AsktheBuilder.com News: Back from Antigua - BAD JUJU There, Epoxy Repair Video Magic, New Q & As

Published: Wed, 05/27/15

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AsktheBuilder.com News - May 27, 2015

Dear ,

I'm back from Antigua. I was there as an expert witness in a high-profile case concerning construction defects at the home of the Brazilian Ambassador.

Here are my observations about Antigua after visiting it twice - I was there three years ago for the initial inspection of the property to see all the defects:
  • It's a third-world country
  • It's dangerous
  • Daily power outages can be counted on
  • If you have water coming to your home from the municipal system, you don't dare put it inside your body unless you like to drink orange water
  • It's BLAZING HOT in the daytime sun
  • Piracy is still thriving in the Caribbean
So ask me if I had a good time?

The bottom line is I never made it into the courtroom.

I was working for the owner of the home of the Brazilian Ambassador. They held back the last payment of the home because of serious defects. The builder was suing the owner for non-payment.

The builder's attorney filed a bunch of motions the first day of the trial to get three of the four top witnesses for the homeowner thrown out. I was one of the three.

The judge kicked two of them out and limited my testimony to only one SMALL aspect of the defects.

The reason was, "Mr. Carter can't show he has any formal training on roof construction so he's not an expert."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

My CV clearly listed me as a Master Roof Cutter, Master Builder and Roofer. I've built more roofs than the judge has probably read law books cover to cover.

The home owners fired their attorney and the next morning hired an aggressive one that immediately filed an appeal.

We shall see what happens. 

On a positive note, I did make three new friends, Keri, her able fisherman husband Tyler, and Vivyan from Toronto.
My Roof Job

I started the massive re-roof job on my house yesterday.

I'm DONE with asphalt shingles.

I've got IKO shingles on my home that were supposed to last 40 years. They FAILED after 12 years.

CLICK HERE to see an UNBELIEVABLE PHOTO of what 40-year shingles can look like after just 12 years.

I'm putting on DaVinci Roofscapes Single-Width Synthetic Slate Roof Tiles on my house so I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY again about my roof.

The photo below is looking up at the roof from my front porch. It's going to be a fun job!
 
New Q & As for You

Here are some new columns and questions and answers.

Are you THINKING of SUING a builder or remodeler?

Better read this NEW COLUMN of mine:






That's enough.

I need to get up on the roof.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

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