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After my last post, many people approached me for referrals to defect attorneys, forensic architects, and contractors that I've worked with and whom I could recommend (as well as names of several competitive project management firms). As I always say, "you're only as good as your vendors," and I rarely give bad vendors a second chance, so this list is short. But hopefully, it will prove helpful to those of you facing construction defect suits and looming defect reconstruction projects.
If, after reading this you have further questions or need assistance selecting vendors for an upcoming defect suit or reconstruction project, please feel free to contact me. I am always happy to provide guidance and assist clients with vendor selection, and I welcome your questions, defect-related and otherwise. I can be reached toll free at 1-877-I-BEAM-SF (1-877-423-2673) or via email at allison@ibeamsf.com.
Cheers,
ATTORNEY / LAW FIRMS:
Berding & Weil - The firm specializes in construction defect litigation, condo law, and commercial real estate and business law. Tyler Berding writes passionately about the issues affecting community associations and the industry - check out his blog: Condo Issues
Bickel & Associates - Brandon Bickel is the de facto condo law expert in California. He writes The Condominium Bluebook for California (2009 Edition) with Andy Sirkin, THE Tenants in Common (TIC) expert.
Chapman & Intrieri - I've worked with John Chapman significantly. He knows his stuff and is an excellent construction defect litigator and condo law expert. He and his team have successful settled every case I've worked on with him - both as a community association property manager, and defect reconstruction project manager.
FORENSIC ARCHITECTS:
CERA Architecture Group - Principal Jim Moore is my go-to forensic architect. I have worked with Jim on numerous construction defect cases, from initial defect investigations with him as the forensic expert, to reconstructions where he was the project architect. I find Jim extremely easy to work with, he knows his stuff, and he specializes in developing cost-effective repair protocols - which is a GREAT asset for smaller community associations. Pleasant Hill, CA Office: (925) 933-7960
CMA Consulting - "Omar Hindiyeh is regarded as one of the leading consultants in construction defect litigation representing common interest developments. He is a seasoned forensic construction expert, has experience on over 200 investigation projects, and has been declared expert witness on over 200 construction defect litigation cases with over 350 days of testimony." I worked with Omar briefly on a small construction defect case for a 10 unit HOA in San Francisco, but in that short time I found him to be professional, easy going, and very easy to work with. I am happy to refer him to clients. Livermore, CA Office: 925-456-8000
Ferrari Moe - "Nadia Anis has many years of experience in architectural diagnostics with an emphasis on sealants and coatings. Nadia has worked in the construction industry as an estimator and project manager. She also has a background in rehabilitation of historic building facades. Nadia is a licensed architect in California." I have worked with Nadia on several construction defect cases in San Francisco, one for a 27 unit HOA and another for a 33 unit HOA. Nadia is extremely professional and competent. She doesn't sugar coat anything which makes her an excellent expert for defect inspections. San Rafael, CA Office: 415-458-3511
REPAIR / RECONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS:
Dan Daly Construction - Dan Daly is a salty, old school Irish contractor. You can't help but like him and his shoot from the hip commentaries. But like him or not, his crews are professional and his work excellent and cost-conscious. Dan has always been one of my preferred vendors, but he's currently my all-time favorite. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. San Francisco Office: (415) 760-8592. DalyContractor@yahoo.com
Draeger Construction - I love working with Draeger's San Francisco and East Bay teams. Senior Site Supervisor Todd Schulze (now working out of Marin) is always a real joy to work with; as well as painting division superintendent Martin Sepulveda and superintendent Victor Ininguez; estimators Henry Baca and Carlo Baldachinno; Vice President Bill Mann; and owner Jeff Draeger. I've worked with them on numerous small projects under $15K and also ib $100K+ plus projects. They are always professional and do great work. San Francisco Office: (415) 292-9992
Saarman Construction - Saarman has a fantastic team of dedicated professionals, from estimator Justo Tapia, site superintendant John Decuyper and senior site superintendant Ray Serena, to Vice Presidents Mike Lunny and Anthony Mills. Nice guys all, and they are excellent at what they do. I had a great experience working with them on a $3.5MM defect reconstruction (siding and concrete waterproofing). San Francisco Office: (415) 749-2700
HOMEOWNERS REPRESENTATIVE / ADVOCATE
or PROJECT MANAGER
I-Beam Management Associates - Specializing in Reconstruction Management, Project Management of capital repairs and improvements, Owners Advocacy, Special Assessments, Budgets, Project Scheduling, and Board and Membership meetings for the community association industry, etc. - from condo management companies and Homeowners Association Boards, to the AEC Industry professionals which serve them. San Francisco Office/Toll Free: 1-877-I-BEAM-SF (1-877-423-2673)
I.W. Bison - Reconstruction Management, Owners Advocate, Special Assessments, Budgets, Project Scheduling. Livermore, CA Office: 925-456-3600
F.L. Arms & Associates - Construction Management Specialists. Oakland, CA Office (toll free): 888-598-8383
