Downingtown, Pennsylvania — A jury in Chester County has awarded $3.25 million to three couples from East Brandywine Township in a case involving serious construction defects in their homes. These homeowners took legal action against Southdown Homes, the builder of their development, after experiencing significant water damage attributed to improper installation of building materials.
The plaintiffs purchased their homes for prices ranging from $600,000 to $800,000 at a development known as the Estates at Hideaway Farms. Their lawsuits claimed that issues like water infiltration stemmed from faulty stucco and window installations, leading to substantial damage in their residences.
In what is considered the first trial of over 20 lawsuits filed by residents of Hideaway Farms, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the homeowners on June 5. The plaintiffs alleged multiple counts against Southdown Homes, including negligence, misrepresentation, breach of contract, and violations of consumer law.
Jennifer M. Horn, a founding partner at the law firm representing the homeowners, commented on the jury’s decision, stating it reflected the evidence presented during the trial. In contrast, Southdown Homes has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the homeowners failed to mitigate damages and attributing the alleged issues to natural events or the plaintiffs’ own negligence.
The couples involved in the case detailed their struggles with the defects. Jennifer and Eric Vaichunas, who bought their home in 2012 for $770,000, reported discovering water infiltration problems in 2018. A subsequent inspection revealed improper installations that would cost an estimated $100,000 to repair. The jury awarded them $1.1 million.
Similarly, Jennifer and Michael Campbell, who purchased their home for the same price in 2011, reported issues arising in 2018, including mold due to water infiltration. Their repair costs were also estimated to exceed $100,000, leading to a jury award of $1.2 million.
Finally, homeowners Heather and Steven Simon bought their house in 2015 for $635,000. An inspection in 2019 uncovered defects in the stone veneer, windows, and stucco, alongside mold issues linked to water damage. They estimated repair costs at over $150,000, and the jury awarded them $950,000.
Each family is now left to navigate the aftermath of the trial, as they seek to address the ongoing issues with their homes. Southdown Homes’ representations during the trial suggest they may continue to contest the allegations, leaving the future uncertain for residents of Hideaway Farms.
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