Failure to follow manufacturers instructions for housewrap
Recently, we hired a contractor to install new vinyl siding on our house in Connecticut. Included in the contract, new house wrap was to be installed first. The contractor failed to install the house wrap according to the manufactures instructions. He did not overlap the seams properly, did not tape the seams, failed to flash the outside of the window frames. When I brought it to his attention he told me I had an attitude with him. I brought it up with the inspector who passed off on the job. He stated it met the basic Connecticut building code. He also stated it didn’t meet the manufacture installation directions and it is our responsibility to enforce that part of the contract. We hired an attorney who sent the contractor a demand letter. The contractor chose to ignore the letter. The attorney said we would have to pay several thousands of dollars to bring a lawsuit. I contacted the Department of Consumer Protection who said they would try to negotiate but could not guarantee anything. State building inspector said to make the contractor rip it off and redo it correctly. Easer said then done. So we are out of roughly $30,000 dollars so far. Can anyone offer us any guidance is this matter.
Replies
I can't offer much advice, but did the contractor walk off the job? Make sure he doesn't put a lien on your house, as if you owe him money.
This sounds like a nightmare, sorry to hear it. Good luck.
Is the contractor licensed? I can't speak about your state, but in Calif. if he is not your case is a slam dunk. You could also pursue this in small claims court. In Calif you could go for $10,000.
Vinyl siding is designed to rely on a quality vapor barrier and installation job. Mixing vapor material brands will void each manufactures warranty. If the vapor barrier and siding is not installed per manufacture's instructions the warranty will be void. If the vapor barrier is installed incorrectly the siding is more than likely not installed correctly. I would contact the siding manufacture or a manufacture approved siding installer (for the brand installed on your home) and have them give a full report on the areas installed incorrectly. Another route would be to hire a reputable home inspector with a history of building and field experience. Once all the facts are together I would hire an attorney who is experienced in this type of litigation. If your state allows you put a lean on his bond, I would al least do that until this gets resolved.
The last thing you need is damaged caused by water intrusion which can lead to mold and rot. Spend a couple of thousand now rather than 30k or more later.
As a practical matter, I think you might be best off trying to work something out with the existing contractor. In my experience, state government in CT is close to useless. Going the lawsuit route isn't going to get your house weathertight anytime soon.