater-Sacramento/Operation-Backpack.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

We would like to congratulate California construction defect lawyer and partner of the firm, Matthew Schoech, for being named a 2013 Super Lawyers Rising Star for the second year in a row! Super Lawyers is a publishing organization that rates outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas throughout the United States who have achieved a high level of recognition from their peers and professional achievement. Only 2.5 percent of California state lawyers are named on the list, and therefore, is an honorable recognition for any practicing attorney. If you are in need of an experienced construction defect and real estate attorney call the law firm of Schoech Law Group for a free consultation!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

California Construction Defect Attorney – Statute of Limitations in New Home Construction Actions

Construction defect lawyer, Robert Finkle, gives a live legal report on the Mark Montgomery Show, Talk 650am KSTE as heard every Saturday morning from 6-8am. In his report Robert gets back to the basics of Anderson Schoech and talks about the statute of limitations in new home construction actions.

Generally a statute of limitation is a law created by the Legislature that says you are barred from bringing a lawsuit after a certain amount of time has passed. Being barred by a statute of limitations does not mean your person or property isn’t injured, it just means you waited too long to pursue your remedy. In the case of new home construction, the Legislature has done a fine job of making the statute of limitations as complicated as possible.

The way the law used to be, you would have 3 to 4 years from the discovery of a problem and up to 10 years to file a lawsuit. However the law recently changed and for homes built after January 1, 2003 it gets dicey.

• For example, you now have a firm 1 year from the close of escrow to file a lawsuit for defects to irrigations systems but 2 years to sue for issues with landscaping.
• And you have 2 years from the close of escrow to sue for issues with wood fencing but 4 years for issues with steel and composite fencing.
• You get 4 years from the close of escrow to file a lawsuit for defects with plumbing or electrical issues, driveway and concrete flatwork issues;
• 5 years for exterior paint but only 1 year for fit and finish items like interior paint, cabinetry, mirrors, and flooring.
• The same 10 year outside statute applies under the new law so once your 10 years out, you’re out of luck. Did you get all that?

The point to be made is how incredibly complex it is to go on your own if you’re having issues with your new home builder. Schoech Law Group has been navigating these issues since the late 70’s and if you’re having an issue with a new home builder, you should contact us for a free consultation.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Construction Defect Attorney in California – Fund the Courts!

The judiciary is one of the three branches of our state and federal government and a cornerstone of the “checks and balance” system in our democracy.

Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers that the judiciary “…is in continual jeopardy of being overpowered, awed, or influenced by the other branches.” This prophetic sentiment cannot be understated in the context of our present California court system. In the last 5 years the California Legislature and the Governor have made and approved unprecedented cuts of over $1 billion from the State Court budget.

The budget cuts have caused massive layoffs and court closures, which hurt the economy, however, that is not the worst of the economic impact. Imagine a fledgling business in a new industry having contract dispute that could mean the life or death of the new business. The courts are the only body with the authority to consider the dispute and order bad actors to comply with the law. In the past resolution could generally be had within six months to a year. With the underfunded court system now limping along, the new business would be lucky if their case was heard within 18 months of filing and could expect at least two full years to pass. This type of delay and uncertainty will further harm California’s fragile economic recovery by driving new business to a state with a functioning and predictable court system.

Schoech Law Group humbly requests you contact your state and local representatives and demand they return funding to the courts!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Construction Defect Lawyer California – What You Should Know About Arbitration

An issue that has been coming up recently in our practice is the use of arbitration. Arbitration is the process of using a neutral and private third party, as opposed to the court system to resolve disputes. Generally arbitration is invoked through the use of an arbitration clause in a contract and these days it is almost guaranteed that you are party to a contract that includes an arbitration provision. Some examples of typical contracts using arbitration clauses are those involving cell phones, credit cards, employment and even home purchases and homeowners associations, which is where arbitration shows up in our practice.

Now there are some pros and cons to arbitration that should be considered before agreeing to arbitrate:

Among the pros: (1) Arbitration is private and proceedings are not part of the public record, unlike court, (2) arbitration is generally quicker than our overworked court system, (3) resolution is generally final and certain, (4) the costly discovery process is much more limited and thus can be less costly.

Among the cons: (1) You give up your right to a jury trial in arbitration, (2) arbitration can actually cost more because arbiters charge by the hour, unlike judges, (3) the rules of evidence do not apply, which means the arbiter may consider evidence that would never make it into court, (4) there is generally no appeals process, meaning if you get a bad decision you’re stuck with it.

There are many factors to consider and so if you have questions about arbitration, whether you are considering entering into a contract that includes one of these clauses, you are weighing invoking your right to arbitration, or you’ve been given a notice of arbitration, you can contact the construction defect lawyer California of Schoech Law Group for a free consultation.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Attorney, Robert Finkle, of Schoech Law Group will be giving his knowledgeable legal report on Saturday, April 20th at 7:00 a.m. on the Mark Montgomery Show, Small Biz Talk Radio as heard on Talk 650am KSTE from 6 – 8 a.m. Tune in each Saturday morning and learn something new regarding construction and real estate law that you may need to be aware of for your commercial or residential property.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Four Tips to Ensure Your Construction Project Runs Smoothly

Springtime is amongst us and with that comes new construction projects. Whether it’s a new house, new roof, new windows, remodel/addition to your home or swimming pool, the following four tips can help make your project run smoothly:

1. Verify the Contractors Credentials: Go to the contractor’s state licensing board at www.cslb.ca.gov and make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded. If your project is $500 or more (including labor and materials) the contractor must be licensed by the state of California.
2. Verify the Contractor’s Insurance: There is no legal obligation that the contractor carry commercial general liability insurance (CGL) but, if something goes wrong, you need to make sure that you are covered. Ask the contractor for a current certificate of insurance and verify that the scope of work on your project is covered under their policy. Often times, unless you are working with large contracting operations, damages stemming from construction defects may far exceed the contractor’s financial viability making it crucial that they have CGL insurance to cover them and you in case something goes wrong.
3. Ask for References: Do the due diligence and ask the contractor for references. Questions to ask the references include 1) timeliness: Did the contractor complete the project in a timely fashion? 2) Quality: Did the quality of the workmanship meet or go above your expectations? 3) Temperament: Was the contractor professional and easy to work with. Did they communicate well with you at each phase of the project and discuss any problems that arose? How was the contractor’s temperament throughout the project? 4) Previous litigation? Check the local superior court website to search for prior lawsuits against the contractor. Some counties, like Sacramento, have all pleadings available online (www.saccourt.ca.gov).
4. Get it In Writing: A well negotiated contract today will save you some litigation tomorrow. Make sure the contract clearly lays out the price of the project, the possibility of change orders and how they are handled. All change orders must be in writing and signed by you. Also, a contractor may only require a down payment of 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, and can only require payment for work performed. Do not give advances and do not pay in cash and be sure to keep a job file with all project papers and proof of payments.

Following the above tips can help ensure the smooth running of your construction project and make sure that you are protected should something go wrong. In the unfortunate event that something does go wrong call the experienced California construction defect lawyers at the Anderson | Schoech law firm for a free consultation.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

California’s Small Biz Talk Radio Meets Northern California’s Construction & Real Estate Law Attorney

“Partner, Matt Schoech, recently appeared live in-studio to interview with Mark Montgomery, talk host for The Mark Montgomery Show, California’s Small Business Talk Radio, heard on Talk 650am KSTE each Saturday morning from 6-8am.  In the interview Matt Schoech touches on various subjects that are of interest to residential and commercial property owners.   One  particular issue is for new owners who are in the market for residential or commercial property and decide to purchase from a renovation company, or a “flipper”, who is in the business of buying homes in foreclosure on the courthouse steps for pennies on the dollar.  The “flippers” then often make cosmetic repairs thereby potentially concealing serious construction issues.  The “flippers” are still required under California law to disclose material facts, including repairs, but often times disclaim any knowledge of defects and make statements such as “We have never occupied the property and have no knowledge of its past or present condition.”    These types of situations could result in Failure to Disclose cases that the attorneys at Anderson | Schoech have experience in handling.

Construction defect attorney in California, Matt Schoech also shares that the average homeowner isn’t aware that they have legal rights against their builder, or general contractor for defective construction, be it new construction or remodeling jobs.  A builder may respond to a homeowner’s warranty request by sending a warranty representative to a home to inspect a stucco or foundation crack only to be told by the builder’s representative that it’s “normal cracking” or the cracks are not big enough to repair.  False representations may be made by a home warranty rep and owners should be wary of this type of response, and call a construction defect attorney to thoroughly evaluate their issues.

Another important recommendation for owners looking to hire a contractor to perform remodeling work or construction of a new home, it is important to make sure the contractor has adequate insurance to cover defective workmanship.  In an effort to cut down costs, it is not uncommon for builders/contractors to do work without general liability insurance or to purchase the cheapest policy that provides little to no coverage for the work being performed.  Before hiring a contractor owners should require proof of insurance to make sure they are covered.”

Click here to listen to the complete interview (link)

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Schoech Law Group has made it easier for you to spread the word about our firm! Our website can now be accessed through www.norcalLawfirm.com. Our original domain at www.andersonschoech.com will continue to remain functional while our new domain at norcalLawfirm.com will make it easier for you to remember. Homeowners, commercial owners, HOA managers or anyone looking for more information on how to resolve their construction disputes in Northern California can get the information they need quickly and easily. Tell your friends and help us spread the word!

Don’t forget, Anderson Schoech has gone live each Saturday morning on The Mark Montgomery Show, Talk 650am KSTE, Small Biz Talk Radio from 6-8am. Listen in at the 7:00 hour to hear legal advice from one of the construction defect lawyer’s at Schoech Law Group.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Schoech Law Group has kicked off the first quarter of the year by becoming a proud endorser of California’s small business talk radio as heard on The Mark Montgomery Show! California owners of residential and commercial property should tune in each Saturday morning on Talk 650am KSTE at 7am to hear valuable nuggets of information in our 2-minute legal reports given by one of the knowledgeable attorneys at Schoech Law Group.

The Mark Montgomery Show can be heard 6-8am every Saturday morning on 650am KSTE. Visit our site frequently as information on how to win Sacramento Kings tickets is forthcoming!
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Arbitration Clauses inserted in Homeowners’ Associations’ CC&RS by Builder are enforceable and create another roadblock to litigation

Covenant to Arbitrate Construction Defect Disputes Is Enforceable

“Promenade at Playa Vista Homeowners Assn. v. Western Pacific Housing, Inc., No. B225086, (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 6, 2012)

Covenants Enforcement/Developmental Rights: The California appeals court agreed that a developer could require binding arbitration to resolve disputes it had with the homeowners association it developed, where the declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions contains a mandatory arbitration clause.
Promenade at Playa Vista Homeowners Assn. v. Western Pacific Housing, Inc., 200 Cal. App. 4th 849 (Nov. 8, 2011) (reported in the January 2013 issue of Law Reporter) was overturned by the California Supreme Court (287 P.3d 68 (Oct. 10, 2012)). The following is a report of the latest developments in the case.

Western Pacific Housing, Inc. and Playa Capital Company, LLC (developers) constructed, marketed and sold units in Promenade at Playa Vista, a 90-unit condominium in Playa Vista, Calif. Before Promenade at Playa Vista Homeowners Association (association) was incorporated or the first unit had been sold, the developers recorded a declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) against the property, which included a mandatory arbitration provision requiring that any disputes between the developers and the association be submitted to binding arbitration.

Read entire article here: http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/cailaw/issues/2013-02-21.html#5
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Bradley A. Schuber, associate attorney of Clayton M. Anderson & Associates, Southern California Construction Defect Division, has been elected President of the Foothills Bar Association of San Diego County. The Foothills Bar Association in San Diego County is an organization made up of judges, attorneys, and others who live or work in the county. With its origination 50 years ago it has fostered a close working relationship between the bench and bar in East County. Brad was elected in December and was officially sworn in by Honorable Eddie Sturgeon at their Annual Dinner celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Brad also received recognition for his hard work on the Board of Directors last year and was praised for his enthusiasm and plans for the upcoming year. Congratulations Brad for this challenging and admirable position!
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

MCLE Self-Study Article:

The Ten Year Anniversary of SB 800

“Mission Accomplished or Missed Opportunity”

By Robert Miller, Jan A Gruen, Lance B. Smith, Conor A. Meyers, and Matthew R. Schoech

In an effort to grapple with widespread complaints of an epidemic of construction defect lawsuits, on September 20, 2002, California enacted Senate Bill 800, codified as Title 7 of Part 2 of Division 2 of the California Civil Code. The Act was a comprehensive statutory scheme enacted in response to a perceived crisis of runaway construction defect claims in the California homebuilding industry. At the time, many observers believed the mounting volume and intensity of such litigation caused rampant increases in insurance premiums for contractors and builders, was a deterrent to new home construction, and generally served as a drag on the California Economy.

Download entire article>> (PDF)

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Buyer Beware – House Flipping is Hot Again

Buying a home with the intention of fixing it up and selling for a profit is a growing trend in Northern California as banks continue to sell foreclosed homes at record low prices. While many “house flippers” hold valid contractor’s licenses and have the requisite experience to make repairs and upgrades, other flippers are unlicensed and have little more experience than the average person when it comes to home repair and improvement. In attempt to make the property more appealing these inexperienced flippers often make unpermitted improvements that cover up serious issues with the home leaving the eventual buyer with a mess. Installing new flooring over cracked and damaged concrete foundations and wood trim and paint over areas showing water damage are just a few ways that flippers attempt to make a property more appealing, while covering up serious material defects.

What many flippers do not understand is that California Civil Code Section 1102 et seq. and common law require a seller to disclose all material defects and repairs made to the property to the potential buyer. Failure to do so can result in civil liability and result in a money award in favor of the buyer.

Have you recently purchased a home that looked to be in perfect condition when you bought it but now is suffering from serious issues? You may be the unwitting victim of an unqualified home flipper and entitled to money damages. Call Sacramento construction defect lawyer at Anderson | Schoech for a free case evaluation!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

If you see a problem with your roof, you should call an expert to help you assess your needs. You should also avoid walking on the roof whenever possible. However, the following is a list of places to check which can often help identify a problem early on.

1. Survey your roof visually from the ground. Each row of tiles or shingles should be even. Look for any missing, “slipped” or damaged tiles or shingles. Replace any missing tiles or shingles as soon as possible to avoid damage to the water proofing and sheathing below.
2. Take a look around your attic. Make note of any damp or water-damaged timbers in the roof structure and look for any stains on wood framing or insulation.
3. Make sure that the vents in the eaves are not covered with insulation. They allow air to circulate through the attic.
4. It may be necessary to cement down the edges of any “curled” shingles.
5. Look for stains under the eaves and behind the trim in areas where the roof overhangs an exterior wall. Water in these areas is often the result of problems higher up the slope of the roof.
6. If you are not comfortable with climbing onto your roof do not hesitate to call a professional roofer.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Storm in Sacramento Valley Wreaks Havoc on Yards

For those of you who have ventured out of your home after the last storm you probably noticed a big change in your yard. The branches of your beautiful shade tree that was once adorned with golden leaves is now barren. But wait…where the heck did the sidewalk and patio go??? All you can see is a carpet of wet leaves!

It is important in between storms or heavy rain to take a walk around your yard to see if it suffered any damage. Tree limbs, leaves and other debris can damage your home, roof, fencing and yard drainage especially during a storm with high winds and rain. A quick survey of your yard could save you from some costly damage to your home and yard if you can catch it in time.

Here is a quick check list of areas to inspect:

1. Are your gutters clogged?
2. Check roof for any large debris and limbs that need to be trimmed back from the roof.
3. Make sure your yard drainage system is not blocked by leaves.
4. Clean up leaves as much as you can to prevent future clogging of your yard drains.
5. Do a survey of your fence. Are the posts secured? Are all the slats still in place?

A few minutes of your time now can save you from some disaster later.
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Sacramento Construction Defect Lawyer – Is Your Roof Ready?

Many California’s strive to achieve the American dream of owning a home because ownership can provide long term financial security and stability for your family. But few recognize that homes are complex systems with many separate components which must work together to keep occupants safe, dry and secure. One in particular, the roof, is all that stands between a homeowner and the sometimes harsh elements of wind, rain or snow.

The roof of a home, working in conjunction with the windows and walls, is what separates your from the outside elements. If the roof leaks or fails it can have devastating effects on the rest of the home and on the occupants. When problems do occur, owners of newer homes expect the developer to come forward and help resolve the problem. Occasionally, however, that trust is misplaced and owners can be left, literally, cold and wet.

The top of a house is much more than just the tiles or shingles you can see from the outside. A roof is a system composed of wood trusses, normally hidden from view, which help create the architectural outline of the home. But more importantly, the trusses form the foundation for the weatherproofing to keep the elements out.  On top of the trusses is attached sheathing, the roofing felt, tile or shingles, as well as plumbing vent jacks, flashing, chimneys and other components. All of these components work together to ensure the weather stays out and the house stays dry.

If something goes wrong during the construction of the roof system it often shows up as stains on ceilings, walls, carpeting and furnishings. In extreme cases, water from roof leaks can cause rotting to wood framing and mold growth inside walls or attic areas.
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

The attorneys at Anderson | Schoech are donating their time and their upper lip this month to raise money for men’s health. Movember is a great charity and cause which raises money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the LIVEstrong Foundation, and others (http://us.movember.com/about/funding-overview/). The statistics are scary. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This year alone 242,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 8,290 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The yearly Movember charitable campaign started in 2003 and it is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. The “Mo Bros” at the law firm of Anderson Schoech began Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless men groom, trim and wax their way into the recorded history of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts. Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Parties held around the world by Movember, for Movember.

The team at Anderson | Schoech has raised closed to $1,500 for the cause and hope to raise over $2,000. Help us beat cancer! Donate at http://us.movember.com/team/601129.
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

A settlement is pending in Kern County for a single-family residence in a failure to disclose case wherein the previous occupant/hoarder kept large quantities of animals in poor condition on the property. When occupied by the animal hoarder, the property suffered extensive damage from large quantities of animal feces and urine. When Plaintiffs moved into the property, they neither knew nor suspected of any defects and problems with the property or knew of the defendants’ fraud at the time of purchase. Shortly after moving into the property the plaintiffs began experiencing health issues including, but not limited to breathing difficulty, dizziness, muscle weakness, skin irritation, and vision loss, amongst other problems. The Plaintiffs discovered the defects when strong urine and sewage smells began emanating from the property and discovered dry rot in the sub floor. Plaintiffs discovered that an animal hoarder rented the property prior to its sale and that defendants covered up the defects prior to its sale. Plaintiffs will be seeking monetary damages and the claims are being litigated on a contingency fee basis.
 

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Everyone remembers the housing heydays in the early to mid-2000s. Housing prices were rising at unprecedented rates and builders were cranking out homes just as quickly as they could. But what if at least part of the boom was a result of builders artificially inflating prices based on promises they didn’t keep?

Did your builder promise not only a quality built home, but also a vibrant owner-resident community with close access to shopping and schools? Did your builder promise to find a fixed rate loan through an affiliated lender? Were these promises kept?

A construction defect litigation attorney in Sacramento at Anderson | Schoech will pursue builders who sold homes that suffer from roof, window and door leaks, failing stucco, and other defects that were a result of poor workmanship. Moreover, we couple defect actions with claims for false and misleading advertising when we find communities that don’t match up to builder promises and the premium prices you paid. From owners who find themselves living next to a perpetual set of new neighbors as a result of investor owners, to those who were forced to purchase under an adjustable rate mortgage or forfeit their deposits and who find themselves living in a ghost town of foreclosures with none of the promised community benefits, Anderson | Schoech can help!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Anderson | Schoech law firm is currently litigating a lawsuit on behalf of a homeowner’s association in a 226-lot community regarding the various defects found through years of investigation of the septic systems installed on each of the 226 homes.  Through the board and through our law firm, it has been determined that there are massive and ongoing failures of each and every aspect of the septic systems and the association simply does not have the reserves to do the repairs or the major modifications that are and will be necessary in the upcoming years.  The board also does not wish to special assess the owners for these costs until its legal rights have been fully asserted.  Failure of the various systems without repair could result in the county declaring a form of default by the association and moving to assess $20 million in repair costs against the ranch and the individual properties.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Anderson | Schoech has just reached a settlement and recovered $35,000 for a Yuba City homeowner experiencing various defects in the original construction of her single family residence. Through the SB800 process, commonly referred to as the ‘Right to Repair’ law wherein the builder is given the opportunity to make repairs to defective workmanship before the commencement of court litigation, the attorneys were able to reach a speedy settlement in a period of only six months! Amongst other defects, the property was suffering from interior slab cracks, driveway cracks, sub-standard tile flooring, and water intrusion through the windows, to name a few.

If you believe your home or building has construction defects, please call one of our attorneys to get answers to your questions and to determine whether or not you have a valid claim against the builder.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

In the Northern Central Valley of California lies the small, historic city of Colusa located in Colusa County, northwest of Sacramento. Over a dozen owners of tract homes in a small, new housing development are represented by Anderson | Schoech law firm in a construction defect lawsuit against the builder. The 12+ owners of single family residences reside in homes suffering from damages in the original construction such as cracked and stained stucco and drywall, fogged and leaking windows, mold, slipping roof tiles, plumbing leaks, inadequate HVAC system, and much more. The Sacramento attorneys of Anderson | Schoech are representing these owners on a contingency basis, meaning the attorneys are not paid unless there is a monetary recovery.

Construction defect litigation isn’t the only thing happening in the city’s modest population of 6,000. An enthusiastic client shared with our office that award-winning movie director, Norm Hunter, has commenced to film the anticipated movie, COLUSA, a family film based on the tale of Romeo and Juliet with a modern day twist and highlighting the reality of family labor in the rice fields of Colusa County. Of the many features in the film is “the most powerful single-engine plane in the world being used to seed America’s rice farms.” – Norm Hunter. We hope to hear more from our clients as the production progresses.

If you believe your home or building has construction defects, please call one of our attorneys to get answers to your questions and to determine whether or not you have a valid claim against the builder.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

It’s finally Fall, and we all know what that means! It’s gutter cleaning time! Probably one of the most hated of all home maintenance duties, but one of the most important. Roof gutters help protect your home from run-off water. When the gutters are clogged with debris the rain water will build up in the gutters and overflow into areas of the home the gutters were suppose to protect. Also, depending on the size of the gutter, the weight of the run-off water trapped in the gutter can damage your roof and your gutter system. You should typically clean your gutters twice a year, Spring and Summer. If you’re not up to the task or you have a two-story home, check into hiring a professional to do the job.

If you believe your home or building has construction defects, please call one of our attorneys to get answers to your questions and to determine whether or not you have a valid claim against the builder.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Click Here to listen to Matt Schoech giving away tennis tickets on the The Mark Montgomery Show 1380 AM KTKZ, 9/29/12

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Congratulations to our Sacramento attorney and partner, Matt Schoech, for having been selected to the 2012 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars List.  This distinguished recognition is only awarded to 2.5% of the lawyers in the state through a complex selection process.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Anderson | Schoech is in the process of drafting a complaint against a local builder in Vacaville, California, for construction defect damages resulting from foundation movement.  The builder represented to the homeowner that they were going to fully investigate and make the necessary repairs.  The builder did conduct an investigation and came to the conclusion that the foundation movement had caused the damage to the home which included drywall cracks, stucco cracks, sticking windows and doors, and flooring deficiencies.  The builder then, with no engineering, said that the home had stabilized and tried to have the homeowner sign a full release in exchange for $1,700.  The homeowner rightly contacted our law firm and we are investigating the foundation movement which could result in claims in excess of $100,000.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Homeowners at The Ranch, a 226-lot subdivision in Sacramento County, built in the rural area of Wilton, CA by JTS Communities, Inc., are discovering the water well pumps installed in their less than 10-year-old homes are failing.  The cause?  Improper installation.  In some, the well pumps are dropping into their wells.  Robert Nix from Robert Nix Drilling has inspected and repaired several well pumps at The Ranch, and homeowners have spent thousands of dollars in repairs, but not before suffering the inconvenience of no running water.  Mr. Nix has found that if after opening the electric box next to the top of the well pump shaft and noticing that the wires running into the top of the shaft are taut, the pump is dropping.    In one home, the ground wire had already ripped from the grounding screw, but luckily the pump had not shorted out and it had not dropped completely.   The difference between fixing the pump before it drops and recovering and re-mounting the pump is about $2,500; fixing it before it drops runs at about $500.

So who’s at fault?  The builder and it’s subcontractors.  A homeowner should be able to contact their home builder to have this type of failure addressed. However, many homeowners find themselves on their own with little to no response from their builder.  The alternative is to contact a lawyer and potentially join a construction defect lawsuit to have these deficiencies resolved through legal representation.

*Source:  Aug. 2012 Newsletter to homeowners at The Ranch

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Click Here to Listen to Matt Schoech’s Interview on the Mark Montgomery Show 1380 AM KTKZ, 7-7-12

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Attorney and Partner, Matt Schoech, will be interviewed live in the studio this Saturday, July 7th at 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on The Mark Montgomery Show, Small Biz Talk Radio, 1380 KTKZ AM.  Tune in to the Mark Montgomery Show to learn how the law firm of Anderson | Schoech, Sacramento’s construction defect attorneys, can help you recover damages for construction disputes with no money out of your pocket!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

It’s that time again for summer tennis fun! Anderson | Schoech, formerly Anderson & Kriger, is celebrating its 3rd year as a sponsor of the Sacramento Capitals, a professional World TeamTennis franchise in Citrus Heights at Sunrise Marketplace Outdoor Pavilion. Join us for an evening of fast-paced tennis action with world champs Mardy Fish, Lindsay Davenport, and more! Stop by the Anderson | Schoech booth and enter in a drawing to win a family 4-pack to a Sacramento Kings game!

Date(s): July 12 – 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Capitals Stadium @ Sunrise MarketPlace Outdoor Pavilion

5912 Sunrise Mall

Citrus Heights, CA 95610

For additional tennis information visit www.saccaps.com

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Do you change your HVAC system filters regularly? We inspect many homes where the A/C filters are so dirty. This is one of the easiest things to do, and probably the most missed item of maintenance that homeowners fail to do. A clean filter helps to keep the interior air allergen free, dust free, and it will help extend the life of your HVAC system. An HVAC system can be burned as a result of failing to replace the filter regularly. The recommendation is that they are changed every 30 – 60 days and that makes the systems more efficient. The easiest way to determine when a replacement is needed is to just look at it. Most filters are white when they are new. When they start to get gray, time to throw away!

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Sherman Oaks, California
41 condo units with leaking windows and decks, including retrofitted windows, from a $1.5 Million rehabilitation. The HOA of a 30+ year old building hired a contractor to rehabilitate the condominium building, including removal and replacement of all windows and sliding doors with vinyl windows, resurfacing the decks, and plumbing. After charging the HOA over $1 million, the contractor eventually walked off the job having done the work improperly and without finishing his work under the contract. The contractor left the entire building with leaking windows and decks which have caused interior damage to a number of the units.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Perris, California
Homeowners are suing Century Homes Communities for various construction defects. Some homes are experiencing septic system failures.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis

Santa Ana, California
Contractor did not hot mop the shower in this bathroom remodel matter. When the shower was used, it leaked causing water damage, including mold, to drywall. The contractor refuses to fix the poor construction and the owners had to have the mold remediated and still cannot use the shower.

Call us now at (916) 569-1940 to speak with a Sacramento construction defect lawyer at a no-cost consultation. Let us help you protect your home!

We Focus on Construction Defect Litigation on a Contingency Fee Basis