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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-0370Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS : DODSON, individually and d/b/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING : SYSTEMS, INC. : Defendants : : IN THE COURT OF ~2OMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND cOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 2 LIBERTY AVENUE Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 249-3166 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, dgo/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS : DODSON, individually and dgo/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING : SYSTEMS, INC. : Defendants : : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : C,o' L CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Plaintiffs are Stanley H. Grimwood and Jennifer L. Grimwood, husband and wife, residing at 499 Sample Bridge Road, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025. Defendant is Bradley Farrier, an individual residing at 304A Hillcrest Drive, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17070. Mr. Farner transacts business under the name "Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland". Defendant is Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation doing business at 58 Sunset Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. Defendant Crockett Homes of Pa, Inc. is the Mid-Atlantic Regional office of Defendant National Building Systems, Inc. Defendant Douglas Dodson is an individual residing at 58 Sunset Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. Defendant Dodson represents he does business as Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. Defendant is Natural Building Systems, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation located at 35 Old Route 12 North,Westmoreland, New Hampshire 03467. Defendant is doing business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but has no registered office in this state. Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of certain log home systems, the owner of certain trade names, including "Crockett Log Homes," and markets and sells said homes as "Crockett Log Homes". Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc. and Defendant Famer are the builders and dealers for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. Defendant Farner is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. Plaintiffs became aware through various medias of the availability of log homes known as "Crockett Log Homes". 10. Plaintiffs desired to specifically build a "Crockett Log Homes" and telephoned Crockett Log Homes as listed in the telephone book in July, 1999. 11. Plaintiffs came in contact with Defendant Brad Famer, whom they believed to be an employee, agent or authorized representative of "Crockett Log Homes". 12. Defendant Famer worked with Plaintiffs to confirm the plans for their Crockett Log Home, for ordering the Crockett building package manufactured by Defendant Natural Building System, Inc., and for actual labor in erection of their Crockett Log Home. 13. On or about August 31, 1999, Plaintiffs and Defendant entered into a contract for acquisition and erection of the "Crockett Log Home". A copy of said contract is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference. 14. It is believed and therefore averred that Defendant Famer secured the materials required for the construction of the home from Defendant G. Douglas Dodson, d/b/a/Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. and Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 15. Pursuant to the parties' Agreement, Plaintiffs were obligated to pay to sum of ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($110,000.00) for their "Crockett Log Home". Pursuant to Exhibit "A", all work related to the construction of the Crockett Log Home was to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to local codes and standards. 3 17. Pursuant to Exhibit "A", the Defendant Famer was responsible for completion of the job in accordance with the agreed upon time schedule. 18. It was the agreed to between Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner that the construction was to be completed on or before December 6, 2000. Said work was not completed as of that date and hindered relocation of Plaintiffs from their prior residence. 19. Defendant Famer did not complete the work timely or in accordance with the terms of the Agreement since much of the work was either left uncompleted or not completed in a satisfactory fashion. 20. Defendant Famer's work was defective, including but not limited to, the following: A) Defendant failed to erect a wall in the master bath, as required by the plans and specifications for the home system; B) Defendant also failed to complete or otherwise install the items set forth on Exhibit "B" which is incorporated herein by reference. 21. When Defendant Farner failed to adequately, fully or timely complete the work, Plaintiffs attempted to secure completion of the work by Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc. 22. An agreement dated December 10, 2000 was reached between Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. and Plaintiffs for completion of the work. A copy of said Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by reference. 23. Despite receipt of payment of TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500.00) from Plaintiffs, Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. failed to complete the work in a workmanlike manner. 24. Presently, the following problems have been identified to exist in their "Crockett Log Home" as faulty installation or construction or failure of materials or manufacture of the "Crockett Log Homes" provided by the Defendants. A) Damaged Window sash in first floor bedroom; B) Leakage through roof in Great Room and Living Room; C) Failure of the Door to fit in the Master bedroom closet; D) Sag in ceiling beams of the first floor master bedroom; E) Chip in the master bedroom door; F) Leakage through the front door; G) Improper installation of log skirting; H) Failure to install plugs in ends of logs; I) Improper installation of living room baseboard; J) Leakage through family room patio door; K) Gaps in second floor pine flooring and bowing of the floor with need for replacement and resurfacing; L) Improperly installed fascia; M) Failure to complete trim work; N) Roof shingling nail heads to be replaced; O) Calking of exterior surfaces; p) Installation of ridge venting incomplete; Q) Improper spouting installation; R) Improper installation of metal flashing around the windows; S) Failure to install plug in log indentations to prevent insect infestation; T) Dirty condition of home and water marks on logs and bricks; U) Purchase of supplies, including missing railing from upstairs, loft and steps; and V) Improperly constructed donners. 25. It was estimated that the total costs of this work for replacement and repair of the above referenced defects is TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). 26. BREACH OF CONTRACT Paragraphs 1 through 25 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. 27. Defendants have breached their agreement to provide a "Crockett Log Home", completed in a workmanlike manner and free of defects. As a result of said breaches, Plaintiffs have been damaged in the amount of $24,047.30. Plaintiffs request judgment in the amount of TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and against the Defendants. 28. UNFAIR TRADE pRACTICES Paragraphs 1 through 27 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. 29. Defendants failed to complete the construction as contracted for. 30. Defendants performed the work in a shoddy and unworkmanlike manner. 31. Alternatively, the goods provided to Plaintiffs were shoddy and of poor quality. 32. The goods and services provided to Plaintiffs by Defendants were primarily for Plaintiffs' personal, family and household uses. 33. Plaintiffs believed that they were purchasing a "Crockett Log Home" and that Defendants were agents of "Crockett Log Homes". 34. Plaintiffs later determined that no "Crockett Log Homes" exists but that it was a trade name for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. which was being used by Defendant Dodson, Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Defendant Famer, doing business as Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, to cause the consumer to believe an agency association existed between all parties for construction of "Crockett Log Homes". 35. The practices, failure and omissions of Defendants described in the Compliant violate to Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. Section 201.1, et seq., as descriptive acts inter alia: (xiii) (i) Passing off goods or services as those of another; (ii) Causing likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of goods or services; (iii) Causing likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding as to affiliation, connection or association with, or certification by, another; (iv) Using deceptive representations or designations of geographic origin in connection with goods or services; (v) Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses benefits or quantities that they do not have or that a person has a sponsorship, approval, status, affiliation or connection that he does not have; Engaging in any other fraudulent conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding. 36. Plaintiffs seek treble damages and counsel fees in accordance with said Act, attorney's fees plus interest, costs of suit and all other relief the Court determines appropriate at trial of this case. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs seek compensation damages in the amount of $24,047.30, · rS treble damages pursuant to Unfair Trade Practices, attorney fees, plus interest, costs of suit and all other relief the Court deems appropriate. Dated: January~__~_, 2002 Respectfully submitted, ~uire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorney for Plaintiffs EXHIBIT "A" CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT PAGE 1 OF 2 OWNER: STANLEY & JENNIYER GRiMWOOD 3173 SPRING RD CARLISLE PA 17013 717-258-8134 CONTRACTOR: BRAD FARNER OWNERS NAME: BRAD FARN'ER ADDRESS: 304A HILLCREST DR NEW CUMBERLAND PA 17070 PHONE: 938-4337 FAX: 938-2028 WORKERS COMP LNSUP. ANCE NUMBER LNSURANCE CARRIER JOB ADDRESS: 499 SAMPLE BRIDGE RD ENOL4 PA AMOUNT OF BID: $110,000.40 pA't .'MENT TERMS: % UPON COIv~LETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF O' 20 ,'o 15 DAYS AFTER COIv[PLETION OF TOTAL JOB JOB SPECIFICATIONS: SEE ADDENDL~I #1 JOBS TO BE SUBCONTRACTED BY CONTRACTOR: SALE OF CROCKET HOME KIT, DRYWALL, LABOR TO INSTALL KiT, iNSTALLATION QF SI-t_INGLES, ALSO SEE ADDENDU~I ~ 1. PROI.?SIONS OF AGREEMENT ALL WORK IS TO BE PERFORMED IN A WORKM,-MNLIT, LE MAN"NrER ACCORDING TO LOCAL CODES AND STANDARDS. ALL MATERIAL AND LABOR SHALL BE WARRANTED FOR A MINIlvIUIvl OF ONE Y'EAR. ALL CHANGES REQUESTED SHALL BE AGREED TO BY PURCHASE ORDER. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED LICENSES AND INSURANCE, INCLUDING WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE WIT:kI A MINIMI3M COVERAGE OF $500,000 PER OCCURRENCE. AN'Y D.KIvIAOES CAUSED BY CONTRACTOR OR CONTRACTOR'S EIvlPLO ~'FEES IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CONTRACTOR AhrD SHALL BE REPAIRED AT THIS CONTRACTORS EXPENSE. CONTRACTOR IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR COIv[PENSATION TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND HELPERS HIRED BY CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO PROVIDE OWNER WITH RELEASE CONTRACTOR ,4 GREEMENT PAGE 2 OF 2 OF LIEN AFFIDAVITS PRIOR TO EACH PAYMENT( ATTACHMENT ~ 1 ). CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING ALL SUBCONTRACTOR PERMITS AND LICENSES, CON-HLa, CTOR WILL ENSURE CLEAN-LI-NESS OF PROJECT AT ALL TIMES. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO~PROVIDE A 'SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL WOR.KERS. A PENALTY OF $200:00 PER DAY SHALL BE CHARGED TO THE CONTRACTOR IF CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS ON THIS AGREEMENT OR STOPS WORK BEFORE THE PROJECT 1S COIvlPLETED. oWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO HIRE A REp,~,,~. oN. tENT GENERAL CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE CONTRACTOR'S CONTRACT IN THE EVENT THE CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS. THIS AGREEMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON 0 II,7~'ER 'S OB TA I~'~ING ALL t~EQUIRED PERMITS AND FIN,4NCING TO ALLOW COMPLETION OF t HE PROJECT,4$ BUDGETED. CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE JOB DESCRIBED HEREIN ACCORDING TO THE AGREED-ON TIME SCHEDULE. CONTRACTOR SHALL ACT AS OVERALL MANAGER, SCHEDULING ALL LABOR AND NL&TERIAL FOR DELIYEPdES OF ,lOB DESCRIBED HEREIN. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT 'WITI-ILN THE FINANCIAL BUDGET SET FORTH BY O~;~'-'NER. ~4DDENDUM #1 TO CONTRACTOR AGREEMEN~ · PAGE 1 OF 3 TIdE FOLOWING NOTATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN TIlE THE BID PRESENTED BY THE CONTRACTOR AND WILL BE PERFOKMED WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS AGREED TO IN THE CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT. SPECIFICATIONS ARE DUALY NOTED ON A'FfACHMENTS 2 AND 3. BLDG MATERIALS PER CROCKET BID 2 X 6 FRAMED WALLS WITH HOUSE WRAP/TYVEK 25 YEAR ACI-IITECTURAL SHINGLES INSTALLED FRONT DOOR- STAINABLE FIBERGLASS WITH 2 SIDELIGHTS DECKING- PRESSUq~E TREATED LUMBER 720 SQUARE FEET RAILING- DECORATIVE FULL AND SPLIT LOGS IN CRIS CROSS DESIGN ALL%I~N'UWI FACSIA AND SOFFITS ALUqVrrlqLIM PORCH CE]LING -- ALUMINUM CLAD ANDERSON LOW E WINDOWS WIT44 GRILLS GUTTERS WITH LEAF GUARDS INSTALLED EXTRA LOGS TO RAISE CE]LING LEVEL IN UPSTAIRS LOFT .(REA AND BEDROOMS/BATH 3 FIBERGLASS 9' GARAGE DOORS INSTALLED 1- FIBERGLASS DOOR REAR ENTANCE SEPARATOR WALL IN GARAGE WITH WOODEN DOOR 2- 36 X 36 DH WINDOWS IN FRONT OF GARAGE 1- 36 X 36 DH ~q2NT)OW IN REAR THiS AREA WILL BE STONE EXTERIOR FIXE WALL PER TO~.%~SHIP CODES 2- 28 X 32 ~riNrlDOWS DH CENTERED IN FRONT SIDE BY SIDE 6" WINDOW SILL THiS PdLEA 9~TLL BE FULL LOG EXTERIOR LDINING ROOM: WOODEN DOOR FOR GARAGE ENWRANCE WOODEN DOOR FOR MASTER BEDROOM ENTRANCE AS CLOSE THE BASEMENT ENTtLMNCE AS POSSIBLE WOODEN DOOR BASEMENT ENTRANCE FOYER: sTAINABLE FIBERGLASS DOOR FRONT ENTRACE W/2 SIDELIGHTS 1- 36 X 36 DH WINDOW WOODEN STEPS AND RAILING TO UPSTAIRS CLOSET AND DOOR ~4DDENDUM #I TO CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT PAGE 2 OF 3 I- WINDOW 5' X 5' FRONT CENTER 2- WINDOWS RT SIDE FACING 36 X 48 DH 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE TO POWDER ROOM 1- FRENCH DOOR ENTRANCH TO SUN'ROOM SUNROOM: 3-5' X5' WINDOWS OR 2-5 X 5 AND 2- DH 36 X48 1- SINGLE SWING FRENCH DOOR FOR EXTERIOR ENTRANCE LEFT SIDE FACING 1- WOODEN DOOR ENT1LMNCE FRM GREAT ROONf 1- POCKET DOOR ENTRANCE FRM MASTER BATH AI?.A M.4STER BA TH AREA: 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTReMNCE FRM MASTER BEDROOM 1- BUILT IN CLOSET WITH DOOR MASTER BEDROOM: 2- CLOSETS WITH WOODEN DOORS 2- WINDOWS SIDE BY SIDE CENTERED IN BACK OF ROOM 36 X 48 DH BASEMENT: WOODEN STAIRS A.Nq) POlL PER LOCAL CODE LOFT: - WOODEN RAILING PER LOCAL CODE I- WINDOW RAISE CEI"~ING LEVEL AT LEASE 3 LOGS BEDROOM #I 10 FM CLOSET FRONT X 14 CLOSET WITH FOLDING DOORS 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE FRM HALL 2- WINDOWS AT LEAST 36 X 36 RAISE CEILING LEVEL TO AT LEAST 7FT BEDROOM #2 15X14 CLOSET WITH FOLDING DOORS 3- WINqZK)WS AT LEAST 36 X 36 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE RAISE CEILING LEVE TO AT LEAST 7 FT ~DDENDUM gl TO CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT PAGE 3 OF 3 UPSTAIRS BATH: l- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE RAISE CEILING LEVEL TO AT LEAST 7FT UPPER GREAT ROOM: ' TONGLrE AND GROOVE CEILING AND DORIV~{ERS 2- DORMER WINDOWS 1- HALF CIRCLE WINDOW DRILL FOR ELECTRICITY 12',1 LOG WALLS SUPPLY LIFT FOR DELIVERY OF KIT HOUSE WRAP ALL 2 X 6 FRAMED WALLS INSTALL ALL OOO~, ~O~S TO BE SW?Ln~ ~Y HO~OW'~-e~- ??LY AND INSTALL ALL ~,~ ALL SPECIFICATIONS NOTED ARE MINIMUMS AND ARE AGREED TO BY THE CONTRACTOR: (CON~I'ACTOR) EXHIBIT "B" hems not completed: 1) Ridge vent was not installed in main roof of house 2) Flashing was not installed on section of sunroom roof where it t, aeet~ the log wal! on the back of the house. 3) ~ut~ers and doxx~ spouts were no~ ins;ailed 4) wood trim in hall aox completed 5) wood wire in kitchen not completed 6) trim around stairs nol compleled 7'1 trim around lo~ not completed ~ SI sides of stairs not complele~ 9) screens for xxSndows are not installed and some are missing 101 exaerior railing not complexed 11) interior railing supplies not provided 12) fascia on garage and gables not finished properly and f~cia missigg from end of porch. 13) trim around basement door not applied kerns that need ~o be repaired 1') door from kitchen to garage is split 2) decoratix'e ~m comers not fmished properly, and blue i~ on edges not cut off, xx411 have to be remoYed on installed properl)' 3) dD,x~ll beside stairs is d~aged from removal of stair ailing (Brad w~ notified from day one thax we may not want that ~?e of ~iling and his response w~ that it was no prgblem, that would be one of the lat things to be completed. I then r~minded him several times. It never should have been i~talled so early, especially when I s~dfically made a point several times of telling him I w~n'x s~e what type of railing I wanted) 4) a bucker was left on the roof ~d the shingles R rested on are now mined. 5) there is no caul'king around the sky lights on the sunroom roof 6) *.he sunroom door to the outside leaks and will not open unless extreme force is used. 7) the trim in the downstairs bathroom is loose around the pocket door. $) the door between the master bath and bedroom is split -. 9) the wood on the upstairs floor has very large gaps in some areas, you mn even see light through the floor from the doxxmsmirs in one area. 10) french doors in IMng room do not close properly 11 ) trim in larger upstairs bedroom doorway doesn't line up 12) trim in kitchen by the bedroom doorway doesn't match 13) trim in upstairs hallway doesn't match 14) time in sunroom on 3 x~Sndows is not attached properly and is actually loose. EXHIBIT "C" Log & Timber Homes Established 19 73 Agreement Completion Contract between Jennifer and Stan Grimwood and Crockett. Log Homes of PA, Inc., for completion of job at 499 Sample Bridge Road, Enola, Pennsylvania. The attached two pages outlines the work to be completed by Crockett Log Homes of PA at the above mentioned job site. As Doug mentioned his very busy schedule, every effort will be hat Dou's 'ob takes him out of town made to finish the job quickly. Homeowners are aware t g J several days a week and cannot be at the job site everyday. Some of the work to be completed such as gutters and ridge vent also require some work to be completed by homeowner. In the case of these tasks, Doug will go as far as he can and then leave the materials for homeowner to complete. Once work is completed (as specified on attached pages), the homeowners will make payments to Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. as work is being done. By completion, all payments should Balance to be paid upon " r total $6,490.00 plus $~ 85.00 fo step railings for a total of $6,875.00. completion. Any additional works above and beyond the contract will be done with written and signed change orders and paid accordingly. The above is agr;ed to and signed by_the following parties: · Stan ffrimwood, H~9o.m~gSvnet C ....... .---Y",-" .. a-.- - ' . . e ii ifer Ho own r uate // t~ ,ffJfft~l-/q /-'~ft~q'. · Date' ,/ ~rrc~e"kett ~g Hc~mes of P& Inc. G. Douglas Dodson, President not completed: Rid~ ve~ wzs not insiall=d i~ m~n roof of ho~e Ft~shing x~s nol i~!led on ~e~i~n of s~o~m roof w~re it ~eas ~ log ~l on ba~k of~ ho~m~. gullets and do~ s~u~ ~':rc no~ ins~alt~d wood~m ir, hall ~ol ~mpt~tad ~rim ~o~d 10~ no~ eomple~d sides of~ no~ ~om~l~ed serea~ for ~iaflo'~! ~ ~ in~ ~d !omc are mi~ing ex~or r~}ing ne~ complied inle~ior m~i~ ~ppti~ no: ~vid~d ~o~h. ~fim ~ou=fl b~men~ ~or not a~R~ 14) ah~ ~ous ~m p~bl~ ~ ~ ~ils ~cMng out, ~, w~ch ~ ~ fle~iI in a ~!k ~rou~ 1) door f~om ~.chcn to garage is split 2) ~0omtive ~m vomers not finished properly, ~n8 blue ink on edges v. ot cut of~ will have to he rcmoved on inst.~Bed prop~r!y 3) drywall besld~ stairs is damaged from reanova! ~oblem, thru would b~ one or,lc I~n~ ~oom ~oor to th~ ou~]~ l~ks and ~ll ~ o~ the ~o~s~s ~oom is loose ~ouad ~ b~ ~ ~r b~ ~d b~oom ~ split ~ou~ ~ floor flora the do~ in o~ ~. ~oo~ in ii~ room do not close p~op~flY sun.om on ~ ~do~ is u~ l~c~ prop~fl)' Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 717~.~4-1445 : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS STANLEY B. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, pENNSYLVANIA NO. CIVIL BRADLEY FARNER, dgo/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS : DODSON, individually and dgo/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING : SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : we, STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that any false statements made herein are subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. DATED: STANLErY H. GRIMWOOD IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ORDER AND NOW, this day of ,2002, upon consideration of the Preliminary Objections of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. and Plaintiffs' response thereto, It is hereby ORDERED THAT the Preliminary Objections are SUSTAINED, and the Complaint against Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. is DISMISSED in its entirety with prejudice. ItBDATA:6788 vl IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 YURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3) and 1028(a)(4), defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. ("NBS") hereby preliminarily objects to plaintiffs' Complaint as follows: COUNT I FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT FAILS FOR LEGAL INSUFFICIENCY 1. To state a claim for breach of contract, plaintiffs must prove (1) the existence of a contract, including its essential terms; (2) breach; and (3) damages. 2. The Complaint fails to adequately plead these elements against NBS. 3. Count I of plaintiffs' Complaint therefore fails to state a claim against NBS. WHEREFORE, defendant NBS respectfully requests that the Court dismiss Count I of plaintiffs' Complaint pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(4). HBDATA:6788 vl COUNT II FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW FAll,,q FOR LEGAL INSUFFICIENCY 4. In order to adequately state a claim under this Act, plaintiffs must plead that they purchased goods or services in reliance on a defendant's representations. 5. Plaintiffs fail to plead that they purchased goods or services in reliance on a representation by NBS. 6. Plaintiffs also fail to allege any unfair or deceptive trade practices by NBS that are actionable under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act. 7. Count II of plaintiffs' Complaint therefore fails to state a claim against NBS. WHEREFORE, defendant NBS respectfully requests that the Court dismiss Count II of plaintiffs' Complaint pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3) and 1028(a)(4). Respectfully submitted, · o~e'Reimann, I.D. No. 57707 Monica L. Rebuck, I.D. No. 78225 Attorneys for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-4000 Dated: February 7, 2002 2 HBDATA:6788 vl IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE OF APPEARANCE To the Prothonotary: Kindly enter my appearance for NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., defendant. Dated: February 7, 2002 Respectfully submitted, Attorney for Defendant SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-4000 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Monica L. Rebuck, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Notice of Appearance was served on February 7, 2002, via first class mail, postage prepaid to the following: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs Bradley Famer Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland 304A Hillcrest Drive New Cumberland, PA 17070 Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. 58 Sunset Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 G. Douglas Dodson 58 Sunset Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 M'oni~'~. Rebuck " STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FAKNER, d/b/a CROCKETTE LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND and; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d]b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 2002-370 Civil Term JURY TRLKL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS of DEFENDANT, DOUGLAS DODSON~ INDIVIDUALLY and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PAr INC. CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PAr INC. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, 1028(a)(2), 1028(a)(3), and 1028(a)(4), Defendants Douglas Dodson, individually, and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc., hereby preliminary object to Plaintiffs' Complaint as follows: COUNT I FOR DAMAGES FOR FAULTY AND INCOMPLETE CONSTRUCTION SALES FOR LEGAL INSUFFICIENCY Count I purports to state a claim against Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and Dodson for faulty and incomplete construction (for clarification sake, Douglas Dodson, individually, will be designated Dodson, and Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. will be designated Crockett PA). 2. There are no allegations that Crockett PA or Dodson constructed the Plaintiffs' residence. Instead, Plaintiffs' faulty, incomplete construction claim is based upon a theory of agency. The Complaint fails to plead facts that, if proved, would demonstrate that Dodson or Crockett PA were in an agency relationship and further if such alleged agency relationship existed, there are no factual allegations which would legally produce liability against Crockett PA or Dodson. 4. Accordingly, Plaintiffs' claim for faulty, incomplete construction against Crockett PA or Dodson is legally insufficient. In the alternative, the Complaint alleges failure of materials, but there is not one allegation of what material Crockett PA or Dodson is allegedly responsible. o In the Plaintiffs' Complaint, Paragraph 7 recites that Defendant Farner is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 2 Paragraph 8 of the Complaint says that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. There are no averment or pleadings of facts to indicate what authority exists between the alleged principals and agents. Nor are there any averments as to the grant of authority to the agents from the principals. 9. The Complaint is devoid of any factual averments concerning responsibility as a result of any alleged agency relationships. 10. Paragraph 11 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint indicates that the Plaintiffs came in contact with Defendant Brad Famer, whom they believe to be an employee, agent or authorized representative of Crockett Log Homes. There is no factual basis for this belief, nor is there any factual averment stating why the Plaintiffs believed this to be a business relationship. 11. The Complaint alleges that Defendant Famer was the one who worked with the Plaintiffs concerning the plans of the home construction and also delivered the building and other materials. The Defendant Dodson and Crockett Homes of PA, Inc., was not involved in this in any respects. 12. Paragraph 24 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to indicate in any factual manner or basis what acts or omissions indicate liability on the part of Dodson or Crockett Homes of PA, Inc. 13. Paragraph 22 and 23 of Plaintiffs' Complaint allege liability under a separate contact and agreement marked Exhibit "C" with Defendant Dodson and Crockett Homes of PA, Inc. 14. Paragraph 22 refers to the Agreement and Paragraph 23 of the Complaint states in broad conclusionary terms, "Defendant... failed to complete the work in a workmanlike manner." There are no facts stating this conclusion. How did the Defendants fail to complete the work? Did he not do all the work? Did he do only part of the work? What part? What are the Plaintiffs' specific complaints? 15. The Complaint alleges that the Plaintiffs are seeking damages of $24,047.30 and at the same time, they allege that there was a separate contract with Dodson and Crockett Homes of PA, Inc., in the amount of $6,875.00; however, the Plaintiffs claim to have paid $2,500.00 and the claims as to the Plaintiffs' alleged damages are inconsistent and legally insufficient. 4 WHEREFORE, Defendants Dodson and Crockett PA respectfully request that the Court dismiss Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3), 1028(a)(4). COUNT II FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW FAILS FOR LEGAL INSUFFICIENCY 16. Plaintiffs failed to allege any unfair or deceptive trade practices by Crockett Homes of PA, Inc., or Dodson under the Pennsylvania Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act. 17. Paragraph 35 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint merely recites the provisions of 73 P.S. Section 201.1, et. seq., Definition section (4) and does not state any facts that relate to acts of the Defendants Dodson or Crockett Homes of PA, Inc., that bring them into violation of the Act. 5 WHEREFORE, Defendants Dodson and Crockett PA respectfully request that the Court dismiss Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3), 1028(a)(4). Respectfully submitted, BY: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 6 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Arthur K. Dils, Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the within Preliminary Objections has been served upon the following individual by first class, United States mail, postage prepaid, by depositing same at the post office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the /~tU"day of February 2002, addressed as follows: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Respectfully submitted, Date: BY: A~hur K. l~ils, E~squire 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 7 SHERIFF'S RETURN - U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL CASE NO: 2002-00370 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND GRIMWOOD STANLEY H ET AL VS. FARNER BRADLEY ET AL R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the within named DEFENDANT ,NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS INC , by United States Certified Mail postage prepaid, on the 23rd day of January ,2002 at 0000:00 HOURS, at 35 OLD ROUTE 12 NORTH WESTMORELAND, NH 03467 , a true and attested copy of the attached COMPLAINT & NOTICE Together with The returned receipt card was signed by GALE PAYNE 01/25/2002 on Additional Comments: Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Cert Mail 4.86 Affidavit .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 20.86 So answers: t. J Sheriff of Cumberland County Paid by BARBARA SUMPLE SULLIVAN Sworn and subscri~ped to before me t~his~7~ day of L~L~. "" U on 02/15/2002 SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY CASE NO: 2002-00370 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND GRIMWOOD STANLEY H ET AL VS FARNER BP~ADLEY ET AL R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT , to wit: FARNER BRADLEY D/B/A CROCKETT but was unable to locate Him deputized the sheriff of YORK LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND in his bailiwick. He therefore County, Pennsylvania, to serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE On February 15th , 2002 , this office was in receipt of the attached return from YORK Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 18.00 Out of County 9.00 Surcharge 10.00 Dep York County 47.74 .00 84.74 02/15/2002 So ans~s: ~ Sheriff of Cumberland County BARBARA SUMPLE SULLIVAN Sworn and subscribed to before me this ~7~ day of 3~ ~0~ A.D. SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR CASE NO: 2002-00370 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND GRIMWOOD STANLEY H ET AL VS FARNER BRADLEY ET AL BRIAN BARRICK , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon DODSON DOUGLAS the DEFENDANT , at 1216:00 HOURS, on the 28th day of January , 2002 at 58 SUNSET DRIVE MECFUtNICSBURG, PA 17055 by handing to JODIE DODSON, WIFE a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof. Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Service 6.90 Affidavit .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 22.90 Sworn and Subscribed to before me this ~.~ day of f ~ A.D. Prat ~onot a~ So Answers: R. Thomas Kline 02/15/2002 BARBARABy: SUMPLE/~SULLIVAN~~/~ Deputy Sheriff SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR CASE NO: 2002-00370 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND GRIMWOOD STANLEY H ET AL VS FARNER BRADLEY ET AL BRIAN BARRICK , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon DODSON DOUGLAS D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA INC the DEFENDANT , at 1216:00 HOURS, on the 28th day of January , 2002 at 58 SUNSET DRIVE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 by handing to JODIE DODSON, WIFE a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof. Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Service .00 Affidavit .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 16.00 Sworn and Subscribed to before me this ~7~ day of PZ~ot~nono t a~ So Answers: R. Thomas Kline 02/15/2002 BARBARA SUMPLE SULLIVAN Deputy Sheriff SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR CASE NO: 2002-00370 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND GRIMWOOD STANLEY H ET AL VS FARNER BRADLEY ET AL BRIAN BARRICK , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA INC the DEFENDANT , at 1216:00 HOURS, on the 28th day of January , 2002 at 58 SUNSET DRIVE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 by handing to JODIE DODSON, OFFICE MANAGER a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof. Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Service .00 Affidavit .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 16.00 Sworn and Subscribed to before me this ~74~ day of So Answers: R. Thomas Kline 02/15/2002 BARBARA SUMPLE SULLIVANBy: ~/~~i~" ~-', ~~/ Deputy Sheriff COUNTY OF YORK OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF 28 EAST MARKET ST., YORK, PA 17401 SHERIFF SERVICE PROCESS RECEIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN 1. PLAINTIFF/S/ Stanley H. Grimwood et al 3. DEFENDANT/S/ Bradley Farner et al SERVE 3641O SERVICE CALL (717) 771-9601 2. COURTNUMBER 02-370 civil 4. TYPEOFWRITORCOMPLAINT Notice & C~,~laint 5. NAME OF INDIVIDUAL COMPANY, CORPORATION, ETC. TO SERVE OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE LEVIED, ATTACHED, OR SOLD. Bradley Yarner d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Ct~nberland 6. ADL;R,'-SS (STREET OR RFO WITH SOX NUMBER, APT. NO., CITY. BORO, "i%NE, STATE AND ZIP CODE 304A Hillcrest Drive New C~nberland, PA 17070 AT 7. INDICATE SERVICE: I~ PERSONAL O PERSON IN CHARGE ~ DEPUTIZE ~1 CERT. MAIL [~11ST CLASS MAIL [~ POSTED [~ OTHER NOW Janua---'7 24 ,20 02 I, SHERIFF OF~,< COUNT~, PA.~ dg.~ereby deput, iz..~ tJ~ sheriff of York COUNTY to execute t~~~ding to law. This deputation being made at the request and risk of the plaintiff. ~"'~ ~~.~- - ,~__~ ' SHERIFF O1' ~. COUNTY 8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SERVICE: OUT OF COUNTY CUMBERLAND CO. ADVANCED FEE PAID BY ATTY. NOTE ONLY APPLICABLE ON WRIT OF EXECUTION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMAN - Any deputy sheriff levying upon or attaching any property under within writ may leave same without a watchman, in custody of whomever is found in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff to any plaintiff herein for any loss, destruction, or removal of any property before sheriff's sale thereof. 11. DATE FILED 1-22-02 9. TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS of ATTORNEY / ORIGINATOR and SIGNATURE 10. TELEPHONE NUMBER BARBARASUMPLE-SULLIVAN 549 BRIDGE ST. NEW CUMBERLAND, PA ~t7070 774-1445 12. SEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COPY NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW: (This area must be completed if notice is to be r~e~ CUMBERLAND CO. SHERIFF 13. I acknowledge receipt of the writ 14. DATE RECEIVED or complaint as indicated above. R. AHRENS 1-25-02 vs.. 2-21-02Expiration/Hearing Date 16. HOW SERVED: PERSONAL (~ RESIDENCE~ POSTED ( ) POE ( ) SHERIFF'S OFF ( ) OTHER ( } SEE REMARKS 17. [~ I hereby certify and return ~ N~T~UND because I am unable to locate the individual, company, etc. named above. (See remarks below.) J 18. NAME'~AND TITLI~F INDJ~SERVED / LIST ADDRESS HERE IF NOT SHOWN ABOVE (Relationship to Defendant) I 1 ~: DaJe, o~lService 20. Time of Serv,[c§, 22,21'ATTEMPTSI~I~I ~n~ Date ITime L"~' IREMARKS ~' , Int. I DatelTimelMi,esl Int. TmelM esI ''tli Date I ,me I,i,eer Int. ,IDete , Time IMilesl! ! I.,, ~ ~l ~ ~ r~SO ANSWER ' ~7'_~°untySh* 48. ATE/ -~ ~Z~,I~ N. ~OSB 2713/02 42. day of , Sheriff 49. DATE JRE 151. DATE RECEIVED 1. WHITE - Issuing Authority 2. PINK - Attorney 3. CANARY - Sheriff's Office 4. BLUE - Sheriff's Office · Complete items 1,2, and 3, Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. · Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. · Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. A~icle Addms~d to: Natural ~uilding Systems Inc. 35 Old Route 12 North Westmoreland, NH 03467 2..7001 2510 0009 1016 676~; Print Clearly) Date of Delivery ? address d~femm [] Yea If YES, enter delivery address below: I--i No x) Service Type Certified Mall [] Express Mai~ "-~les [] Registered [] Return Receipt for Morcnan~ r-I Insurad Mail [] C.O.D. [ 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) [] Yes 02-370 civ 102595-01 -M-1424 ~. Mamh 2001 Domestic Return Receipt · Sender. ~, .......... ?",__ - .. , ' '~ ...... ~ ~--[ your name, address, and ZIP+4 in this box · ' CUMBERLAND ......, :, ': ,~, ..... . F S DEPARTMENT ONE CO~ ,1 ......,~. _,~,:u,,,:~ CARLISLE PA 170-i3 , STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, dJb/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, 1NC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, 1NC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE TO: Curt Long, Prothonotary Cumberland County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Square Carlisle, PA 17013-3387 Enter the appearance of Robert P. Reed, Esquire, on behalf of Defendant, Bradley Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland. LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW on this /~day of March, 2002 1 Robert P. Reed, Esquire, hereby certify that I served the within Praecipe for entry of Appearance this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Crocket Log Homes of PA, Inc. 58 Sunset Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Douglas Dodson 58 Sunset Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Natural Building Systems, Inc. 35 Old Route 12 North Westmoreland, New Hampshire 03467 LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant, Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT (Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate) TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Pleurae ]ist the within matter for the next Arg~aent Court. CAPTION OF CASE (entir~ caption must be stated in fu]-~) STANLEY H. ~IMW00D JENNIF~K L. GRIMWDOD, BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKET ~ HCkMES OF NEW~; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROC~SrI' LOG HOMES OF PA,, INC., CROCkery' LOG HOMES OF SYSTOleS, INC., ( P!a~ ntiff ) ( Defendant ) No. 02-370 1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motio~ for new trial, defer~nt's demu~=r to c~.l~nt, etc.): 's Objections dated Defenaant Natural Building System, Inc. Preliminary February 7, 2002 aD~ DefeD~mnts, DO~I~ DOdSon, Individually, and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc. 's Preliminary Objections dated February 14, 2002. 2. Identify counsel who w4]l argue case: (a) for p~a~ntiff: Barbara SumplerSullivan, Esquire ~a~vess: 549 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070 (b) for deferment: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire ~a~ess: ~0~7 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire 30 North Third Street, Ste 700, Harrisburg, PA 17101 Robert P...Reed,...E.squ'.Lre, .P.O.~B~_x~ 6034, Harrisburg, Pa 17112 I w411 notify ~l 1 [m~rties in writing w~rn~n two aays u~= t_his ~e has been ]isted for aruJum~nt. 4. ~t Court Date: Dated: March~ , 2002 March 27, 2002 ~ Attorney for p~ntiffs STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and dgo/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02°370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ORDER AND NOW, this day of ,2002, upon consideration of the Preliminary Objections of Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a/Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, it is hereby ORDERED that the Preliminary Objections are SUSTAINED, and the Complaint against Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, is dismissed in its entirety, with prejudice, for non-compliance with Rules of Court. STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and dgo/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, 1NC. Defendants 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ORDER AND NOW, this day of ,2002, upon consideration of the Preliminary Objections of Defendant, Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, it is hereby ORDERED that the Preliminary Objections are SUSTAINED and Plaintiffs are given leave to file an amended Complaint within twenty days of the date of this Order stating each cause of action against each Defendant in a separate count, attaching full and complete copies of any contracts on which their claims are based, the actions of each Defendant constituting breaches thereof, and the damages alleged to have been suffered thereby. Count II of the Plaintiffs' Complaint is DISMISSED in its entirety for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRLMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, 1NC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS ON BEHALF OF DEFENDANT, BRADLEY FARNER, D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT: 1. The Plaintiffs' Complaint, a copy ofwhieh is attached hereto as Exhibit A, asserts claims against four separate entities, being Bradley Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland; Douglas Dodson, individually and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc.; Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc.; and Natural Building Systems, Inc. 2. Plaintiffs' claims arise out of the purchase and erection of a log home and assert the existence of two separate contracts, one with Bradley Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, and a second with Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. and breaches of said contracts. While said Complaint includes Defendant Natural Building Systems. Inc. in their claim for breach of contract, no contract with said Defendant is pleaded. 3. Additionally, Plaintiffs make claim against all Defendants under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. Section 201-1 et seq. 4. Bradley Farner, dgo/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland presents his Preliminary Objections as follows: PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. 1028(a)(2) 5. PA R.C.P. 1019(i) provides: (i) When any claim or defense is based upon a writing, the pleader shall attach a copy of the writing, or the material part thereof, but if the writing or copy is not accessible to the pleader, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance in writing. 6. Paragraph thirteen of the Plaintiffs' Complaint alleges that on or about August 31, 1999 the Plaintiffs and Defendant (Famer) entered into a contract for acquisition and erection of the "Crockett Log Home". Said agreement was alleged to be attached as Exhibit A to said Complaint. 7. Plaintiffs' further aver that under the agreement Plaintiffs were to pay $110,000 for their "Crockett Log Home" (paragraph fifteen) and that construction was to be completed on or before December 6, 2000 (paragraph eighteen). 8. The Plaintiffs' Complaint is defective, deficient, and incomplete as the Exhibit attached by the Plaintiffs does not indicate the contract amount, any completion date, and contains no execution by the Plaintiffs. 9. The Exhibit attached to the Complaint further contains blanks which are left unfilled or uncompleted. 10. Plaintiffs have made no allegation that a full and complete copy of the contract, setting forth all essential terms, was either too voluminous to attach to the Complaint or not in their possession or under their control. 11. Pa. R.C.P. 1020(a) requires that the Plaintiffs state each cause of action they have in a separate Count containing a demand for relief. 12. Although alleging the existence of a contract with Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland dated August 31, 1999, and a separate contract with Crockett Log Homes of PA dated December 10, 2000, said claims have been pleaded collectively under Count I of the Plaintiffs' Complaint. 13. By reason of the Plaintiffs' inclusion of separate contract claims against separate Defendants, the pleadings are unclear and uncertain as to which Defendant is claimed to be responsible for uncompleted or improperly completed work. 14. Plaintiffs' failure to present their claims against the respective Defendants in separate counts makes it impossible for the responding Defendant to plead knowingly and effectively to the Plaintiffs' Complaint as it is now stated. WHEREFORE, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to enter an Order directing the Plaintiffs to amend their Complaint to state their causes of action against the Defendants in separate counts. PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. 1028(a)(3) 15. Furthermore, Count II of the Plaintiffs' Complaint alleges a cause of action for Unfair Trade Practices and asserts said cause of action on the grounds that the Defendants failed to complete the construction as contracted for (paragraph twenty-nine); that the Defendants performed the work in a shoddy and unworkman-like manner (paragraph thirty) and alternatively that the goods provided to the Plaintiffs were shoddy and of poor quality (paragraph thirty-one). 16. The aforesaid paragraph, and Count, failed to specify which Defendants failed to complete what items under their respective contract, what Defendants performed what element of work in a shoddy and unworkman-like manner, and what goods were of shoddy or poor quality and which Defendant provided them. 17. Until Plaintiffs plead with particularity, in separate counts, the details comprising their causes of action under paragraphs twenty-nine, thirty and thirty-one, responding Defendant is unable to knowingly or effectively be informed of the claim being made against him or to respond thereto. 18. Plaintiffs further claim that they were caused to believe an agency association existed between all parties for construction of"Crockett Log Homes" (paragraph thirty-four) and that goods were passed off as those of another or confusion was created as to the source of said goods, the affiliation, connection or association between the parties, that said goods had sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits or qualities they did not have, etc. 19. Assuming that the Plaintiffs are claiming fraud, Pa. R.C.P. 1019(b) provides: (b) Averments of fraud or mistake shall be averred with particularity. Malice, intent, knowledge, and other conditions of mind may be averred generally. 20. Plaintiffs failed to state what representations were made, when they were made, by which parties they were made, or how otherwise they came to be confused or misinformed. 21. Plaintiffs nowhere state that they relied on any such representations or that any such reliance was to their detriment. 22. Nowhere do the Plaintiffs state that had they known the true source of the goods or the affiliation between the parties they would not have purchased said goods or dealt with said parties. 23. Because of the aforesaid deficiencies in Count II of the Complaint the responding Defendant is unable to know what claims are being made against him or to knowingly and effectively plead thereto. WHEREFORE, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court enter an Order dismissing the Plaintiffs' Complaint for insufficient specificity in pleading. MOTION FOR MORE SPECIFIC PLEADING 24. Alternatively, responding Defendant submits he is entitled to a more specific pleading for all the defects above cited if he is to knowingly and effectively respond to said Complaint. WHEREFORE, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court, alternatively, to Order the Plaintiffs to file a more specific pleading curing the defects above cited. PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. 1028(4)(DEMURRER) 25. Plaintiffs have included in their Count for Unfair Trade Practices the claim that the Defendants failed to complete the construction as contracted for. (paragraph twenty- nine). 26. The purpose of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law is to eradicate unfair or deceptive business practices and does not encompass simple nonfeasance or the failure to complete a contract. 27. Plaintiffs allegations as to the associations between the parties, passing off of goods, origin of goods, or the nature of the goods fails to state a cause of action as said allegations: a. Fail to state what beliefs the Plaintiffs held before entering into their contracts; b. Fail to state the source of said beliefs; c. Fail to state whether said beliefs were based on any representations made by the parties, the nature of any such representations, by whom said representations were made and when; d. Fail to state that any representations made by any of the Defendants were in fact false, deceptive, or misleading; e. Fail to state that they relied on any information or representations made by Defendants; and f. Fail to state that any reliance on any representations or information was to their detriment. 28. Paragraph thirty-five (xiii) alleges a cause of action against the Defendants for "engaging in any other fraudulent conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding." 29. The aforesaid allegation is nebulous, does not inform the responding Defendant of what conduct he must defend or plead to, and is in violation of Pa. R.C.P. 1019(a) requiring that material facts on which a cause of action is based shall be stated in a concise and summary form; and Pa. R.C.P. 1019(b) which requires that averments of fraud or mistake shall be averred with particularity. WHEREFORE, RESPONDING Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to issue an Order striking Count II of the Plaintiffs' Complaint for legal insufficiency. WHEREFORE, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to issue an Order dismissing Counts I and II of the Plaintiffs' Complaint for lack of specificity and non- compliance with the Rules of Court. Alternatively, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to issue an Order directing Plaintiffs to file a more specific Complaint correcting the aforesaid deficiencies and setting forth their causes of action in separate counts. Finally, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to dismiss Count II in its entirety as failing to state a cause of action under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. Respectfully Submitted, LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED Dated: BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland EXHIBIT A 0222/2002 ............. STANLEY H. O~vlwOOD and IENN~£P, L. GP, IMXVOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARN~R, Oh/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CLIMBERLA~'D; DOUGLAS DOD$ON, individua/iy and cH~i CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOO HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDINO SYSTEMS, INC. - Defendants : I~ THE COURT OF COMSMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COtJHTY, pENNSYLVANIA JURY ~RIAL DEMANDED You ,have bcen ~ued in court. Ifyou wish to defsnd!agaizst thc claims set for~h in .:%e ., : following pages, you must take ~o~ wi~in ~¢n~ (20) ~ys a~r ~is ¢omplaim and no~[~c are ~,~ $~, by ent~n$ a ~Rcn appc~ce pe~o~lly or by aRom¢y and filing in ~ting w~ thc cou~ ~o~ ~ofenses or ob~cctio~ to ~h~ claims s~t fo~ a~Mst you. You ar~ w~ed that if you fail to'do so ~e case may pmce~ ~o~ you and a j~d~t ma~ be en~red against you by ~ co~ wi~om ~cr n~icc for any money clMmcd in ~c ~omp~int or for ~y oth~ claim or relief ~qacst~ by ~e p~infiff. You ~y lose money or p~ or o~¢r fi~ ~po~ant to you, YOU SHOULD T~ T~S P~ TO YO~ ~%~R AT ONCE, IF YOU DO NOT HA~ A LA~%~ OR C~OT ~O~ ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE T~Z OFFICE SET FOR~ BELOW TO FIND O~ W~ YOU CAN GET LEG~ HELP. 7/7 - 5'fft4 - ~ 5" CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR A~SSOCL4,TION 2 LIBF-RTY AVF.2~E Csrlisle, Pennsylvania 1~/013 (717) 249-3166 11qUE COo'y' F~OM RECO~' '".~2 22/2~02 1~;31 717-781-5810 CHrIStIAN B~KE~ CO P,--,,3E 03 Barbara Sumpl~-Sulliva~. Bsqulre Sup~m¢ Court New Cumb~'land, ~A 17070 STANLEY H. OI~OOD and .IENNIF F..'K L. oRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs : IN Tli~ COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUIVIBERLAND COUNTY, pENIqSYLVANIA NO. CIVIL BKADLEY FARNEK, d/b/a CROCK. ETT LOG HOMES OF ~ CUM~EKLAND; DOUOLA$ DODSON, individually and d/'o/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA.,INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., IlqC. and NATURAL BUILDFblO SYSTEMS, Defendants ,TUP,.Y TRIAL DEIVLANDRD ~lai~tii~ a~ S~anley Il. Gtimwood a~d .~a~ife~ L. Grimwoo6, husband and ',,~f¢, r~$idi~g at 499 Samgle Bridge Road, Enola, Cumb~land County, p~u~ylvania 170~$. Defendant is Bradley Famer, an ind½vidu~l residing at 304A Hillcres! Drive, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, pennsylvania 17070. Mr. Farner transacts business under the name "Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland". Defendant is Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation doing business mt 58 Sunset D~ive, Mcchanicsbur$, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania' 170~5. Defendant Crockett Home~ of Pa, Inc. is thc Mid-Atlantic Regional office of Defendant National Building Systems, Inc. 02.:22."2002 la:3]. 717-7E,1-5810 .CNpT~TT,~I,I RA~'F'P CO F',~aE U~ Defendant Douglas Dodson is a~ individt~l residing at 58 Sun,et Drive, Mecha~icsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. Dt-r'~ndant Dodaon r~res~ms Itc does business as Crockcl~ Log Homes of Pa., Inc. Defendant is Natural Building Systems, Inc., a'New Hampshire corporatien located at 35 Old Route 12 North,.Wesl~noreland, New Hampshire 03467. Defendant i.s doing business in the Commonwealth of P~mnsylYa~a but has no r~gist~red office in this ~'~i¢. Defendant l~a~ral Building Systems, Inc. is thc manufacturer of c~'tain log home systems, the owner of certain lrade~ames, including "Croclc~ Log Homes," and maxkets and sells~aid homes aa "Cwckctt Log Homes". Defendant Crockett Log Homes of?a, Inc. and Defendant Famex are the builders and dealers for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. Defeadant Famer is the agent ot ostendble agent of Defendant Crocket~ Log Homes of Pa., In~. and Def~ulant l'latutal Building Systm*n-, Inc. Defendaat Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. is the agent or ostensible agent of DefeMant Nant~l Building Systems, Inc. Plaintiffs became aware through various medias of the availabi§ty of log homes known "Crocketl Log Homes". 10. Plaintiffs desired to specifically build a "Cmr. kcit Log Homes" and telephoned Crockett LoB Homes ~ listed in the telephone book in ~uly, 1999. 11. PlaLntiffs came in contact with Defendant Brad Famer, whom they believed to be an employee, ageut or authorized representative of"Crocket~ Log Homes". 12. Defendant Pamer worked with Plaintiffs to confirm the plans for their Crockett Log Home, for ordering the_CrockeiI building package manufactured by Defendant Natural Building System, Inc., a~d for sctoal labor in election of their Crockett Log Home. 13. On or about Aught 31, 1999, Plaintiffs and Defendan~ enter~l, into a contract for acquisition and erection of the "Crockett Log Home". A copy of said contract is attached hereto as Bxhibit "A" and incorporated her~in by reference. 14. It is believed and th~'~fo~¢ averred that D~fendan~ Farner s¢cu~d the materials required for thc construction of the home from Defendant G. Douglas Dodson, d/b/a/Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. end Defendant Natural Buildin§ Systems, Inc. 15. Pursuant to the parties' Ag~eeraent, Plain~'Ts were obligated to pay to stun of ONE I-IU'NDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLAI~ ($110,000.00) fo~ their "Crockett Log Home". Pursuant to Exl~i~it "A", all work related to the consiraction of the Crockett Log Home was to be completed ia a workmanlike matmer accordin~ to local codes and staa~ards. ~ ~ ~ ~ .~ - CHRISTIAN B~KER CO P~GE ~£.,22/2002 l~:3i I -.~1 Pa'~uant to £xhibit "^", the llzfenda'~t l:aner was responsible for completion o[ the job in accordance with the agreed u0on time schedule. It was th= agr~d to between Plaintiffs and Defendant Famer that the construction wes to be completed on or before December 6, 2000. Said work was not completed as of that date and hinderecl relocation of Plaintiffs from their prior :csidence. Defendant learner did not complete the work timely or in accordance with the terms of the Agreement since much of the work wa~ either left uncompleted or not completed in s satisfacto~ f~hion. 20. Defendant Famer's work was defective, including but not limited to, thc following: A) Defendant failed to erect a wall in the master bath, as required by the plans met specifications for the home systera; B) Defendant also fail~i to complete or otherwise install the items set forth on Exhibit "B" which is incorporated her~in by reference. 21. When Defendant Famer failed to adequately, fizlly or timely complete the work, Plaintiffs altemptcd to secure completion of the work by Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc. An a§recment gated December 10, 2000 was reachext between Defendant Crockett Loz Homes of PA, ]Mc. and Pla~ttiffs for completion of the worm A copy of said Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by reference. ' 02/22,'"£~02 14:~1 ?17-761-§G10 CHRISTIAH BAKER CO PAG~ B? 23. Despite recci, pt of payment of TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLAIL5 ($2,500.00) from Plaimtiffs, Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. failed to complete the work in a workmanlike manner. 24. Presently, the following problems have been identified to exist in their "Crockett Log Home" as faulty installation or construction or failure of materials or manufactur~ of thc "Crockett Log Homes" p~vided by ~he Defendants. A) Damaged Window sash in first floor bedroom; B) Leakage through roof in Great Room and Living Room; C) Failure of thc Door to fit in the Master bedroom closet; D) Sag in ceiling beams of thc firs! floor master bedroom; E) Chip in ~e master bedroom door; F) Leakage through thc front door; 0) Improper ins~llalion of los skirting; H) Failure to iastall plugs in ends orlon; I) Improper ins~llatinn of living room baseboard; Leakage through family room patio door, K) Gaps in second floor pllle flooring and bowing of the floor with need for replasemem and ~esurfaci,~g; L) Improperly ins~lled fascia; M) Failure to complete ~m work; N) Roof shingling nail heads to be replaced; 0) Calking of ex~6or surfaces; P) Installation of ridge ventin§ incomplete; Improper spouting installation; R) Improper installation of metz[ flashing around the windows; S) Failure to install plug in log indentations to prevent insect infestation; T) Dirty condition of home and water marks on logs and bricks; U) Purchase of ~pplies, including missin§ railing from upstairs, loft and steps; and ¥) Iml~operly eonslructed dormers. 25. k was es 'timate-d that the total costs of this work for replacement and repair of the above referenced defects is TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). 26. CTOI~NT I ~R~ACI~ OF CONTRACT l"aragraphs 1 through 25 ara incorporated herein by refer~c¢ a~ if fully set forth herein. 27. Defcndant~ have breached their agre~mant to provide a "Crockett Log Home", completed ~ a wor~ul~e m~or and ~ of d~f~, ~ a ~ult of said br~ach~, P[aintiff~ havc b~ ~gc~ ~ ~ ~o~ of $24,~7.30. Pla~tiffs ~que~t jud~nt in tll~ ~o~t of~-FO~ ~OUSA~ FOKTY-SE~ ~LL~ and ~1~ ($24,047.30). WH~I~FORE, Plaintiffs request judgment in ~eir favor a~d asains! the Defendants. 28. Ij"N'F~ TRADE PRACTLC.,~ Paragraphs 1 tkrough 27 are incorporated herein by referenoe as if fully set forth. 29. Defendauts failed ~o complete ~e ¢onsU'uction a~ con~acted for. 30. Defendmu~ ~rformed the work in a shoddy a~cl unworkrnanlik~ mann~. ~ 1. Alternatively, the ~oods provided to Plaintiffs wer~ shoddy and of poor quality. 14:3I ?17-761-5B10 CHRISTIAN ~KER CO PAGE 32. The goods and services provided to Plaintiffs by De£enda~t~ were prim~rlt¥ (or ?laintiffs' personal, fiu~.il¥ and hcuacbold uacs. 33. Plaintiffs believed that they wer~ purchz.6ng a"Crookett Log Home" and that Defendants were agents of"Cro~kett Log flames". Plaintiffs later determined that ua "Crockett Log Horee~" exists but that it wis a trade name for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. which was being used by Defendant Dodson, Dcfen[lant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Defendant Tamer, doir~g business as Crockett Log Horees of New Cumberland, to cause the consumer to believe an agency association existed between all parties for construction of "Crockett Log Homes'. 35. The practices, failure ~nd omissions of De£endants degcribed in the Compliant violate to Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Comumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. Se~ion 201.1, et ll:ll-, as descriptive acts inter alfa: (i) Passing off goods or services as those of another: (ii) Causing likelihood ofcoufusiou or of misunderstanding as to thc sourr¢, sponsorship, approval or certification otgoods or s~'vic~s; (iii) Causing lik¢lib, ood of confuaion or of misunderstanding as to affiliation, conn¢ctioll of a~soci~ioll with, or certification by, another, (iv) Using d~ceptive representations or d~si~nations of geographic origin in connection with goods or service; (v) Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, a{~proval, charscterisiics, ingredients, uses benefits or quantities that they do not have or that a person has a sponsorship, approval, stares, affiliation or connuction ~hat he does not have; (xiii) Engaging in any other fraudulent conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or of mismldersmn, ding. ~ 02~.~', -. CHRI~TI-N B~KER ¢0 PAGE 36. Plaintiffs seek ~rcble damages and counsel fees in accordanoe with said Act, altome¥'s £e~s plus interest, cost~ of suit and all other relief the Court determines appropriate at ~ial of this case. WIII~.REFOR.F., Plaintiffs seek compensation damages in the amount of $24,047.30, h-~ble damages pursuant to Unfair Trade Practic~, a~orn~y. 's fees, plus interest, costs of suit and all other relief the Court deems approtniate. Dated: January/.~, 2002 Respectfully submitted, //B ar'~a~"Sumple-Sul liv an, Esquire $49 Bridge Strut New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorn~ for Plaintiffs "' ~2 22/2~02 14:31 TIT-?61-5810 CHF~ISTI.iN BAKER CO P~C-~ ii EXHIBIT "A" ~2~22t£~2 717-7G]-551~ CHRISTIAN BAKER 60 .~O:V'I'IE 4 fT~'OR .4 GR £EME~,T PAGE 12 PAGE 1 OF 2 O~'ER: STANLEY & .JIz'NrNII-I:;R GRIM'WOOD 3173 SPRING RD CARLISLE PA 17013 717-25g-g[34 CONTRACTOR: BRAD FARN'ER. OWNERS NAME: BRAD FAR.NER ADDRESS: 30I. A HiLLCKEST DP. NEW CU%IBERI,AND PA 17070 PltONE: 938-4337 F.,LX: 938-2028 3,MOUNT OF BID: $110,000.40 PA% .5,IENT TERMS: % b'PON COMPLETION OF % U?ON COMPLETION OF . % U'PON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLEIION OF % U?ON CON~LET1ON OF 20% 15 DAYS AFTER COMPLETION OF TOTAL 3OB JOg S~ECI'F/CAIION5: SEE ADDENDru.'~I #1 J'~'~$ TO g£ SUBCONTI~&CTED BY CONTB.~CTOR:' SALE OF CROCK~T HOME KrF, DR~Wv'ALL, LABOR TO h~STALL KiT, INSTALLATION Q~ SHINGLES, ALSO SEE ADDEND~,'M i 1. PROf I~!ON~ OF A GREE..'vIE3'E ALL WOKK 1S TO BE PERI:OI~MED ACCOKDING TO LOCAL CODES AND STANDAILg$. ALL MAT. E. KI.AL AND LABOR SI{.MJ.. B~ WARRANTED FOR A bl~rl3vlIa'M OF ONE YEAR. ALL CHANGES REQUESTED SHALL BE AGRSED TO BY PURCHAS~ ORDF-R. CONTRACTOR A~REE$ TO Ng%~qTA~N ALL REQb'~ED LIC~NSE~. AND INSUR-~NCE, [NCLUDfNO '~VOR.kLER5' COMPENSATION .~.%qD L[ABLLITY ~SUR_4.NCE WT~{ A b~SN~vfUM COVERAOE OF $500,000 PER OC~CE. ~.N'Y DPu~£~.GES ~AUSED BY CONTRACTOR OR CON ,.'TRACTOR'S EM~LOTEES IS TH~ KESPONSI~ILI ~'['Y OF THIS CONTR~C'tOR AND S]-L"¥LL BE R.EP~ AT IH/S CONTRACTORS EXPENSE. CONTRACTOR IS SOLELY R~SPONSIBL~ FOR CON~F. NSATION TO ALL ENLPLOYEES .~ND HELPERS F~ED BY CON-FRACTOR_ CONTRACTOR AGREES TO PROVIDE O%~R WITH RELEASE 717-761-5~10 CHRISTIAN B~K[R uO PAGE PAGE 2 OF l OF LIEN AFFIDAVITS PRIOR TO EACH PAYMENT( A'FFACHMENT COIx'I'P~CTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR VEKIFY~0 ALL SUBCONTKACTOP, PERM.S AND LICH!qSES, CONSrKACTOR WILL ~NSUP, Z, CLEAN'LrN'ESS PROJECT AT ALL TIMES. CON'TRACTOK 1S RESPONSIBLE TO'PROVIDE 'SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL WORKERS. A PENALTY OF S200:O0 PER DAY S'MALL BE CHARGED TO THE. CONTRACTOR IF CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS ON THIS AGREEMENT OR STOPS WORK BEFORE THE PROJECT IS CO~,L~LETED. OWNER KESERVES THE RIGHT TO HIRE A REPLACEMENT GENEK.ad. CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE CONTRACTOR'S CONTPJ. CT iN THE EVENT THE CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS. Tf-IIS.4GRECM£AT IX CO:VT.f..'VG£:'~'F t:PON OI4X'KR '$ OBE4I_~_t:VG A[£ REQUIRED PER,II/TX AND FI,'~'.dNCI,YG T0 ALLOIt' CO~,[PLETION OF THE PROJECT.a.$ BUDGEFED. CO.X'TRACTOR SFL4,LL BE IR.ESPO~'$!BLE FOR TEE CO~IFLETION Of' T,qE ENTIRE JOB DESCRIBED HEREIN ACCORDING TO TiIE AGREED-ON TIME SCHEDULE. CONTRACTOR $'[.IALL AC'I' AS OVERALL MA. NAGER, SCHEDULING. ALL LABOR ..~'~'D ~L~TERIAL FOR DELD,.'ERIES OF JOB DESCRIBED HEREIN. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE PROJ'ECI' vCrYHL'; THE FINA. NC£.~L BUDGET SET FORTH BY O~; ,~ER, 02/22/2002 ~4:3~ 717-761-5818 CH~,ISTI~N BAKER CO P,..GE ~4 ADDE:¥DU-~'~S~I 1'0 COiVTR.4CTOR AGREEMENt_ PAGE 1 OF 5 ~ FOLOWING NOTATIONS A.RE INCLUDED IN THE TI-IE BID PRESEbl BY TH~ CONTRACTOR A~D WILL BE pERfORMED WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS AGREED TO LN THE CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT, SPECgqCATIONS AR.E DUALY NO~ED ON A~fACI~vlENTS 2 A~'D 3. BLDO MATERIALS PER CROCK]ET BID 2 X 6 FRAMED WAILS W1TM I-lOUSE WRAP;I'YVEK 25 YEAR ACHITECTU~al, SHINGLES INSTALLED FRONT DOOR.- STAINABLE FIBERGLASS WqTH 2 SIDELIOHTS DECKiNO- PRESSUR~ TREATED LUMBER 720 SQUARE FEET RAILING- DECORATFv'E ~ AND SPLIT LOGS IN CF.1S CROSS DESiON ALL%ffN'JM FAC$1A A.ND SOFFITS ALUqv[IN/3M PORCH CE~.INO ALUMINLrM CLAD A~NDERSO~ LOW E 9,TNDOWS W~!Tl-I GRILLS GL l ~'~ WITH LEAF GUARDS INSTALL~.D E. XTKA LOGS TO RAISE CI=IT lNG LEVEL Dl' UPSTAIRS LOlq' AND BE1DROO~S/BATH G.4R.4GE: 3 FIBERGLASS 9' GARAGE DOORS INSTALLED 1- FIBERGLASS DOOR REAR I~qYANC'I~ SEP.-~ATOR WALl. IN GARAGE WITH WOODEN DOoR 2- 36 X 36 DH w ,INDOWS IN FRON-f OF OA.KAGE 1- 36 X 36 DH ~,-INDOW IN REAR THIS AR~.A WILL BE STONE EXTERIOR FIRE W.~LL PER TO~SI-i~ CODES KrfC~fE_¥: 2- 28 X 32 .~'rL~'DOWS DH CA-~"T1~ED LN FRONT SDE BY SIDE 5'~ WINDOW SILL TI-tiS ~ V~/LL BE FLE. L LOO EXTERIOR WOODEN DOOR FOR GARAGE E~'P.~NCE WOODEN DOOR FOR MASTF_.R BEDROOM 5~-FRANCE AS CLOSE THE BASElvfENT E~'RANCE AS POSSIBLE WOODEN DOOR BA.,SEMENT ENTRANCE ', . sYArNABLE I-IuEROLASS DOOR FRONT ENTR_.kCE W/2 SIDELIGHTS 1 - .%6 X 36 DH W]]qDOW WOODF. N STEPS AND KAILINO TO UPSTAIRS CLOSET A.ND DOOR ~2. ?2 2002 ] J: 31 71T-76t-5810 ChRISTi'AN BAKER CO (4DD£NDUM #I 1"0 COI~TR~4CTOR .4GREEM'ENT PAGE 2 OF 3 1- WINDOW 5' X 5' FROWr CENTER 2- WINDOWS RT SIDE FACING 36 X 48 D~ 1- W~D~ D~K ~CE TO PO~R ROOM 1- ~ ~R ~CH TO S~M 3- $' X $' WINDOWS OR 2-5 X 5 AND 2- DH 36 X 48 l- SINGLE S~TNG i:R.EN~ DOOR l:OK EX-rERIOK EN'rRA~CE LEFT SiDE F;~CING 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE FRaM GRF. AT ROOM 1- POCKET DOOR ENTRANCE FiLM MASTER BATH ~. 1- V,/OODI~N IX)OR EICTR..~'qCE FI~M MASTER BEDROOM 1- BUILT IN CLOSET '~n H DOOR 2- CLOSETS WITH WOODEN DOORS 2- WINDOWS SIDE BY SIDE CENTER. ED IN BACK OF ROOM 36 X 4S DM WOODEN ST~"P.S .~N'D RAIL PER. LOCAL CODE WOOD~',IF RA~[qG I~ER LOC.~L CODE RAISE CEt,IL~'qG LEVEL AT LEASE 3 LOGS 10 FM CLOSET FRO?I' X 14 CLOSET WITH FOLDfNO DOORS 1- wOODEN .DOOR ENT"~,MNCE FRM HALL 2- WINDOWS AT LEAST 36 X 36 RAISE CElT h'qO ~VEL TO AT LEAMT TFT 15X14 CLOSET WITH FOLDINO DOORS 3- WIN'DOWS AT I.~AST 36 X 36 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE RAISE CEILING LEVE TO AT 1 FA,ST 7 FT 82/22,"2882 14:.::1 7i?-761-5810 CHRiSTI4H E;~KER (.0 P~£ 1~ PAGE ~. OF 3 I- WOODEN DOOR b-b/Y'KANCE RAISE CEILI.~G LEVEL TO AT LE~T 7~ ' p J~ ,IT M': · TONGUE AND ORO0~,~ CEILING AaND DOIL~,~fl~R$ 2- DORMER W'INDOWS 1- I-IA.LF C'TRCLE WINDOW DRILL FOR ELECTRICITY IN LOG WALLS SUPPLY LI)-I' FOR DELIVERY OF YET HOUSE WRAP ALL 2 X 6 FRAMED WALLS INSTALL ALL DOOR K..NOBS TO BE SUPPLIED BY HOME, OWNER SLq~PLY AND ~STAL~ ALL ~ ALL SP£CrHCATIONS NO i ~u AR~ M]N12vIUMS AND ARE A~REED TO BY CONTRACTOP..: (CONTACTOR) 82 22/?..eo2 14; ~1 717-761-5~t~ CHRISTIAN FeAt(ED 03 EXHIBIT "B" " ¢~ z~/~00~ ld:Sl 717-761-5810 CHRISTIAN BAKER CO Items ~ot completed: i) Rid~ ,,¢nt was not installed in main roof of house 23 Fiaihing was not installed on section ofsuaroom roof where the back of the house. S) gutters.and dox~'n spouts w~-re no~ installed :il wood trim in hall not complelcd 5) woOg ~m ia kitche:t Itot completed 61 Mm around stairs not completed 7'~ trim around loft nO~ comgleted 8) iides of stairs not oompleted g) scr~en~ for windo~ are not ~mlled and ~ome are missing 10} ,xnerior roiling not completed l ! ) iht,flor r~i[ing ,upplles no~ prmfded ~3) t~m arou~t basement door not applied Items that need to be repaired 1'1 door ~om kitchen to gauge is split ~) decor~ix'e mm comers not ~isb~d pro.fly, and blue i~ on e~ges nol h~x,e to ~ removed on in.fled ~} dDa,~ll beside ~ks is d~aged ~om ~mo~ of stair roiling (Bnd wm not~fied from pr~ble~ tha~ ~ul~ be one of ~e I~ things to b¢ complet~ 1 then remifldc6 him ' e~N, esp¢cially when I s~cifically several time~ It never ~bould'~ve been i~Iled so . · made a point s~'~ times oftdling h~ I ~n'x s~e whal ~'~ of railing q abuek~ ~x~ le~ on ~e mol md ~e shingl~ ~ ~aed on am now 0~,'22/2002 14; 31 CHRISTIAN BAKER CO =AGE i~ F 717-761-5818 5) there is no caulking :round ;he sk.'y lights on the surcoom roof 6) :he sunroom door to ~he outside leaks and will not open unless extreme force is used. 7) :he ~m ir. the do~vnstairs bathroom is loose aroand the pocket d~or. 8) the door bet~veen the master ba~h and bedroom is split the wood on the upstairs floor h~ very large .~aps in some areas, you ~n even see lighl tbrou~ the floor ~o~ the fiox~rs in oae area. 10) ~ench doon in li~in~ room do not close pToperly 1 ) ~dm in larger u;~taim be~oom doom~a)' doesn't line up !2) ~im in kitchen by th~ bedroom doom'~y do~n't match I~) ~m in ucs~airs hallway d~sn't match 14) time in sunroom on 3 ~dndow~ i~ not a~ached 14:];1 717- ]E.I-581B CHRISTI~I EXHIBIT "C" 1~:31 71 7-76]-5S10 CHRISTIAN BAKER CO Log & Timber Homes Established 2 9 73 Agreement Completlon.Contra~ betwee~ ~%nnifer and Stan C-firewood and Crockett. Log Homes of PA, Inc., for compNn;on ofjob at 499 Swnple Bridge Koed, Enola, Pennsylvania. The at~ached two pages outlines the work ~o be completed by Crocken L~g Homes of PA ~ ths ~ovc m~ntioned job sRe. ~ Doug ~doned ~s ve~ busy schedule, ~e~ e~a ~il be made to ~nish the job ~uickly. Hom~s arc ~c that Doug's job t~ him out ofto~ sever~ days a w,~k and canno~ be at ~ejob s~e ev~dzy. Some of the work to be completed such as ~utters and ridse vent also r~quire some work to be completed b}' homeowner. In the case of these tasks, Doug will go as far as he can and then leave thc malerials for homeowner to oomplcte. Once work is completed (as specified on aaached pages), the homeowners wil) make payments :o Crock~ Log Homes of PA, Inc. a~ work Ls being done. By completion, all payments should :c;al $6,490.00 plus $35f00 for step railings for a total of $6,gT$.00. Balance to be paid upon compleiion. Any additional works above ~.nd b~yond the contrac~ will be done with wfi'ct~n and signed cl',an.c-- orders and p~id a~cordlngly. The above i~ a~reed ~.o and sign~..~the following parries: · ~ Date ' G. Doug~ Dodso~ ~eside~ Date ,/ C:O PAG£ 22 o ..... ~.~~ 1,~:21 71.--76]-5810 CHRISTIAN BAKEP.. ~h~ ba~k o£'d~ boas*. 3) .,~u~.ters ~nd clo,~n ~,.Do~.'t$ w:r¢ not 14) ~ m~ous ~m ~blc~s ~ ~ -~3s ~ 0u% ~, ~b ~ ~q ~tI in a 3) d~r ~om ~ :o ~a~e {s ~obIem, Cna: woula bt one or~e l~ 02, 22'20~2 ]4:31 717-¥~.1-5510 CHRISTIAN BAKER CO 1 ~ ) ~ in I~ upr~ ~o~ d~y ~.'l lJn~ ~p ]4) ~ in sunera on 3 ~ is ~ a~ ~ro~r~ ~ W ~ loo~. 02/2~'2802 l'h31 717-7%1-5~10 CHRISTIAN E'.~<ER CID P~"G;' 2~ Bm..bm-a Sumple-Sulliv~n, Esquire Supre~ne Gour~ ~323 [7 N~w ~b~l~, PA 17070 (717) 7!4-t~5 ST~EY ~. G~OOD ~d JEeR L. G~'~D, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : N~V CUMBERL.M',rD; DOUGLAS : DODSON, individually and d/bla : CROCK.BTT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., : CI{OCICETT LOG I-IOIv[ES OF : PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING : SYSTEMS, INC. : Defendants : : IN TI-Il: COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COI.FNTY, PEI,,rNSYLVANIA NO. CIVIL We, ST.~NLEY II. GRIS{WOOD and JENNI~-I~.R L GRIMWOOD, hereby c~i~ ~t the fac~ ~t fo~ in ~e forego~i Complaint ~ ~e a~ ~ec~ to ~e ~st of o~ ~owledge, ~o~afion ~dbelic[ W~ ~d~d ~at ~ fa~ stat~en~ made h~in subject to p~alfles of 1~ P~ C.S.A. ~4904 rela~g ~ unswom f~fl~fi~ ~ authorities. DATED:J~,,~' /~ ZO0.~. STANLEY l{ GRII~OOD " CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW on this ~/Z~day of Mareh, 2002 1 Robert P. Reed, Esquire, hereby certify that I served the within Preliminary Objections on Behalf of Defendant, Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Nicole Riemann, Esquire Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Rupich 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, PLAINTIFFS IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKE'I-I' LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKE'I-I' LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., DEFENDANTS · 02-0370 CIVIL TERM IN RE: PRELIMINARY OBJECTION OF DEFENDANTS TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT BEFORE BAYLEY. J. AND HESS. J. ORDER OF COURT AND NOW, this r'[,~ day of May, 2002, the preliminary objection of defendants to plaintiffs' complaint for a violation of Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 1020(a), IS GRANTED.~ Plaintiffs shall file an amended complaint within twenty (20) days of this date. ~ Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 1020(a) provides in pertinent part that, "Each cause of action and any special damages related thereto shall be stated in a separate count containing a demand for relief." In both Count I, Breach of Contract, and Count II, Unfair Trade Practices, plaintiffs have alleged responsibility by all defendants without setting forth separate causes of action against each defendant by alleging how that defendant breached any contract, and violated the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. It makes the complaint impossible to answer by each individual defendant. This resolution makes it unnecessary to address the other preliminary objections to the complaint that are raised by the various defendants. Edgar B. Bay~ Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire For Plaintiffs Robert P. Reed, Esquire For Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire For Natural Building Systems, Inc. Arthur K. Dils, Esquire For Douglas Dodson, individually and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. :saa .2. ~'. Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs Vo BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA . NO. 02-370 CIVIL . ; JURY TRIAL DEMANDED . NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 2 LIBERTY AVENUE Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 249-3166 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED AMENDED COMPLAINT Plaintiffs are Stanley H. Grimwood and Jennifer L. Grimwood, husband and wife, residing at 499 Sample Bridge Road, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025. o Defendant is Bradley Farner, an individual residing at 304A Hillcrest Drive, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17070. Mr. Farner transacts business under the name "Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland". 3. Defendant Farner is a builder dealer of Crockett Log Homes. 4. Defendant is Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation doing business at 58 Sunset Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. o Defendant Crockett Homes of PA., Inc. is the Mid-Atlantic Regional office of Defendant National Building Systems, Inc. o Defendant Douglas Dodson is an individual residing at 58 Sunset Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. o Defendant Dodson represents he is the master dealer for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 8. Defendant Dodson transacts business also as Crockett Homes of PA., Inc. o Defendant is Natural Building Systems, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation located at 35 Old Route 12 North,Westmoreland, New Hampshire 03467. Defendant is doing business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but has no registered office in this state. 10. Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of certain log home systems, the owner of certain trade names, including "Crockett Log Homes," and markets and sells said homes as "Crockett Log Homes" through Defendant David Dodson "Master Dealer", Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc., and Defendant Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland. 2 11. Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and Defendant Farner are the builders and dealers for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 12. Defendant Farner is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 13. Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 14. Defendant Dodson is the agent or ostensible agent of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 15. Plaintiffs became aware through various medias of the availability of log homes known as "Crockett Log Homes". 16. Plaintiffs desired to specifically build a "Crockett Log Home" and telephoned "Crockett Log Homes" as listed in the telephone book in July, 1999. 17. By calling "Crockett Log Homes", Plaintiffs came in contact with Defendant Brad Famer, whom they believed to be an employee, agent or authorized representative of "Crockett Log Homes". 3 18. By calling "Crockett Log Homes", Plaintiffs intended to reach the company which was advertising nationally for manufacture, sale and building of log homes established in 1973 and to contract with it for purchase and erection of such a log home. 19. Plaintiffs have now learned that no entity known as "Crockett Log Homes" exists but that it is a marketing and sales scheme utilized by the Defendants. 20. Defendant Farner, whom Plaintiffs believed to be an agent and employee of "Crockett Log Homes", worked with Plaintiffs for ordering the Crockett building package manufactured by Defendant Natural Building System, Inc., and for actual labor in erection and completion of their Crockett Log Home. 21. On or about August 31, 1999, Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland entered into a contract for acquisition and erection of Plaintiff's "Crockett Log Home". A copy of said contract is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference. 22. It is believed and therefore averred that Defendant Farner secured the materials required for the construction of Plaintiffs' log home from Defendant G. Douglas Dodson, master dealer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. in accordance with the course of dealing existing between said Defendants. 4 23. Pursuant to the Agreement dated August 31, 1999, Plaintiffs were obligated to pay the sum of ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($110,000.00) for their "Crockett Log Home". 24. Pursuant to the contract attached as Exhibit "A", all work related to the construction of the Crockett Log Home was to be completed in a workmanlike manner, according to local codes and standards. 25. Pursuant to the contract attached as Exhibit "A", Defendant Farner was responsible for completion of the job in accordance with the agreed upon time schedule. 26. Defendant Farner verbally represented to Plaintiffs that he was well experienced in the construction of Crockett Log Homes. 27. It was the agreed to between Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner that the construction was to be completed on or before December 6, 2000. 28. Said work was not completed as of that date and hindered relocation of Plaintiffs from their prior residence. 29. Defendant Farner did not complete the work timely or in accordance with the terms of the 5 Agreement since much of the work was either left uncompleted or not completed in a satisfactory fashion. 30. Defendant Farner's work was defective and incomplete, including the following: A) Defendant failed to erect a wall in the master bath, as required by the plans and specifications for the home system; B) Defendant also failed to complete or otherwise perform or install properly the items set forth on Exhibit "B" which is incorporated herein by reference. Exhibit "B" identifies fourteen (14) separate "Items not Completed" ("Completion Items") and fourteen (14) "Items that need to be Repaired." ("Repair Items"). 31. When Defendant Farner failed to complete the work, Plaintiffs attempted to secure completion of the work by "Crockett Homes" master dealer, Defendant David Dodson, also d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. 32. Defendant David Dodson was also designated as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office for "Crockett Log Homes." 33. A Completion Contract dated December 10, 2000 was reached between Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and Plaintiffs for completion of Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland's work. A copy of said Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by reference. The Completion Contract incorporated the fourteen (14) Completion Items and fourteen (14) Repair Items identified in Exhibit 34. Despite receipt of payment of TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500.00) from Plaintiffs, Defendant Dodson, also d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. failed to complete the work or completed the work in an unworkmanlike manner. 35. Specifically, Defendant Dodson only completed: 36. A) B) C) Some trim work; Coordination and installation of railing purchased by Plaintiffs for the interior and certain exterior deck railing; and Completed spouting, which spouting continued to leak. After the attempts by "Crockett Homes" agents Defendant Brad Farner and Defendants Dodson and Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. to complete the work, Plaintiffs hired an engineer to review the construction to determine what was necessary to complete the work in accordance with the terms of the contracts with Defendants Farner and Defendants Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and to correct existing defects such as leaking and bowing of the floor. 37. The following construction problems continued to exist and be in need of remedy as a result of faulty installation or construction or failure of materials or manufacture of the "Crockett Log Home" provided by the Defendants Natural Building Systems, Inc., Defendant Bradley Farner and Defendant Dodson and Defendant Crockett Log Homes 7 of PA., Inc. A) Leakage through roof in Great Room. Leakage problems due to ridge venting, flashing and the gutter issues and sash described as Completion Items 1, 2, 3 of Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; B) Failure of the door to fit in the Master bedroom closet; C) Sag in ceiling beams of the first floor master bedroom; D) Chip in the master bedroom door; E) Leakage through the front door; F) Improper installation of log skirting; G) Failure to install plugs in ends of logs; H) Improper installation of living room baseboard; I) Inoperation of and leakage through doors such as listed in Repair Items 6 and 10 on Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof, including the family room patio door; J) Gaps in second floor pine flooring and bowing of the floor with need for replacement and resurfacing which had been identified as Repair Item 9 on Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; K) Improperly installed fascia as listed on Completion Items 12 of Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; L) Failure to complete trim work as specifically listed on items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 of Completion Items and Items 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Repair Items as set forth on Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; M) Roof shingling nail heads to be replaced; N) Calking of exterior surfaces such as listed on Item 5 of Repair Items on Exhibit "B" and "C", attached hereto and made a part hereof; O) Installation of ridge venting to complete a stated as Completion Item 1 of Exhibit "B" and "C", attached hereto and made a part hereof; P) Improper spouting installation as listed as Completion Item 3 of Exhibit "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; Q) Improper installation of metal flashing around the windows and damage to the window sash in the first floor and master bedroom and bedroom doors as set forth as Completion Item 12 and Repair Item 8 on Exhibits "B" and "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof; R) Failure to install plug in log indentations to prevent insect infestation; S) Dirty condition of home and water marks on logs and bricks; T) Purchase of supplies, including missing railing from upstairs, loft and steps. Some of these items were to replace railing purchased by Plaintiffs and were to be used in basement; and U) Improperly constructed dot mers. 38. It was estimated that the total costs of this work for replacement and repair of the above referenced defects is TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). 39. COUNT I BREACH OF CONTRACT vs. BRADLEY FARNER d/b/a CROCKETT HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND Paragraphs 1 through 38 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. 40. Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner contracted for the purchase and erection of a Crockett Log Home. 41. Defendant was responsible, pursuant to said contract, for purchase of all material to be 'utilized in the home as well as all labor and workmanship to be used in the home. 42. Defendant's provision of material and workmanship were faulty in that the work was not completed in a workmanlike or complete manner for the reasons set forth on Exhibit "B", which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, as well as for the additional failures in construction as set forth in paragraph 37. 43. As a result of Defendant's breach of contract, Plaintiffs will be required to hire a third party to properly repair and complete Defendant's work at a cost of TWENTY-FOUR 9 THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment be entered against Defendant Farner in the amount of TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30). COUNT II BREACH OF CONTRACT vs. DAVID A. DODSON, INDIVIDUAI.I JY AND d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. 44. All avemtents of paragraphs 1 through 43 are incorporated herein by. reference. 45. After the failures of Defendant Bradley Farner to perfom, properly and complete the construction work on their home, Plaintiffs contacted David Dodson, an individual who represented himself as "Master Dealer" for Crockett Log Homes in Pennsylvania. 46. As "Master Dealer", Plaintiff believed Defendant Dodson was the next in the corporate change of command of Crockett Log Homes to seek proper completion of their home. 47. Plaintiffs believe and therefore aver that Dodson's use of a corporate entity, "Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc., is disregarded by Dodson himself. 10 48. As "Master Dealer" for "Crockett Log Homes", Dodson agreed to complete Defendant Farner's work and repair all work necessary to complete the work outstanding on Plaintiffs' home which was not appropriately completed by Defendant Farner. 49. Plaintiffs and Defendant Dodson agreed that, upon completion of their home, Plaintiffs would make the final payment due and owing for their Crockett Log Homes directly to Dodson. 50. Defendants Dodson and Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. did not complete or remedy all the problems at Plaintiffs' home despite the fact that Plaintiffs paid $2,500.00 to Dodson for completion of the work. 51. The work not completed or items needed to be repaired or remedied even after Defendant Dodson was on site are set forth in paragraph 37. 52. Plaintiffs are now required to hire a third party to rectify the existing defects which were not remedied by Defendant Dodson, individually or d/b/a Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. 53. Plaintiffs request judgment against Dodson and Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. in the amount of TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 11 30/100 ($24,047.30) to repair and remedy the work. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and against the Defendants Dodson, individually and doing business s as Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. COUNT III UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES vs. DEFEDANT NATURAl, BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., DEFENDANT DODSON, DEFENDANT CROCKETT HOMS OF PA., INC AND DEFENDANT, BRADLEY FARNER, dfo/a CROCKETT LOG HOMS OF NEW CUMBERLAND 54. Paragraphs 1 through 53 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. 55. Defendant Bradley Farner failed to complete the construction on Plaintiffs' home as contracted for. 56. Defendant Bradley Farner perfo.iied the work in a shoddy and unworkmanlike manner. 57. Defendant David Dodson failed to complete the construction on Plaintiffs' home as contracted for. 58. Defendant David Dodson perfot-a~ed the work in a shoddy and unworkmanlike manner. 12 59. Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. failed to complete the work contracted for by its dealer and builders. 60. Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. failed to complete the work contracted for by its dealer and builders in an appropriate manner. 61. Alternatively, the material goods provided to Plaintiffs by Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc., through it dealer and builders, were shoddy and of poor quality. 62. The goods and services provided to Plaintiffs by Defendants were primarily for Plaintiffs' personal, family and household uses. 63. Plaintiffs believed that they were purchasing a "Crockett Log Home" and that Defendants were all "Crockett Log Homes" affiliates. 64. Plaintiffs later determined that no entity known as "Crockett Log Homes" exists but that it was a trade name for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. which was also being used by Defendant Dodson, Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. and Defendant Farner, doing business as Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, to cause the consumer to believe that a single entity, an agency association or other cooperative affiliation existed between all parties for construction of "Crockett Log Homes". 13 65. Defendant Natural Building Systems', Inc. created a system of marketing its goods and services which constituted passing off goods and services under the name Crockett Log Homes while no Crockett Log Homes, in fact, exists. 66. Defendant Natural Building Systems', Inc. use of dealers and builders which incorporate the "Crockett Log Home" name into the names of which they trade, such as "Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc." for Defendant Dodson and "Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland" for Defendant Farner create the likelihood of confusion and misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval, and certification of goods. 67. All Defendants used a marketing and sales distribution network which caused confusion and misunderstanding for Plaintiffs and the public in connection with the association and affiliation of the goods and services. 68. Marketing by all Defendants of "Crockett Log Homes" creates the representation that the goods and services provided has a sponsorship, use or benefit that they do not have, namely the endorsement of a single entity which stands behind its product, its sale and construction. 69. Defendants foster this misrepresentation by referencing affiliated locations such as "Home Office" for Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. and "Mid-Atlantic Regional Office" for Crockett Log Homes of PA., Inc. 14 70. Such a marketing scheme is calculated to cause confusion for the public. 71. The practices, failure and omissions of Defendants described in the Complaint's paragraph 35 and 36 violate to Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. Section 201.1, e__t seq. 72. Plaintiffs seek treble damages and counsel fees in accordance with said Act, attorney's fees plus interest, costs of suit and all other relief the Court detemdnes appropriate at trial of this case. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs seek compensation damages in the amount of TWENTY- FOUR THOUSAND FORTY-SEVEN DOLLARS and 30/100 ($24,047.30), treble damages in the amount of SEVENTY-TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE DOLLARS ($72,141.00) pursuant to Unfair Trade Practices, attorney's fees, plus interest, costs of suit and all other relief the Court deems appropriate. Dated: May 28, 2002 Respectfully submitted, /~larbara Sumple Sullivan, Esqmr-'~ 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorney for Plaintiffs 15 EXHIBIT "A" CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT PAGE 1 OF 2 OV~'ER: STANff. EY & JENNIFER GRIMWOOD 3173 SPRING RD CARLISLE PA 17013 717-2584134 CONTRACTOR: BRAD FAR.N'ER OWNERS NAME: BRAD FARNER ADDRESS: 304A Hll .LCREST DR NEW CUIvfBERLAN'D PA 17070 PHONE: 9384337 F.&X: 938-2028 WORK~RS COMP L~SUILkNCE NUMBER LNSUP,.kNCE C.kRRW, R JOB ADDRESS: 499 SAMPLE BRIDGE RD ENOL4 P,4 A.MOUNT OF BID: $110,000.40 PA~.3,IENT TERMS: % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % UPON COMPLETION OF % bPON COIvlPLETION OF 20% 15 DAYS AFTER COIvlPLETION OF TOTAL JOB JOB SPECIFICATIONS: SEE ADDENDL.,~,I #1 JOBS TO BE SL,-BCONTtLACTED BY CON'TKACTOR: SALE OF CROCICET HOME KIT, DP, YWALL, LABOR TO ~'STALL KiT, INSTALLATION QF SHINGLES, ALSO SEE ADDENDb~! # 1. PRO~.TSIONS OF AGREEMENT ALL WORK IS TO BE PERFORMED iN A WORKMANLIKE bS~\~NER ACCORDiNG TO LOCAL CODES AND STANDARDS. ALL MA!rERLAL AND LABOR SHALL BE WARReN'TED FOR A MIN~Ib2vl OF ONE YEAR. AI_l. CHANGES REQUESTED SHALL BE AGREED TO BY PURCHASE ORDER. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO MAINTAIN ALL REQUqRED LICENSES AND [NSUR. ANCE, iNCLUDING WORKERS' COMPENSATION .~NT) LIABILITY iNSUR.~dqCE ~TL:H A MINIMUM COV'ERAGE OF $500,000 PEK OCCURRENCE. AN~' D.~,L~.GES CAUSED BY CONTRACTOR OR CON-FiL, x. CTOR'S ElvlPLOTEES IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CONTRACTOR *,~NrD SHALL BE REPA.IKED AT THIS CONTRACTORS EXPENSE. CONTRACTOR IS SORELY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPENSATION TO ALL EIvlPLOYEES AND HELPERS HIKED BY CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO PROVIDE OWN'ER WITH RELEASE G CO!~-fR~4CTOR:4GREEMEi~7~ ~ _ ~ ~ ,, ~ PAGE2OF2 OF L/EN AFFIDAVITS PRIOR TO EACH PAYMENT( ATTACHMENT ~ I ). CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR VER/FY1NG ALL SUBCONTRACTOR PERMITS AND LICENSES, CONTRACTOR WILL ENSLrfLE CLE.,~NI. rN'ESS OF PROJECT AT ALL TIMES. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO'PROVIDE 'A 'SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL WORKERS. A PENALTY OF $200:00 PER DAY SHALL BE CHARGED TO THE CONTRACTOR IF CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS ON THIS AGREE,~T OR STOPS WORK BEFORE THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED. OWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO HIRE A REPLACEMENT GENER,~J. CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE CONTRACTOR'S CONTRACT IN THE EVENT THE CONTRACTOR DEFAULTS. THIS.4GREEMENT IS CO:VTL'YGENT UPON O~4NER 'S OBT.4I~NG.4L I REO_UIRED PERMITS.4ND FLX~4NCI. VG TO .4LLOR'COMPLETION OF THI PROJECT:4$ BUDGETED, CONTI~&CTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE JOB DESCRIBED HEREIN ACCORDING TO THE AGREED-ON TIME SCHEDULE. CONTRACTOR SHALL ACT AS OV'ERALL MANAGER, SCHEDULING ALL LABOR AND .,XL,~TERLAL FOR DELIYERIES OF JOB DESCRIBED HEREIN. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO CO31PLETE THE PROJECT WITHLN THE FINANCL.~L BUDGET SET FORTH BY O'~,'.'NER. ro cosr croR ' '" PAGE 1 OF 3 - THE FOLOWING NOTATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE THE BID PRESENTED B Y THE CONTRACTOR AND WILL BE PER. FORMED WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS AGREED TO IN THE CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT. SPECIFICATIONS ARE DUALY NOTED ON ATTACHMENTS 2 AND 3. BLDG MATERIALS PER CROCK.ET BID 2 X 6 FR. AMED WALLS WITH HOUSE WRAP/TYVEK 25 YEAR ACt-I/TEC~ SHINGLES INSTALLED FRONT DOOR- STAINABLE FIBERGLASS WITH 2 SIDELIGHTS DECKING- PRE, SSU'RE TREATED LUMBER 720 SQUARE FEET RAILING- DECORATIVE FULL AND SPLIT LOGS IN CRIS CROSS DESIGN ALL2vlL'q'U2vl FACSIA AND SOFFITS ALUMI'NUM PORCH CEILING ALLrMINLrM CLAD .a.NDERSON LOW E WINDOWS ~ GRILLS GUTTERS WITH LEAF GUARDS INSTALLED EXTRA LOGS TO RAISE CEILING LEVEL IN UPSTAIRS LOFT AREA AND BEDROOMS/BATH 3 FIBERGLASS 9' GARAGE DOORS INSTALLED I- FIBERGLASS DOOR REAR EN-i'AN'CE SEP '/~.XTOR WALL IN G2~--~.GE W'ITH WOODEN DOOR 2- 36 X 36 DH WINDOWS IN FRONT OF GARAGE I- 36 X 36 DH WqN'DOW IN* RE.,M.'.'.~ THiS AREA WILL BE STONE EXTERIOR FIRE WALL PER TO~,¥~SFIIP CODES 2- 28 X 32 12?.._~rDOWS DH CEN ~.rI'ERED 12q FRONr'I'' SIDE BY S~E 6" WINDOW SILL TI-I/S .aREA WILL BE FU~L LOG EXTERIOR WOODEN DOOR FOR GARAGE EN~FRANCE WOODEN' DOOR FOR MASTER BEDROOM ENTRANCE AS CLOSE TH]E BASEIv[ENT ENrrRANCE AS POSSIBLE WOODEN DOOR BASEMENT ENTRANCE STAINABLE FIBERGLASS DOOR FRONT EN~RACE W/2 SIDELIGHTS 1- 36 X 36 DH WINDOW WOODEN STEPS AND RAILING TO UPSTAIKS CLOSET AND DOOR PAGE 2 OF 3' GRK4 I' ROOM; 1- WINDOW 5' X 5' FRONT CENTER 2- WINDOWS RT SIDE FACING 36 X 48 DH 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE TO POWDER ROOM 1- FRENCH DOOR ENTRANCH TO SUNROOM 3- 5' X 5' WINDOWS OR 2-5 X 5 AND 2- DH 36 X 48 1- SINGLE SWING FRENCH DOOR FOR EXTERIOR ENTRANCE LEFT SIDE FACING I- WOODEN DOOR ENTR.~NCE FRM GREAT ROOM 1- POCKET DOOR ENTRANCE FRaM MASTER BATH AR~- ~A MASTER BA TH I- WOODEN DOOR ENTtLkNCE FRM NIASTER BEDROOM 1- BUILT IN' CLOSET WITH DOOR MASTER BEDRO0.,1,[; 2- CLOSETS ~TTI-I,, WOODEN DOORS 2- WINDOWS SIDE BY SIDE CENTERED 1N BACK OF ROOM 36 X 48 DH WOODEN STAIRS AND RAJZ PER LOCAL CODE LOFT; WOODEN RA_t%ING PER LOC.&L CODE I- WINDOW RAISE CEI ~ING LEVEL AT LEASE 3 LOGS 10 FM CLOSET FRONrT X 14 CLOSET WITH FOLDING DOORS 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE FRM HALL 2- WINDOWS AT LEAST 36 X 36 RAISE CErI.ING LEVEL TO AT LEAST 7FT 15X14 CLOSET WiTH FOLDING DOORS 3- WINDOWS AT LEAST 36 X 36 1- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE RAISE CEILING LEVE TO AT LE,~ST 7 Fl' PAGE 3 OF 3' I- WOODEN DOOR ENTRANCE RAISE CEILING LEVEL TO AT LEAST 7FT UPPER GREAT ROOM; ' TONGUE AND GROOVE CEILING ~.a2q-D DOP~'~v[ERS 2- DORMER WINDOWS 1- FL~LF CIRCLE WINDOW DR rr L FOR ELECTRICITY 13q LOG WALLS SUPPLY LW'I' FOR DELIVERY OF KIT HOUSE vooa, ~. 2 X 6 H~-~',~D WALLS ~STAU. A~L DOOR BOBS 'tO ~ S~kmD ~Y ~O~5~ ~L SPECWICATIONS NOrD ~ ~S ~ A~ AG~ED TO BY ~ CONT~kCTOR: (CON-FACTOR) EXHIBIT. "B" Items not completed: - l) Ridge vent was not ins~lled in main roof of howe 2) Flashing was not installed on section of sunmom roof where it mee~s the log w.~l! on the back of the house. 3) gutters and doxvn spouts were not insmIled " 4) wood trim in hall not completed 5) wood trim in kitchen not completed 6) u-ira around stairs not completed ?) trim around for not completed 8) sides of stairs not completed 9) screens tbr windows are not installed and some are missing 10) emerior roiling not completed 11 ) interior railing supplies not pro~Sded 12) fascia on garage and gables not finished properly ,~nd fascia missing from end of porch. 13) trim around basement door not applied Items that need to be repaired 1) door from kitchen to garage is split 2) decorative ~m comers not finished properly, and blue ink on ed=es not cut off. have to be removed on inzalled properly 3) ci~..,~ll beside stairs is damaged from removal of stair roiling (Brad was notified from day one that we ma5' not want that ?pe of railing and his response was that it w=s no pr~)blem, that would be one of the last things to be completed. I then reminded him several times. It never should have been installed so early, especially when I speqifically made a point several times of telling him I x~=sn't sure what ~..'pe of railing I warned) 4) a bucket wa~ left on the roof and the shingles it rested on are now mined. 5) there is no cauI 'l~g around the sky Ifght~ on the sunroom roof - 6) the sunroom door to the outside leaks a~d will not open unless extreme force is med. 7) the trim in the downstairs bathroom is loose around the pocket door. 8) the door between the master bath and bedroom is split 9) the wood on the upstairs floor h~ ve~' large gaps in some areas, you mn even see light through the floor from the do~m~airs in one area. 10) ~'rench doors in living room do not close properly 11 ) trim in larger upstairs bedroom doorx~%' doesn't line up I2) u'im in kitchen by the bedroom doorway doesn't match 13) trim in upstairs hallway doesn't match 14) time in sunroom on 3 w/ndows is not attached properly and is actually loose. EXHIBIT '" C" Log & Timber Homes Established 19 73 Agreement Completion Contract between Jennifer and Stan Grimwood and Crockett. Log Homes of PA, Inc., for completion of job at 499 Sample Bridge Road, Enola, Pennsylvania. The attached two pages outlines the work to be completed by Crockett Log Homes of PA at the above mentioned job site. As Doug mentioned his very busy schedule, every effort will be made to finish the job quickly. Homeowners are aware that Doug's job takes him out of town several days a week and cannot be at the job site everyday. Some of the work to be completed such as gutters and ridge vent also require some work to be completed by homeowner. In the ease of these tasks, Doug will go as far as he can and then leave the materials for homeowner to complete. Once work is completed (as specified on attached pages), the homeowners will make payments to Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. as work is being done. By completion, all payments should total $6,490.00 plus $385.00 for step railings for a total of $6,875.00. Balance to be paid upon completion. Any additional works above and beyond the contract will be done with written and signed change orders and paid accordingly. The above is agreed to and signed b the following parties: Stan Grimwood, Hgmeoj~r l~at~ .... n,,,. _.-tei~iiif~r~Homeowner D~t~ - ~)f'oc"kett ~6~'i Homes ofl~ Inc. Date / G. Dougl~as Dodson, President 2) M~h~ng ~ ~o: ins~d on s~i~n ofs~oom rao~w~re i~ ~eets ~ log ~I on 3) gutlers and olown spores v,':r¢ not 4) wood~m ir, hall not ~mple~ ~ wo~ ~L~ ~ ~e~ not 9) scrc~ for ~ndo'~s ~e ~i fn~ 1 O) ex~dor ~)ing not I l) in~e~or mfli~ ~ppt;~ no: g~vjdcd 12) f~a on ~age ~d ~hl~ nm f~s~d pm~rlv ~ fa~ia mi~ing ~m end of - 14) ~h.r ~mdous Em problems such gq rra~ls s~ck4ng out, em, wh/~h we can de.ii in a ~J!r th. rougk need to b= r~paimd 1) door Lorn/~.zhen to garage is spiiL ~vc to be r~oved on installed ~op~r!y ~) ~v~l b~id, ~rs is d~mag~ ~m rmnoval or.ir mil/rig (B~ ~m noticed from .m . om~ ne one oF~e I~ ~n~ ~ be compI~t~ I t~n remi~d~ ~ _ 7) t~ ~ j~ ~e flosses ~oom is 1oo~ ~uad ~ ~c~ t{~t ~ou~ ~ floor ~m thc do~ ~ O~ ~ 1 O) ~ch d~m {n 1i~ room do not close properl~ Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and ctro/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-0370 CIVIL We, STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Amended Complaint are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that any false statements made herein are subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. DATED: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court 832317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS : DODSON, individually and d/b/a : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., : CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF : PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING : SYSTEMS, INC. : Defendants : : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : NO. 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire, do hereby certify that on this date, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing AMENDED COMPLAINT, in the above-captioned matter upon the following individual by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Rupich 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Monica L. Rebuek, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1713 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 DATED: May 28, 2002 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Es~uiee Supreme Court I.D. No. 32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs (717) 774-1445 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLV/ CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DE5 PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEM1 Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 10281 defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. ("NBS") hereby preliminarily Amended Complaint as follows: 1. The only claim in the Amended Complaint brought again: the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (£ 2. In order to adequately state a claim under this Act, plaintit purchased goods or services in reliance on a defendant's representations. 3. Plaintiffs fail to plead that they purchased goods or service representation by NBS. 2qlA ~ANDED INC. 0(3) and 1028(a)(4), ~bjects to plaintiffs' t NBS is a claim under 'ount III). £s must plead that they s in reliance on any HBDATA:7283 vl 4. Plaintiffs also fail to allege any unfair or deceptive trad{ actionable under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consum NBS is not responsible for the actions of the other defendants; plaintiff plead any agency, ostensible agency or master/servant relationship upo: liability. o Count III of plaintiffs' Amended Complaint therefore fai 6. Count III of plaintiffs' Amended Complaint also fails to required to plead a claim against NBS under the Pennsylvania Unfair Ti Consumer Protection Act. WHEREFORE, defendant NBS respectfully requests that prejudice the Amended Complaint against NBS in its entirety pursuant ~ Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3)and I028(a)(4). Respectfully submitted, Monica L. Rebuck, I.D. No. Attomeys for Defendant Na Systems, Inc. SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-4000 Dated: June 17, 2002 practices ~ that are ~'r Protection Act. And have not adequately which to base vicarious Is to state a claim against ~rovide the specificity adc Practices and the Court dismiss with , Pennsylvania Rules of 7O7 78225 aralBuilding ItBDATA:7283 vl CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Monica L. Rebuck, hereby certify that a tree and corr, Preliminary Objections of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. w first class mail, postage prepaid to the following: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils I 017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 ~ct copy of the foregoing as served on June 17, 2002, via HBDATA:6789 vl STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETTE LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND and; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., Defendants IN THE COURT OF COIv CUMBERLAND COUNT NO. 2002-370 Civil Term JURY TRIAL DEMANDi [MON PLEAS ¥, PENNSYLVANIA PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFFS COMPLAINT OF DEFENDANT~ DOUGLAS DODSON AND d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., £ ROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA~ INC. AMENDED , INDIVIDUALLY d dPo/a Crockett Log )mplaint as follows: ( .'ONSTRUCTION FAILS FOR LEGAL INSUFFICIENC3 Count II of the Amended Complaint purports to Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and Dodson for construction (for clarification sake, Douglas Dodson, rte a claim against ulty and incomplete individually, will be COUNT I FOR DAMAGES FOR FAULTY AND INCOMPLETE Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, 1('28(a)(2), 1028(a)(3), and 1028(a)(4), Defendants Douglas Dodson, individually, ar Homes of Pa, Inc., hereby preliminarily object to Plaintiffs' C, o designated Dodson, and d/b/a Crockett Log Hon~ Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. will be designated C There are no allegations that Crockett PA or Do Plaintiffs' residence, and is responsible for any fi Bradley Farner. In addition as to the second contra, remedial work of the Plaintiffs' residence, there are as to exactly what the Defendants failed to do. allegations of faulty and incomplete workmanship. (34) of the Amended Complaint states, "failure to cc unworkmanlike manner." Paragraph fifty (50) of the states, Defendant, Dodson and Crockett PA did not all the problems at Plaintiffs' home, despite the fa~ $2,500.00 to Dodson. Instead, Plaintiffs' faulty, incomplete construction cl theory of agency. Paragraph forty-six of the Amend, that Dodson was next in the corporate chain of comr Homes. There is no specific allegation alleging facts Complaint fails to plead facts that, if proved, we Dodson or Crockett PA were in an agency relationshi alleged agency relationship existed, there are no factt would legally produce liability against Crockett PA performed by Famer. 2 es of PA, Inc., and :ockett PA). :lson constructed the [ilures of Defendant, :t entered into for the .o specific allegations Fhere are just broad Paragraph thirty-four nplete the work in an Amended Complaint :omplete and remedy t that Plaintiffs paid aim is based upon a ~d Complaint alleges ~and of Crocket Log .s to this theory. The tld demonstrate that p and further if such tal allegations which ~r Dodson for work o o o o It is admitted that there is a separate contract entere for completion of work, but this has nothing to d{ construction agreement between the Plaintiffs and Plaintiffs' claim for faulty, incomplete construction Dodson is legally insufficient. The Amended Complaint alleges that the Plaintiffs rectify the existing defects, which were not remedie¢ this rectification costs $24,047.00. There are no prepared this work order and how the costs were sp each item including material and labor. The Amended Complaint attempts to allege individua contract upon Defendant, Dodson, when the contr Dodson, not as an individual, but as President of Ct Pa., Inc. Paragraph twelve (12) of the Amended Complaint a] Farner is the agent of Defendant, Crockett Log Home basis for this averment. Paragraph nineteen (19) of the Plaintiffs' Amended the Defendants were involved in a marketing and sal~ 3 d into by Crockett Pa with the underlying rarner. Accordingly, gainst Crockett PA or hired a third party to by Crockett PA, and averments as to who :cifically incurred for liability for a second ,ct was executed by ockett Log Homes of leges that Defendant, s. There is no factual ~.omplaint alleges that scheme, and there is o 10. no factual basis for this allegation and its natm impertinent. COUNT II e is scandalous and PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE FOR DEMURRER TO COUNT III OF TIlE AMENDED ALLEGING UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES BY D CROCKETT PA Plaintiffs failed to allege any unfair or deceptive trad~ and Crockett PA. that are required under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer P Paragraph sixty-four (64) of the Amended Ca Paragraphs sixty-five (65) and sixty-six (66), sixty-s eight (68) basically allege conclusions which do not r~ basically, indicate confusion and misunderstandi~ Complaint further alleges the Defendants foster~ through, "affiliated locations such as 'Home Office' fi Building Systems, Inc., and 'Mid-Atlantic Regional Log Homes of Pa., Inc." None of the allegations arc claim. The Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint fails to i~ provisions of the Statute on which they rely, and mo has been insufficient pleading to show that there wa Defendants perpetrated what amounts to a common M OFA COMPLAINT DDSON AND : practices by Dodson Statute creating the otection Act. nplaint along with even (67) and sixty- :quire an Answer and g. The Amended d misrepresentation .r Defendant, Natural Office' for Crockett sufficient to state a lentify the particular importantly, there a fraud or that the aw fraud upon the Plaintiffs. For showing of fraud, there should be deceptive or false representations were made, and th upon said information, which caused harm or detrimex WHEREFORE, Defendants Dodson and Crockett PA that the Court dismiss the Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. Date: June 19, 2002 Respectfully submitted. Arthur K. Dils, 1017 North Fronl Harrisburg, PA (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 ;verments as to what ;t the Plaintiffs relied ~t. respectfully request squire Street 7102 CERTIFICATE OF SERVIC] I, Arthur K. Dils, Esquire, hereby certify that a true within Preliminary Objections has been served upon the fo] first class, United States mail, postage prepaid, by deposit office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the 19th day of Jun, follows: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Respectfully submitted. BY: ~ Arthur K. Dils, 15 1017 North Fron Harrisburg, PA (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 Date: June 19, 2002 6 .d correct copy of the lowing individual by [ng same at the post 2002, addressed as ;quire :Street 7102 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS ON BEHALF OF DEFENDANT~ BRADLEY FARNER D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT: The Plaintiffs Complaint asserts claims against four separate entities, being Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland; Douglas Dodson, individually and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc.; Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc.; and Natural Building Systems, Inc. Plaintiffs' claims arise out of the purchase and erection of a log home and assert the existence of two separate contracts, one with Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, and a second with Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and breaches of said contracts. Said Complaint further asserts claims against all Defendants trader the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. Section 201-1 et seq. Bradley Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland presents his Preliminary Objections as follows: PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. 1028(a)(2) (nonconformity to law or rule of court) 4. Pa. R.C.P. 1019(i) provides: (i) When any claim or defense is based upon a writing, the pleader shall attach a copy of the writing, or the material part thereof, but if the writing or copy is not accessible to the pleader, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance in writing. 5. Paragraph twenty-one of the Plaintiffs' Complaint alleges that on or about August 31, 1999 the Plaintiffs and Defendant (Famer) entered into a contract for acquisition and erection of the "Crockett Log Home." Said agreement was alleged to be attached as Exhibit A to the Complaint. 6. Plaintiffs further averred in paragraphs twenty-five and twenty-seven that the construction was to be completed within "the agreed upon time schedule" and "was to be completed on or before December 6, 2000." 7. The Plaintiffs' Complaint is defective, deficient and incomplete as the Exhibit attached by the Plaintiffs as constituting the contract with Defendant Famer contains no completion date and no execution by the Plaintiffs. 8. The exhibit attached to the Complaint by the Plaintiffs as constituting the contract with Defendant Farner further contains blanks which are left unfilled or uncompleted. 9. Plaintiffs have made no allegation that a full and complete copy of the contract, setting forth all essential terms, was either too voluminous to attach to the Complaint or not in their possession or under their control. WHEREFORE, responding Defendant requests Your Honorable Court to enter an Order directing the Plaintiffs to amend their Complaint to comply with the mandate of Pa. R.C.P. 1019(i) attaching a full and complete copy of the contract between the Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner. PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA R.C.P. 1028(a)(3)(insufficient specificity in a pleading) 10. Count III of the Plaintiffs' Complaint alleges a cause of action for Unfair Trade Practices against all Defendants alleging that said Defendants "cause(d) the consumer to believe that a single entity, an agency association or other cooperative affiliation existed between all parties for construction of 'Crockett Log Homes'" (paragraph sixty-four); that they "used a marketing and sales distribution network which caused confusion and misunderstanding for Plaintiffs and the public in connection with the association and affiliation of the goods and services" (paragraph sixty-seven); and that said Defendants "create(d) the representation that the goods and services provided has a sponsorship, use or benefit that they do not have, namely the endorsement of a single entity which stands behind its product, its sale and construction." (paragraph sixty-eight). 11. Assuming that the Plaintiffs are claiming fraud, Pa. R.C.P. 1019(b) provides: (b) Averments of fraud or mistake shall be averred with particularity. Malice, intent, knowledge, and other conditions of mind may be averred generally. 12. Plaintiffs failed to state what representations were made, who made them, when they were made, to which parties they were made, or how otherwise they came to be confused or misinfomsed. 13. Plaintiffs nowhere state that they relied on any such representations or that any such reliance was to their detriment. 14. Nowhere do the Plaintiffs state that had they known the tree source of the goods or the affiliation between the parties they would not have purchased said goods or dealt with said parties. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer requests Your Honorable Court enter an Order dismissing Count III of the Plaintiffs' Complaint for insufficient specificity in pleading. MOTION FOR MORE SPECIFIC PLEADING 15. Alternatively, Defendant Famer submits he is entitled to a more specific pleading for the defects cited in Count III of the Complaint if he is to knowingly and effectively respond to said Complaint. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer requests Your Honorable Court, alternatively, to Order the Plaintiffs to file a more specific pleading curing the defects in Count III of their Complaint. PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO PA. 1LC.P. 1028(a)(4)(demurrer) 16. Plaintiffs have included in their Complaint Count III for Unfair Trade Practices the claim that the Defendants failed to complete the construction as contracted for and performed the work in a shoddy and unworkmanlike manner. 17. The purpose of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law is to eradicate unfair or deceptive business practices and does not encompass simple nonfeasance or the failure to complete a contract. 18. Allegations of poor goods or services will not support a claim under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection law unless they are below a standard agreed to in writing. 19. Nowhere does the Plaintiffs' Complaint state or make references to what codes or standards are alleged to have been violated or which remain unmet, and mere allegations that work is shoddy or unworkmanlike is insufficient to declare such work unfair or deceptive and therefore actionable under the UTPCPL. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer requests Your Honorable Court to issue an Order striking Count III of the Plaintiffs' Complaint for legal insufficiency. Respectfully submitted, LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED Dated: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant Bradley Farner d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW on this e.-~ay of June, 2002 1 Robert P. Reed, Esquire, hereby certify that I served the within Preliminary Objections on Behalf of Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes Of New Cumberland PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT (Must be typewritten and submitted in-~uplicate)--- TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Please list the within matter for the next Argument Court CAPTION OF CASE (entire caption must be stated in full) STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, (Plaintiffs) VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. (Defendants) No. 02__~37_0 Civil_ _ 19 1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for new thai, defendant's demurrer to complaint, etc.): Defendants, Natural Building System, Inc.'s Preliminary Objections dated June 17, 2002, Defendant Douglas Dodson, individually, and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc.'s Preliminary Objections dated June 19, 2002, and Defendant Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crocket Lot Homes of New Cumberland,s Preliminary Objections dated June 26, 2002. 2. Identify counsel who will argue case: (a) for plaintiff..Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Address: 549 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070 (b) for defendant: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire, Dils & Rupich, 1017 North Front Street, Address: Harrisburg, PA 17102 Robert p. Reed, Esquire, P.O. Box 6034, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP, 30 North Third Street, Suite 700, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1713 3. I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for argument 4. Argument Court Date: October~ , ar umP~e-~ullivan, Esquire - - Attorney for Plaintiffs Dated: August 27, 2002 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, PLAINTIFFS · IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKE'I-r LOG HOMES Of NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., DEFENDANTS 02~0370 CIVIL TERM AND NOW, this objections of defendants to plaintiffs' complaint, ARE DISMISSED. gar B. Bayley,,~ TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT BEFORE BAYLEY, J. AND HESS, J. ORDER OF COURT ~ ~, ~'~' day of November, 2002, the preliminary IN RE: PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTR Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire For Plaintiffs Robert P. Reed, Esquire For Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire For Natural Building Systems, Inc. Arthur K. Dils, Esquire For Douglas Dodson, individually and d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. :sal To: Stanley H. Grimwood and Jennifer L. Grimwood, Plaimiffs, and Bradley Farner, Defendant You are hereby notified to f'de a written response to the enclosed NEW MATTER within twenty(20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against., yp~,. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER TO AMENDED COMPLAINT AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc.("NBS"), by its undersigned counsel, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, files the following Answer and m~ers as follows: 1. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the troth or accuracy of the allegations of paragraph 1. 2. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without imowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the troth or accuracy of the allegations of paragraph 2. HBDATA:7983 3. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what plaintiffs mean by the phrase, "builder dealer of Crockett Log Homes." By way of further answer, NBS states that Famer was designated as a "dealer." 4. Admitted. 5. NBS admits only that Crockett Log Homes of Pa, Inc. ("Crockett-PA") is designated as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. NBS denies any allegation that Crockett-PA is an agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS as a conclusion of law. To the extent response is required, NBS specifically denies that Crockett-PA is an agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS and avers to the contrary that Crockett-PA is not an agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS. 6. Admitted. 7. NBS admits only that defendant Dodson ("Dodson") is a master dealer. The remaining allegations constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent response is required, NBS specifically denies that Dodson is an agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS and avers to the contrary that Dodson is not ma agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS. 8. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations of paragraph 8. 9. Admitted. 10. Admitted that NBS is the manufacturer of material packages that can be used to construct log homes, that it owns the trade name "Crockett," and that it has marketed and sold log home material packages to Crockett-PA under the trade name "Crockett." Upon information and belief, Crockett-PA has sold to Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland and/or Famer at least one -2- HBDATA:7983 of the materials package that it had purchased from NBS. NBS denies that defendants Farner, Dodson and Crockett-PA are agents, ostensible agents or employees of NBS and aver to the contrary that defendants Farner, Dodson and Crockett-PA are not agents, ostensible agents or employees of NBS. 11. Denied as stated. NBS admits Crockett-PA is a master dealer and incorporates its response to paragraph 3. After reasonable investigation, NBS ils without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what plaintiffs mean by the term, "the builders." 12. The allegations in paragraph 12 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent response is required, NBS denies that Famer is the agent or ostensible agent of NBS or Crockett-PA and avers to the contrary that Farner is not an agent or ostensible agent of either of them. 13. The allegations in paragraph 13 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent response is required, NBS denies that Crockett-PA is the agent or ostensible agent of NBS and avers to the contrary that Crockett-PA is not the agent or ostensible agent of NBS. 14. The allegations in paragraph 14 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent response is required, NBS denies that Dodson is the agent or ostensible agent of NBS and avers to the contrary that Dodson is not the agent or ostensible agent of NBS. 15. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 15. 16. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 16. -3- HBDATA:7983 17. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to whether plaintiffs called a number listed as "Crockett Log Homes," or if so with whom they came in contact or what plaintiffs "believed," but specifically denies that Famer is an employee, agent or authorized representative of NBS and aver, to the contrary, that Famer is not the employee, agent or authorized representative of NBS. 18. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 18. 19. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to what plaintiffs believe they have "learned," but NBS specifically denies the implication its use of its trademark and trade name was somehow improper, and avers to the contrary that NBS' conduct was always proper and that plaintiffs always; understood the relationship between the parties. 20. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding whether Famer and plaintiffs worked together to order a building package or to provide the labor to erect plaintiffs' home. NBS specifically denies that Famer is the agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS, and avers to the contrary that Famer is not the agent, ostensible agent or employee of NBS. 21. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 21. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. -4- HBDATA:7983 22. After reasonable investigation, NBS it is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 22, except that NBS admits that it delivered materials pursuant to an order placed by Crockett-PA in response to an order Famer placed with Crockett-PA. 23. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations :in paragraph 23. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 24. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 24. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 25. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 25. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A spe, aks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 26. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 26. 27. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 27. 28. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without in,formation or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations itt paragraph 28. -5- HBDATA:7983 29. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 29. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 30. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations m paragraph 30. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit B speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 31. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 31. 32. NBS specifically denies that Dodson was also designated as the Mid-Atlantic Regional office for "Crockett Log Homes." By way of further answer, Crockett-PA not Dodson is designated as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. 33. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 33. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit C speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. 34. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 34. 35. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 35. -6- HBDATA:7983 36. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 36. 37. NBS specifically denies that any of the materials it provided are defective, and avers to the contrary that none of the materials were defective. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the remaining allegations in paragraph 3 7. 38. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 38. COUNT I BREACH OF CONTRACT VS. BRADLEY FARNER d/b/a CROCKETT HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND 39. The allegations in paragraphs 39 through 43 are not directed to NBS; therefore no response is required. COUNT II BREACH OF CONTRACT VS. DAVID A. DODSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND d/b/a CROCKETT HOMES OF PA., INC. and CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. 44. The allegations in paragraphs 44 through 53 are not directed to NBS; therefore no response is required. -7- HBDATA:7983 COUNT III UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES VS. DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., DEFENDA~NT DODSON, DEFENDANT CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. AND DEFENDANT BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND 54. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraphs 1 through 53 of this Answer to the Amended Complaint. 55. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 55. 56. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 56. 57. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without i~nformation or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 57. 58. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 58. 59. NBS denies as a legal conclusion any allegation that it had an obligation to perform any construction work contracted for by any other party. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that it had any obligation to perform any construction work contracted for by any other party. NBS further avers that it did not perform any construction work on plaintiffs' home. 60. NBS denies as a legal conclusion any allegation that it had an obligation to perform any construction work contracted for by any other party. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that it had any obligation to perform any construction work contracted for by any other party. NBS further avers that it did not perform any construction work on plaintiffs' home. _8~ HBDATA:7983 61. NBS denies that the material goods provided to plaintiffs were shoddy and of poor quality and avers, to the contrary, that the material goods were not shoddy and of poor quality. 62. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without/information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 62. 63. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations in paragraph 63. 64. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding what plaintiffs believe they have "determined." NBS denies the remaining allegations as conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS specifically denies that the use of the tradename "Crockett" causes consumers to believe that a single entity, an agency association or other cooperative affiliation existed between defendants, and incorporates its response to paragraphs 19 and 65. 65. The allegations in paragraph 65 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that it created a system of marketing its goods which constituted passing off goods under the name Crockett Log Homes. By way of further answer, NBS avers that "Crockett," is a registered trade name of NBS that is properly used as such, and that NBS does not provide any services. NBS sells materials packages, it does not construct homes. 66. The allegations in paragraph 66 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that the use of the "Crockett" name by builders and dealers creates a likelihood of confusion and misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval and certification of goods. By way of further answer, NBS states -9- HBDATA:7983 that the fact that the builders are independent contractors who purchase the materials packages from dealers, who in turn purchase those packages from NBS is clearly explained to consumers. Also clearly explained to consumers is the fact that they must contract with independent contractors to have their homes built - NBS does not provide any construction sevAces. 67. The allegations in paragraph 67 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that the marketing and sales distribution network that was used caused confusion or misunderstanding for plaintiffs or the public in connection with the association and affiliation of the goods and services. By way of further answer, NBS incorporates by reference its response to paragraph 66. 68. The allegations in paragraph 68 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that the marketing of "Crockett Log Homes" creates the representation that the goods; and services provided have the endorsement ora single entity which stands behind its product, its sale and construction. By way of further answer, NBS incorporates by reference its response to paragraph 66. 69. The allegations in paragraph 69 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that referencing locations such as "Home Office" and "Mid-Atlantic Regional Office" fosters any misrepresentation. By way of further answer, NBS incorporates by reference its response to paragraph 66. 70. The allegations in paragraph 70 constitute conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that its marketing was calculated to cause confusion for the public and incorporates its response to paragraph 66. - 1 0- HBDATA:7983 71. The allegations in paragraph 71 constitute conc][usions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a response is required, NBS specifically denies the allegations in paragraph 71. 72. Paragraph 72 is a request for relief to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, NBS denies that plaintiffs are entitled to tlhe relief they have requested. WHEREFORE, NBS prays that the Court enter judgment for NBS and against plaintiffs on Count III, together with attorneys' fees and costs and such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate. NEW MATTER 73. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its responses to paragraphs 1 through 72 of this Answer to the Amended Complaint. 74. Without admitting any of the allegations contained therein, NBS incorporates by reference plaintiffs' Amended Complaint against Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland. 75. NBS denies any liability to plaintiffs. However, should NBS be found liable to plaintiffs, it would be as a result of the conduct of its co-defend~mt Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cmnberland, as alleged in plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. 76. By reason of the foregoing, should NBS be found liable to plaintiffs, co-defendant Famer is liable over to NBS by way of indemnity or jointly and severally liable to NBS for a contribution for all or part of the claims asserted by plaintiffs against NBS. 77. Additionally, NBS is entitled to indemnification pursuant to the Dealer Contract entered into by Dodson and Farner in or around April 1996 (hereinafter, "Dealer Contract'). A true and - 1 1- HBDATA:7983 correct copy of relevant portions of that Dealer Contract are attached hereto as Exhibit "A." (The terms of the Dealer Contract are protected by a confidentiality provision and will be the subject of a confidentiality agreement in this litigation.) 78. NBS is a third party beneficiary of the Dealer Contract. See Exhibit A at p. 6. 79. Pursuant to the Dealer Contract, Famer agrees to "indemnify and hold NBS harmless from any and all claims, demands, actions, and other liabilities arising from the operation of [Farner's] business. [Farner] agrees to undertake the cost of defending any such claims, including attorney fees, and to reimburse NBS for all damages and expenses including attorney fees incurred by NBS in connection with same." See Exhibit A at ~ I. 80. In the event that plaintiffs should recover any award, verdict, judgment or damages against NBS, then NBS is entitled to indemnification from Farner. NBS is further entitled to recover expenses, including attorney's fees and costs as they are incurred. 81. Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon whicl~ relief can be granted. 82. Plaintiffs have suffered no harm due to the NBS"s alleged actions. 83. Plaintiffs have failed to plead any agency relationship between NBS and Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, Famer, Crockett-PA and/or Dodson. 84. Plaintiffs have averred a cause of action in the complaint for violations of the Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Law that arose more than two years prior to the institution of this suit and is barred by the provisions of 42 Pa. C.S.A §5524. WHEREFORE, defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. respectfully demands judgment in its favor and against plaintiffs, together with attorneys' fees and costs and such other relief as the Court - 12- HBDATA:7983 may deem appropriate, but in the event that plaintiffs recover damages from it, Natural Building Systems, Inc. demands judgment by way of indemnification in its favor and against co-defendant Bradley Farner together with costs, disbursements and attorney's fees incurred in the defense of said action and such other costs and damages as may be had in connection thereto, as well as such other relief as may be just and proper. Respectfully submitted, Moffica L.-l~ebuck, I.D. No. 78225 Nicole Reimann, I.D. No. 57707 Attorneys for defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-4000 Dated: December 4, 2002 - 13- HBDATA:7983 DEALER CONTRACT For and in consideration of the mutual covenants l~d agreem forth, G. Douglas Dodson, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., w business st 87S Moore's Mountain l~,oad; Lewisber~, Pennsylvania referred to as '!Vlaster Dealer", and Brad Farrier, with a usual place I-llllcres~ Drive; New Cumberland, Pennsylvlmia 17070,, hereina "Dealer," do mutually covenant and a~ree as follows: SECTION 1. RECITALS. Natural Buildiug Systems, Inc., hereinafter referred W a.,; '~'B$," corporation with a usual place o£business in W=stmoreland, New the business of designing, markeling, and supplying mate, rials to b~ fion of solid-wall homes and buiklin~s under the trade n~me of"Cr b=r Frame Homes." b) Master Dealer is in the business of marking mat~als m be use;{: of solid-wall homes arid buildings as a Master D~ater tot NBS und~ "Crocle~t Lo8 & Timber Frame Hom~s," C) Dealer desires to market Crockett Log & T/tuber Frame Hom~s Deal~r of Master Dealer upon ~he terms and conditions hereinafter d) All pardes wish to pursue a lone-term r~lationsI~p thai/s 'mutually ~ a usual place of 17339; herein~er f'business at 304A ;r r~ferred W as a New Hampshire ampshire, and is in used/'or consh~c- ~ckett Log & Tim- the oonstru~tion ~e trad= name of is an ind~p~radem forth, eneficial. Ma'~er Dealer ~,, Inc. D~alor - Brai F~rner 1 Approved and ~ccepted by NATURAL BUILDDqG SYSTEMS, rNC ficiary: Dated:. , Third Pray Bene- APP~,NDIX I General Conditions of Contract A) ADSUSTMENTS IN DELIVERY DATE. NBS will use its best Dealer's orders as accepted; hover, NBS reserves the right to ~ ' justments in the delivery date based on production schedules. complete an order due to the unavallability of matefi~ls or labor, chinerL or for any other unforeseeable cause, Ge purchase order' NBS on refund to Dealer of ail payments reeelved by _NBS. Thi~ sole remedy of Dealer for such non-completion of order. B) INABILITY TO FURNISH ITEMS. In the event NBS is 'unable iefforts to complete ~ke reasonable ad- NBS is unable to ~reakdowns in naa- aay be canceled by refund will be the to furnish any item for an order, NB $ reserves the right to delete this ffem ~cl adjust the fin~ contract price accordingly or make substitutions therefore upon not, ce to th~De~ler. C) SHORTAGES AND SHIPPING E .R~. 0RS. Dealer slaa~l in~pe~t ail materials shipped pursuant to this contract immedmtely upon their, arrival, dote any discrepan- ties on the bill oflading and shall, within ten (10) days thereof, git NBS of any claim that the materials do not conform with the terms Dealer shall f~ to give such notice, the materials shall be dleerne8 terms of this order, D) SHIPPING, NBS sba[1 make arrangements for all materials Dealer's place of dehvery, but all costs for tr~,_~portat[on shrill be all risks of loss shall pass to Dealer when the materials are lo;aded. tation charges to the buildhtg site are subject to change without nc E) UNLOADING AT DESTINATION. Dealer is responsible for u als f~om the carrier at the place of delivery. NBS shall giiw ad~ pected time of delivery so Dealer can arrange for suitable n~achin~ uaload materials in ~_ timely manner. F) POSTPOI~EMENT OF DELIVERY, Dealer ~nay request a po: lng date in wrff[ng up to ten (10) days prior to milling da~e. Deal purch~e men, ay in proper form at les~t seven days before the millinl be dehvered m eerti.fied or bank check, irrevocable letter of credi~ accoun~, or in any other w~y that in the opinion of NBS assures fU ment and has the prior written approval of NBS. I~'Dealer ihas not chase money in appropriate form, an additional charge for proc, es stors$e ~h~tt be paid by Dealer to NBS when billed by (3) TAX_KS, FEES, AND ASSESSMENTS. All sales tax and[ impor bio, shall be paid by the Dealer in addition to the contract price for t 'e wr~en notice to ~fthe order. If the to conform to the :o be delivered to orne by Dealer and ~fices for transpor- ~lo~dlng of rnsteri- anee notice of ex- ~ to be present tponement of mill- er shall forward all ; da~e. Funds shall , approved escrow I payment on shil~ forwarded all pur- ~ing, ~artdling, and duties, if applica,. ~aterials. I-I) V~'ARRA. NTY POLICIES. r) (1) NBS warrants the products manufactured by it ag~st de manufacturing for a period of ten (10) years from the origins This warranty runs to the original purchaser only. Upon writt by the original purch~_aer, NB8 shill hs.ve its product kLspe~t, that product ts established to the satis£actio~ of NBS to haw aforesaid at ~e time of sh/pplng, NBS will, at its option, repai fe~-tive portion at its expense. NBS will not be responsible fo damage, damages for loss of use, loss of time, loss of profit other incidental d~ges. ~cts in quality and · date of purchase. en request to NBS ~d and in the event been def~tive as or replace the de- any ~nsequantial or income, or any (2) These warranties ~ not apply to the tendency of :natural wood to check or tw/st unless this condition shall cause a clear-through c~ack or.s~mct~'al weakness, nor shall they apply to defects ~'isin~ from c~nst~..ctlon whic~l does no~ ~omply with all applicable building codes, NBS' specifications,, or ~stomary or proper construction practices. ~ (3) Any product not menufactured by NBS but sold by ~;IBS tolDealer is sold only with the manufacturer's warranty. (4) Any design change ~rora NBS standard model structures or; out of such a design change is the responsibility of the D,eaier ~ (5) Deaier shall give NBS immediate notice of any warranW pr~ at its expense, shell cooperate fully with NBS in the handlln~ warranty issues, Any material or NBS product that is question warranty claim shall be safely stored .by Dealer until the warrant Dealer shall r~t in~tall defectiv~ matcri~Is, and in ~ases 'where building, Dealer shall conduct its business so tMt no claims i~rise ag~ the sale, erection, or use o£NB$ products. DEALER AGREES TO PROTECT NBS AND MASTER DEALI HARMLESS FROM ANY LOSS OR CLAIM ARISING OUT GENCE Ol~ DEALER, ITS AGENT~ EMPLOYEES~ OI/i REPR THE INSTALLATION~ USE~ SAI,E~ OR SERVICIN'G OF NItS ANY OTHER SALES OR ACTIVITIES OF DEALER; DEALER ATELY DISCHARGE ITS OELIGATIOICS TO THE ORIGII PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF N-Bi' RANTY AND CONSUMER SERVICE POLICIF~, Deaier agrees to ~ndemaify and hold NBS harmless from any mands~ a~t[ons, and other liabilities arish~ fi:om ~he opera,ion of De~ler asrees to undertake the cost of defendin$ ar~y such claims, Snell and to reimburse NBS for all damages and expenses inctudi~ attom, NBS in connection with same. my problem arising d/or Purcheser. ,blem or claim and, and resolution of · d or is subject to a issue is rosolved, lea~er is acting as net NBS because o£ AND HOLD IT OF THE NEGLI- ;SENTATIVES IN ' PRODUCTS OR, SHALL IMMRDI.. CONSUMER ?RODUCT WAR- md all claims, de.. Dealer's business. ding attorney fees, .y fees inourred by falsifict~ion 1o CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Monica L. Rebuck, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer to Amended Complaint And New Matter of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. was served on December 4, 2002, via first class mail, postage prepaid to the following: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Mo~i~a ~. Rebuck HBDATA:7983 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs Vs. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND AND DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., Defendants ANSWER TO AMENDED COMPLAINT WITH COUNTERCLAIM ON BEHALF OF DEFENDANT, DOUGLAS DODSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, ][NC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. NO. 2002-370 CIVIL TERM JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Arthur K. Dils, Esquire. 1017 North Front Street Harrisbutrg, PA 17102 (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 NOTICE TO PLEAD TO: Stanley H. Grimwood and Jennifer L. Grimwood c/o Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 You are hereby notified to plead to the within Counterclaim within twenty (20) days after date of service hereof. Respectfully submitted, BY: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 Date: December 6, 2002 1. Paragraph 1 of the Amended Complaint is admitted. 2. Paragraph 2 is neither admitted nor denied and proof is demanded as to the allegations as to the exact method that Mr. Farner uses to transact business. 3. Paragraph 3 is neither admitted nor denied and proof is demanded as to the allegations as to the exact method that Mr. Farner uses to transact business. 4. Paragraph 4 of the Amended Complaint is admitted. o Paragraph 5 is admitted that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., is associated with Natural Building Systems, Inc. Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., does purchase from Natural Building Systems, Inc., and distributes same. 6. Paragraph 6 of the Amended Complaint is adrnitted. Douglas Dodson does not admit any personal liability as alleged in the Amended Complaint. Paragraph 7 is admitted that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., is associated with Natural Building Systems, Inc. Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., does purchase from Natural Building Systems, Inc., and distributes same. 8. Defendant Dodson is President of Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and does do business through that corporation. 9. Paragraph 9 of the Amended Complaint is admitted. 10. Paragraph 10 is denied in that it alleges that Defendant Dodson is a master dealer. Dodson does not conduct business individually. It is denied that Natural Building Systems, Inc., markets and sells Crockett Log Homes through Dodson individually. There is a relationship between Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., and Natural Building Systems, Inc. 11. Paragraph 11 is denied. It is denied that Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., is a builder. It is further denied that Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., is a dealer. There is a business relationship between Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. and Natural Building Systems, Inc., but it is not one of agency. 12. Paragraph 12 is denied. It is denied that Defisndant Famer is an agent in any form of Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. 13. Paragraph 13 is denied. It is denied that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., is an agent of Natural Building Systems, Inc. 14. Paragraph is 14 is denied. It is denied that Defimdant Dodson is an agent of Natural Building Systems, Inc. 15. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 15, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 16. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 16, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 17. Proof is demanded for the allegations ~n Paragraph 17, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 18. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 18, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 19. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 19, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 20. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 20, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 21. Paragraph 21 is denied. The referenced contract, Exhibit "A", does not state Farner d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland and the contract provides for sale of a Crockett home kiit. The contract states Farner is the contractor and by implication the agreement means supplier and builder. The contract was signed by Farner as contractor only. 22. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 22, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments, as to the Plaintiffs' belief etc. 23. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 23, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 24. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 24, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 25. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 25, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 26. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 26, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 27. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragr.aph 27, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 28. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragr.aph 28, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 29. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 29, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 30. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 30, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 31. Paragraph 31 is denied. It is denied that Defendants filing an Answer to this Amended Complaint are a master dealer. A contract was entered into between Plaintiffs and Crockett Log Homes of IDa., Inc. 32. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 32, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. T]his paragraph contains broad conclusionary language. There are no facts 'that support the allegations. Exhibit "B" of the Amended Complaint states, "Crockett Log and Timber Homes." 6 33. Paragraph 33 of the Amended Complaint is achxfitted in part. It is admitted that Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., entered into a contract with Plaintiffs for items that the Plaintiffs asked to be performed. 34. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 34, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., avers that all work was performed and was performed in a workmanlike manner and the Plaintiffs confirmed this. By answer to this Paragraph, it is specifically denied that Dodson had any individual liability as it is stated in the Amended Complaint that Defendant Dodson failed to perform. 35. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 35, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 36. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 36, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. The Plaintiffs failed to attach 7 the engineer report to their Amended Complaint. The Plaintiffs failed to identify the engineer. 37. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 37, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 38. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 38, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 39. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer hy the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the: averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 40. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer hy the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the. averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 41. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer by the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 42. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer by the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 43. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer by the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 44. Paragraphs 39 through 44 require no answer by the Defendants filing this Answer to the Amended Complaint, as the averments apply to other Defendant or Defendants. 45. Paragraph 45 is denied. It is denied that Farner failed to perform the contract. It is denied that Dodson has any inclividual liability and that he made any representations as to exact relationship between himself and Crockett Log Homes in Pennsylvania. In prior paragraphs in the Amended Complaint, the Plaintiffs alleged that the master dealer relationship existed with Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 46. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 46, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. The Defendants cannot respond to an allegation as to the Plaintiffs' belief. It is further denied that Dodson acted in any individual capacity. 47. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 47, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. It is denied that Dodson disregarded his corporate entity. 48. Paragraph 48 is denied. It is denied that Dodson individually agreed to complete Farner's work. An agreement was entered into between Dodson's corporation and the Plaintiffs to do work on Plaintiffs' home. 49. Paragraph 49 is denied. Dodson's corporation entered into a separate agreement with Plaintiffs to perform work and Plaintiffs were to pay for this work. They have made partial payment but funds are still due and owing Dodson's corporation. 50. Paragraph 50 is denied. It is denied that Dodson had any individual liability and it is further averred that Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., performed the work contracted. 51. Paragraph 51 is denied. It is denied that Dodson is individually liable. It is denied that work was not completed. The items listed in Paragraph 38 of 10 the Amended Complaint are inconsistent with the contract with is Exhibit "C" attached to the Amended Complaint. 52. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 52, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 53. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 53, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 54. No answer is required. 55. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 55, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 56. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 56, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 11 57. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 57, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. It is denied that Dodson had any individual liability. 58. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 58, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. The work was performed in a workmanlike manner and completed. 59. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 59, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to detemfine the accuracy of the averments. 60. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 60, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 61. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 61, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants 12 filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 62. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 62, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments, if relevant. 63. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 63, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments, as to Plaintiffs' belief. 64. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 64, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments, as to Plaintiffs' belief and all other averments in Paragraph 64. 65. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 65, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 13 66. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 66, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 67. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 67, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 68. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 68, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 69. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 69, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 70. Proof is demanded for the allegations in Paragraph 70, as the allegations are in the exclusive knowledge and control of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants filing answer to this Amended Complaint do not have knowledge or means to determine the accuracy of the averments. 14 71. Paragraph 71 contains a conclusion and does not require an answer; however, if an answer is deemed necessary, proof is demanded for the allegations. 72. It is denied that the Plaintiffs are entitled to treble damages and counsel fees. COUNTERCLAIM 73. The counterclaimant is Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. Said Corporation is duly licensed and incorporated in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and maintains its office at 58 Sunset Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. A contract marked Exhibit "C" to the Amended Complaint of Plaintiffs is hereby incorporated in this Counterclaim by reference thereto. 74. The said contract is dated December 10, 2000, and subsequent thereto, the Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., performed all the items listed in the contract Numbers. 1 through 14 and a separate listing of items 1 through 14 attached to the contract. 75. Said work was done in a proper and workmanlike manner and all items were completed and the Plaintiffs indicated this to the counterclaimant. 15 76. The Plaintiffs paid the counterclaimant the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) and the agreed total contract price was six thousand eight hundred seventy-five dollars ($6,875.00), leaving a balance due to the counterclaimant of four thousand three hundred seventy-five dollars ($4,375.00). 77. The Plaintiffs were made aware of the balance due and have failed to make payment to the counterclaimant, Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. WHEREFORE, the counterclaimant, Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc., prays your Honorable Court to grant judgment against Plaintiffs, Stanley H. Grimwood and Jennifer L. Grimwood, in the amount of $4,375.00 plus interest and costs. Respectfully submitted, BY: Arthur K. D]ls, l~sq~e 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 232;-9724 I.D. No. (}7056 16 VERIFICATION I verify that the statements made in this t~,r~,*~- a,;~, C~,,~,~ e/~ are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities. r)OUGL~,S DODSON Date:/~ o2g 2~o ~ ~' CERTIFICATE OF SERWICE I, Arthur K. Dils, Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the within Answer to Amended Complaint with Counterclaim has been served upon the following individual by first class, United States mail, postage prepaid, by depositing same at the post office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the __ day of December 2002, addressed as follows: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire (by hand delivery) 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Date: December 6, 2002 Respectfully submitted, . /' ~A~thur 1<2. Dils, Ese(uire" 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 232-9724 I.D. No. 07056 17 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VS. NO. 02-370 Civil Term BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE TO PLEAD TO: Stanley H. and Jennifer L. Grimwood c/o Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 And Natural Building Systems, Inc. c/o Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within twenty (20) days from service hereof or judgment may be entered against you. LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED Dated: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Bradley Farner d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VS. BRADLEY FARNER, clPo/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION -. LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER AND CROSS CLAIM OF DEFENDANT~ BRADLEY FARNER, D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND, TO PLAINTIFFS' AMENDED COMPLAINT AND NOW, comes Defendant, Bradley Famer, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland (hereinafter "Farncr") and represents the following: 1. Admitted. 2. Admitted. By way of further answer, Defendant Farner also does business as "B. A. Famer Custom Home Builder." 3. Admitted. By way of further answer Defendant Famer also is a builder and contractor for homes other than those marketed by Crockett Log Homes. Admitted. Admitted that Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. is identified as the mid-Atlantic regional office of Natural Building Systems, Inc. Admitted. Denied as stated. On information and belief Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Defendant Dodson is its President. Defendant Famer believes and therefore avers that Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. is a dealer for the product of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. 8. Admitted that Defendant Dodson is President of Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. and does business through that corporation. 9. Admitted. 10. Admitted in part and denied in part. On information and belief it is admitted that Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. (hereinafter "NBS") is the manufacturer of certain log home systems, the owner of certain trade nmnes including, "Crockett Log Homes", which it markets. NBS makes available log home kits through Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., a master dealer, and Defendant Farner, who is a dealer in said Crockett Log Homes. Said dealers are independent contractors, and not agents, servants or employees of NBS. 11. Denied as stated. It is believed and therefore averred that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. is a master dealer for "Crockett Log Homes" marketed by Defendant NBS. Defendant Famer is a builder dealing with Crockett Log Homes. It is denied that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. and Defendant Farner are builders and dealers for Defendant NBS, but are rather independent contractors. 12. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraphs ten and eleven above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. 13. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraphs ten and eleven above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. 14. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraphs ten and eleven above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 15. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant Faro.er is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to how the Plaintiffs became aware of "Crockett Log Homes" and the same are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 16. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what the Plaintiffs observed in the telephone directory and is presently without a copy of any listings for his business as they appeared in the 1999 directory. Proof is therefore demanded. 17. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiffs came in contact with Defendant Farner, but said Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what the Plaintiffs' "believed" or the basis for their belief, and the remaining averments of this paragraph are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 18. Denied. Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what the Plaintiffs' "intended" or what they believed, or whether there was any reasonable basis for such belief. The averments of this paragraph are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 19. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth ofxvhat the Plaintiffs have "learned" and the same are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. By way of further answer, it is averred that Defendant Farner never represented to Plaintiffs that Crockett Log Homes was an "entity." Rather, all material made available to the Plaintiffs clearly demonstrated that Crockett Log Homes was a registered trademark of Natural Building Systems, Inc. 20. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that Defbndant Famer worked with the Plaintiffs for the ordering of a Crockett building package and for the erection of the same. Defendant Famer never represented himself to the Plaintiffs as being an agent or employee of Crockett Log Homes and is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what the Plaintiffs believed his relationship with NBS to be. By way of further answer, Defendant Famer could not have "completed" the Plaintiffs' Crockett Log Homes as he was not the general contractor, was responsible only for the erection of the shell, and many aspects of the work for the completion of the home were retained by the Plaintiffs themselves and their subcontractors. 21. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the "Contractor Agreement" attached as Exhibit A to the Complaint was part of the contract entered into between Plaintiffs and Defendant Famer. In said "Contractor Agreement" the contractor is identified as "Brad Farner" not Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland. By way of further answer, it is averred that said contract was also comprised of the documents attached hereto as Exhibit A, the approved plans for the house, which plans are too voluminous to attach to this Complaint, and any verbal amendments made between the parties as the work progressed. 22. Denied as stated. Rather, it is averred that on or about October 20, 1999, Defendant Famer placed an order for the building package for which the Plaintiffs contracted with Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. It is believed and therefore averred that thereafter Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. transmitted an order for the same package to Defendant NBS. 23. Admitted, except that the precise sum was $110,000.40.. 24. Admitted. 25. Denied. Rather, no timeframe for the completion of Defendant Farner's portion of the work was agreed upon or ever made part of a contract between the Plaintiffs and Defendant Famer. Defendant Famer believes, and therefore avers, that Plaintiffs imposed a deadline of December 6, 2000 when they sold their prior home and were obliged to remove themselves from said prior home by December 6, 2000. 26. Denied. Defendant Famer is without any present recollection as to what he may have informed the Plaintiffs and the same is therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. By way of further answer, Defendant Famer had erected or assisted in the erection of prior "Crockett Log Homes" and was therefore experienced in their construction. 27. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph twenty-five above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. 28. Admitted in art and denied in part. It is admitted that said work was not completed as of December 6, 2000, the reason being that on November 21, 2000 the Plaintiffs terminated their contract with Defendant Famer and informed him that he would "...not be on the job." As to the allegation made by the Plaintiffs as to a completion date Defendant Famer incorporates herein the allegations contained in paragraph twenty-five above. 29. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that iDefendant Famer did not complete the contract undertaken in August, 1999. By 'way of further answer, said failure to complete the contract was due to the dilatory ,conduct of the Plaintiffs and/or their subcontractors, their failure to complete work necessary for the completion of Defendant Famer's work, Plaintiffs' conduct which caused certain of Defendant Farner work to be redone, and finally the Plaintiffs' removal of Defendant Famer from the contract and the job site. Said averments will be more completely developed below. 30. Denied that Defendant Famer's work was defective and incomplete, and Defendant Famer further responds as follows: A) Denied that Defendant Famer failed to erect a wall in the master bath, as required by the plans and specifications for the home system. Rather, while the original plans and specifications called for such a wall, thereafter the Plaintiffs requested that the vanity in the master bath be extended the entire length of one wall, which request required the removal of the wall referenced in this subparagraph. B) Denied for the reasons set forth more fully hereinafter, which averments are incorporated herein by reference. 31. Denied as stated. Defendant Famer did not "fail" to complete the work but rather was prevented from doing so for the reasons set forth in paragraph twenty-nine above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is further believed that Defendants attempted to secure completion through Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., rather than Defendant Douglas Dodson. 32. Denied. It is believed, and therefore averred, that Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. is designated as the mid-Atlantic regional office for "Crockett Log Homes." 33. Admitted, on information and belief. 34. Denied. Defendant Farner was not party to the contract between the Plaintiffs and Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and has no personal knowledge of the sums exchanged or the results of the work undertaken. Said allegations are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 35. Denied. Defendant Famer was not party to the contract between the Plaintiffs and Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., and has no personal knowedge of the sums exchanged or the results of the work undertaken. Said allegations are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 36. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiffs hired an engineer as Defendant Famer has received a copy of said engineer's report. Defendant Famer disputes the conclusions reached by the engineer or any implications that any deficiencies found were the fault of Defendant Famer. Proof thereof is therefore demanded. 37. Denied. Defendant Famer categorically denies that any of the deficiencies cited constituted faulty installation or construction and responds to each subparagraph as follows: A) Admitted that roof vent was left uncompleted but completion of the same could not be effected before the Plaintiffs completed the chinmey which went up through the roof vent. All masonry and stone work ~vas the obligation of the Plaintiffs and Defendant Famer's inability to complete the roof vent was due to the dilatory conduct of the Plaintiffs in constructing the chimney which was still uncompleted as of Defendant Famer's last day on site. B) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of the Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the door to the master bedroom closet and proof thereof is demanded. C) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of any condition with sag in the ceiling beams of the first floor master bedroom and proof thereof is demanded. By way of further answer, should said beams be sagging excessively said condition would indicate a structural defect and a problems with the beams obtained from Defendant NBS. D) The chip in the master bedroom door was not present when said door was installed by Defendant Famer. E) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of the circumstances leading to the leakage through the front door and proof thereof is demanded. It is further averred that said door is under an eight foot porch where it should, not be subject to water penetration. It may be that final adjustment of the bottom is necessary which would be a minor item. F) The log skirting was correctly installed by Defendant Farner but was subject to damage by persons involved with the masonry and stone work, which were Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood himself and his agents, servants or employees. Portions of said log skirting had to be redone by Defendant Famer even while he was still on the job due to the damage caused by the Plaintiffs and their employees. G) Plugging of the ends of logs was one of the last tasks to be performed in the completion of the house shell, and Defendant Famer was removed from the job before said work could be completed. H) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of any defective condition with the installation of the living room baseboard and proof thereof is demanded. I) If reference is being made to the patio door, said door worked well until the brick work was installed around it, which brick work was done by Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood and his agents, servants, and employees. Repair items six and ten of Exhibits B and C refer to trim around the stairs and an exterior railing, and not to any doors, and Defendant Famer is unable to make a meaningful response to said allegations. J) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of the cited conditions with gaps and bowing of the floor with the need of replacement and resurfacing, and proof thereof is demanded. Item nine on Exhibits B and C pertains to screens for the windows, so Defendant Farner is unable to make meaningful response to said allegations. By way of further answer, gaps in the second floor pine flooring and bowing of the floor suggests drying or warping, which would indicate a structural defect and defective materials obtained from Defendant NBS. K) Denied that said fascia was improperly installed. Some fascia was damaged through the conduct of others, unrelated to Defendant Famer, but which Defendant Famer was compelled to repair. Repair of other portions of the fascia was to be deferred until after the arrival of the new railing but Defendant Farner was removed from the contract and job site before said work could be performed. L) Defendant Famer completed the trim in the hall and then was compelled to remove it when Plaintiffs decided to use a railing supplied from another source. The posts for said railing had to be removed resulting in damage to the walls. Repairs could not be completed as Defendant Farner was removed from the job before the new railing arrived. These statements are equally tree regarding the trim around the stairs, trim around the loft, trim around the sides of the stairs. If Plaintiffs are referring to the trim on the bottom inside of the door said trim was not the responsibility of Defendant Farner but was part of the doors purchased by the Plaintiffs. The trim referred to as item number two of items to be repaired was approved by Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood while Defendant Farner was on the job. As to the remaining items of trim, Defendant Farner has no knowledge of what conditions the Plaintiffs are complaining, and the same are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. M) Denied. Defendant Famer has no knowledge of this condition and proof thereof is demanded. N) Denied. Item five of the list of repair items refers to caulking around the skylights on the sunroom roof. Defendant Famer avers that said skylights are sealed underneath and are caulked when installed. No further caulking thereof is necessary. O) Denied that failure to complete the ridge venting is due to any conduct on the part of Defendant Famer. As stated previously, said roof'venting could not be completed due to the failure of Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood, his agents, servants, or employees, to construct the chimney which went through the peak of the roof. Said chimney had still not been constructed when Defendant Famer was removed from the job. P) Denied that any improper spouting installation was due to any misconduct on the part of Defendant Famer. Defendant Famer was unable to install the spouting or the gutters since Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood did not complete the masonry and stone work. Said gutters and spouting would have been damaged had they been installed prior to the completion of said brick and stone work and the spouting was required to be attached to the stone work which was uncompleted before Defendant Famer was taken off the job. Q) Defendant Famer has no knowledge of the condition to which the Plaintiffs are referring and proof thereof is demanded. R) Installation of the plugs in log indentations is one of the final steps in the erection of the house shell, and Defendant Famer was removed from the job and told to stay offthe job site before said work could be completed. S) Denied. Said dirt and staining may have resulted from the lack of gutters and downspouts, and if so said condition was caused by the failure of Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood, his agents, servants or employees to complete the brick work and stone work so that said gutters and downspouts could be mounted. If said dirt and staining resulted from the failure to clean and seal the outside of the house shell, said obligation was that of the Plaintiffs and was not part of the duties undertaken by Defendant Famer. T) Denied. The railing from the upstairs, loft and steps had been constructed but had to be removed, including the posts going into the walls, when Plaintiffs decided they wanted to use a railing from another vendor. The pieces from the removed railing, including the top and bottom were stored in the second floor back bedroom when Defendant Famer was removed from the job. The pickets for said railing had not yet been constructed. U) Denied. Defendant Famer has no knowledge of what conditions the Plaintiffs are complaining and proof thereof is demanded. 38. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments of this paragraph and the same are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. COUNT I BREACH OF CONTRACT vs. BRADLEY FARNER d/b/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND 39. The averments contained in paragraphs one through thirty-eight above are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 40. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiffs and Defendant Famer contracted for the purchase and erection of a kit home from Crockett Log Homes. This paragraph is denied in so far as it implies Defendant Famer was responsible for the construction of the entire home. Rather, Plaintiffs remained responsible for the following: The obtaining of all permits; putting in the foundation, footers, construction block and poured concrete; all brick and stone work; the installation of the driveway; all insulation; all painting; finishing of the entire kitchen including appliances; the final flooring surface on the main floor; the sanding and sealing of the loft floor; installation of all plumbing, heating, electric, lights and appliances; grading and seeding; and installation of the well and septic systems. 41. Denied as stated. Defendant Famer was responsible for putting up the house kit, which was the shell of the house; the interior framing, stairs, railing and drywall; interior trim and doors; the garage package, including framing, doors, windows and roof system (meaning the trusses, plywood, shingles and peak vent); and installation of the flooring, consisting of the sub-floor and plywood on the main floor and the entire loft floor. Plaintiffs were responsible for all other work as stated in paragraph number 40 above. 42. Denied for the reasons set forth above and as itemized in response to paragraph thirty- seven and its subparts, which averments are incorporated herein by reference. All proof to the contrary is demanded. 43. Denied for the reasons set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, including the details of paragraph thirty-seven and its subparts, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. Defendant Famer denies he had any further obligations to the Plaintiffs and proof thereof is demanded. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer demands judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiffs. COUNT II BREACH OF CONTRACT vs. DOUGLAS A. DODSON 44-53. The averments of these paragraphs are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response by Defendant Famer is deemed necessary. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer demands judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiffs. COUNT III UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES vs. DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, DEFENDANT DODSON, DEFENDANT CROCKETT HOMES OF PA AND DEFENDANT BRADLEY FARNER d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND 54. The averments contained in paragraphs one through fifty-three above are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 55. Denied, for the reasons set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 56. Denied, for the reasons set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 57. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response thereto by Defendant Famer is deemed necessary. 58. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response thereto by Defendant Farner is deemed necessary. 59. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response thereto by Defendant Famer is deemed necessary. 60. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Farner, and no response thereto by Defendant Farner is deemed necessary. 61. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response thereto by Defendant Famer is deemed necessary. 62. On information and belief that the house kit was intended to be the primary residence of the Plaintiffs, Defendant Farner admits that the goods and services provided to the Plaintiffs were primarily for the Plaintiffs' personal, family and household uses. 63. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to what the Plaintiffs believed, the source of that belief, or whether said belief was justified. The allegations of this paragraph are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. 64. Denied. After reasonable investigation and belief Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form an opinion as to what the Plaintiffs learned, and proof thereof is demanded. By way of further answer, all materials made available to the Plaintiffs, including but not limited to the house plans, promotional materials, documents signed by the Plaintiffs, clearly indicated that Crockett Log Homes was not an "entity" but was a registered trademark belonging to Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. By way of further answer Defendant Famer made no representations which could be reasonably construed by the Plaintiffs that the relationship between and among the Defendants was an agency relationship or that Defendants Famer and Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. were anything other than independent contractors. 65. The averments of this paragraph are directed to a Defendant other than Defendant Famer, and no response thereto by Defendant Farner is deemed necessary. 66. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant Famer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief regarding what Plaintiffs believe they have determined or what impressions Plaintiffs may have held. The same are therefore denied and proof thereof is demanded. By way of further answer, Defendant Famer denies that the use of "Crockett Log Homes" can create confusion, can reasonably lead persons to believe that Defendants were part of a single entity or arrangement, and that a master-servant relationship existed between any of the Defendants. It is further denied that the use of "Crockett Log Homes" can create confusion or misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of the goods involved. 67. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph sixty-six above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 68. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph sixty-six above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 69. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph sixty-six above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 70. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph sixty-six above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 71. The averments of this paragraph constitute legal conclusions to which no response is deemed necessary. 72. This paragraph is a request for relief to which no response is required. By way of further answer, Defendant Famer denies that Plaintiffs are entitled to the relief requested. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer demands judgment in his fhvor and against the Plaintiffs. NEW MATTER WITH CROSS CLAIM 73. The averments contained in paragraphs one through seventy-two above are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 74. Defendant Famer was not responsible for the entire construction of the Plaintiffs' home but rather only for that work detailed in the contracts and as stated in paragraph forty-one above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. Plaintiffs remained responsible for all of the work listed :in paragraph number forty above, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference. 75. The Plaintiffs elected to be their own general contractors retaining responsibility, direction and control over all aspects of the work except those assumed by Defendant Famer. 76. Defendant Famer was unable to complete construction of the house shell in the timeframe normally expected in such projects due to the failure of the Plaintiffs to complete the work for which they retained responsibility. 77. Defendant never agreed, and the contract documents ma[ce no reference to, a completion date of December 6, 2000. Rather, Defendant Famer believes and therefore avers that said deadline was imposed by the Plaintiffs when they entered into an agreement for the sale of their prior home, and were required to vacate said home by December 6, 2000. 78. Plaintiffs made completion of the subject property by Defendant Famer impossible when, by fax dated November 21, 2000, they removed him from the job. 79. Many of the items cited by the Plaintiffs as being improperly performed or left uncompleted were due to the change of plans by the Plaintiffs themselves when they elected to replace the railing supplied as part of the house kit with a railing from another vendor, the placement of which required the removal of the posts with consequent damage to the floor, walls and stairs of the posts erected for the original railing. 80. Many items which the Plaintiffs complained could not be completed prior to completion of the brick and stone work, which work was the sole responsibility of Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood, his agents, servants, and employees. Said items were either to be attached to said brick or stone work which was uncompleted, or would have been damaged had they been installed prior to the completion of the brick or stone work. These items include: a. Erection of the outside railing due to the incomplete brickwork; b. The ridge venting, due to the failure of Plaintiffs to timely construct the chinmey which passed through the peak of the roof; c. Gutters and downspouts as the downspouts attach to the brick or stone work and gutters would have been damaged by the use of ladders and the movement of supplies and materials necessary to construct the chinmey. 81. Plaintiffs wrongfully include as an item "not completed" the flashing on the section of the sunroom roof where it meets the log wall on the back of the house (Item two on Exhibits B and C to the Complaint). Said flashing is not necessary because the section referred to is log siding and not full logs, and step flashing is situated behind the siding. 82. As Plaintiffs remained their own general contractors, Defendant Famer was not in exclusive possession and control of the premises and cannot be responsible for any damage created by persons over whom he had neither control nor the right to control. Some items including the split in the door from the kitchen to the garage (Item one of "Items that need to be repaired" in Exhibits B and C to the Complaint) were caused by such third persons as said door was undamaged when Defendant Famer was last on the premises. In a number of instances work performed by Defendant Famer had to be redone due to the conduct of others. Such work included, but was not limited to: a. Repair of skirting damaged due to conduct of brick and stone workers under direct control of Plaintiff Stanley Grimwood; b. A loosened log comer on the skirt board again damaged due to the action of brick and stone workers; c. Sections of flooring on the front porch had to be redone when holes were cut into it by stone masons; and d. One door complained of by the Plaintiffs was reset by Defendant Famer on two occasions, and worked following each reset. On the occasion of the second reset Defendant Famer found that the hinge screws had been replaced with cement board screws, indicating to him that others had been meddling with the completed work. 83. Defendant Famer warned the Plaintiffs to try and keep an even heat in the house otherwise damage could result to the doors and trim. Defendant Farner believes, and therefore avers, that Plaintiffs failed to heed his warnings which may have led to some of the damage complained of. 84. Outside cleaning and sealing remained the obligation of the Plaintiffs, and Defendant Farner believes and therefore avers that the staining of wood, stone and brick would not have occurred had the Plaintiffs performed their obligation. 85. When, on November 21, 2000, the Plaintiffs removed Defendant Famer from the job, they owed a balance of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) for the completion of the house. Defendant Famer believes, and therefore avers, that as the work and costs of work for which the Plaintiffs are presently suing would result in a completed house, the damages should be reduced by the sum of $7,000 and offset therefore is hereby claimed. 86. If any misrepresentations as to the source of any goods or services were made by Defendant Famer, or any of the Defendants, or any misrepresentations made as to the nature of the relationship between the Defendants, which misrepresentations are specifically denied, then it is averred: a. Said misrepresentation(s) was not material to the transaction at hand; b. Said misrepresentation was not made falsely, with knowledge of its falsity or recklessness as to whether it was true or false; c. Said misrepresentation(s) was not made with the intent of misleading another into relying on it; d. Plaintiffs did not justifiably rely on any such misrepresentation; and e. Any such misrepresentation did not proximately result in injury to the Plaintiffs. 87. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state what written standards, regulations, codes, etc may have been violated by Defendant Farner. 88. Plaintiffs were repeatedly informed through statements on contracts, warranties, promotional and other materials that "Crockett Log Homes" was not an entity but a registered trademark of Natural Building Systems, Inc. 89. Plaintiffs were further informed that "Crockett Classic Log Homes" was a product of Natural Building Systems, Inc., including the statement appearing immediately below the signatures of the Plaintiffs on the second page of Exhibit A attached hereto. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer demands judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiffs. Alternatively, should judgment be entered in favor of the Plaintiffs and against Defendant Famer, Defendant Farner demands an offset by the sum of $7,000 as stated in paragraph 85 above. CROSSCLAIM BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/d CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND vs. NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS~ INC. 90. The averments contained in paragraphs one through eighty-nine above are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 91. The "Crockett Log Homes" building shell, Vershire model, was ordered from and supplied by Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. ipursuant to an order made by Defendant Farner on October 20, 1999. 92. In their Complaint the Plaintiffs have cited several deficiencies including: a. Missing screens for windows ("item not completed" number nine, Exhibits B and C to the Complaint); b. Sagging in the ceiling beams on the first floor master bedroom (paragraph thirty- seven, subparagraph C of the Complaint); and c. Gaps in second floor pine flooring and bowing of the floor with need for replacement and resurfacing (paragraph thirty-seven, subparagraph J to the Complaint) 93. The subject screens, ceiling beams and floorboards referred to in the foregoing paragraph were all parts of the home kit supplied by Defendant NBS. 94. Should it be determined that screens were missing from the kit supplied by Defendant NBS, or that the problems with the floorboards and ceiling beams were due to defective materials supplied by Defendant NBS, then should judgment be entered in favor of the Plaintiffs and against Defendant Famer on account of said defects or missing materials, Defendant Famer demands indemnity for the same against Defendant NBS. WHEREFORE, should Defendant Famer be found liable to the Plaintiffs for missing screens, or defective floorboards or ceiling beams, which responsibility is specifically denied, Defendant Famer hereby demands indemnity for the same against Defendant NBS. LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED Dated: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant Bradley Famer dPo/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland CROCKETT LOO HOMES OF CUM E AND 304A HJll~reg Drive, New Cumberland, Pa 17070 Brad Famer Buildor/de, alor Phone; 71%938-4337 Fax; 717-935-2025 E-mail; Faxnerb(~a~l.¢om 1. Crockett shell package 2. Sun room option 3. Pa slles tax 4. Shil~ng 5. Kit labor Discount 7. lat~rior package (interior framin~, stairs, B s_ilings, labor.) 8. Interior trim a~d interior doors 9. T&G pine great room ceiling REVISED ESTIMATE FOR THE 6RIMWOODS 8-27-99 1 O, Garage package with doors ,~.wind_0ws - TOTAL Window option grills inside windows add $1,000.00 to price above. 17,000.00 4,700.00 3,000.00 3,~,0~ $I09,000.40 Homeo Date $-27-99 Date ~'~ RUG-2S- 1999 12:19 Crockett Log Homes Gdmwood Residence D alcr · Brad Father STANDARD CLASSIC SHRIJ. MATERJALS PACKAGE Ap~U~ A P.01 Commun~ Pm~-am Wall System: Roof System: ~I~MI~ ~ 1Mi ~mbexWall Lo~ 6" x 1~" Ridge Beam~) ~'x $" I~kLHC Gmde~mqn~l KD 2'x 12" Rat~Cmble Sofn~ ~~ ~ ~ l~mt l~r~r 5/~' OSB Slma~n__gw/PlywoodCl~ 25~6"X 10'fl'~mingwaU, 1/2' O513, Tyvek F~I ~oor S~: 2'x 12'~~~ 3/4' ~T~G ~r nd Floor System: 8' x 8' Po~s (surfaced) 8" x I0' Carry ]~ams (curacy) 2' x6'T&GKD Flooria~ $6.$00 gl~ndow Allowance(additional & larger windows) included m quoted sub~ecl to final window ~lection g~m-htmg Exterior Fi~ ~[ I - 3 ~ x 6~" (9-~ C~) 2 - 6'0~ x 6~"(~ Sa~ Deck: 6'x6' ~ ~r 2'x 6" ~ ~ia, ~, & T~ ~/4" x 6" ~ ~ MATERL4t~ I,~T SUB41~.g:T TO C~ PEM:NN~ PINt& Pl.&NS. 720sf Covered Porch/Deck per Brad Far~r drawings submitted Farner memo #2 deleU~ zkyBght wbedule(add SI~4JGO in~de grille,) #4 replage R Cmm~l w c~mio~ ~6 RL'plam wWJ w AJumbmm ~ po~ch Ce~Ju$ Notc: nmno said log siding frame! wall, b~ ori~m~ quo~c had exterior by ow~r **Pl~ase Adviz~ if you want Log Sinh,~ calculated for N~le: fx~t~tor wall on Olxional walls: 8Ytrage, suroom, trod undo, porch will be cm, ered with stone by Owner. Cr~l~t Shd! Materi~b Package Price ...................... ~u~ . ~ term z~ z ZZ' (Z~ ~ os~td fl~rl~f + 3 C~CI~ ~ H~ is~Nam~ B~l~g S~, ~c., 35 Old ~ 12N, ~ln~ ~ 03~7 TOTAL P.01 VERIFICATION I, Bradley Famer, hereby swear or affirm that the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer with New Matter are true and correct to the best of my information, knowledge and belief, and that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities;. Dated: /'2 - / '7- ~_ 00'2. CERTIFICATE OF SERVIClr, AND NOW on this _/~'~day of December, 2002 1 Robert P. Reed, Esquire, hereby certify that I served the within Defendant, Bradley Famer's Answer with New Matter and Crossclaim this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs VS. BRADLEY FARNER, dPo/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED REPLY OF DEFENDANT BRADLEY FARNER, D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND, TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. AND NOW, comes Defendant Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland, by his Attorney, Robert P. Reed, and respond,'; to the New Matter with Crossclaim of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. as follows: 73. Defendant Farner incorporates by reference all allegations contained in his Answer with New Matter and Cross Claim filed in response to the Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint, as fully as though said allegations were set forth herein at length. 74. Defendant Farner incorporates by reference all allegations contained in his Answer with New Matter and Cross Claim filed in response to the Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint, as fully as though said allegations were set forth herein at length. 75. Denied. Defendant Farner has denied any liability to the Plaintiffs for the reasons more fully set forth in his Answer with New Matter and Cross Claim filed in response to the Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. The averments of said Answer with 76. 77. 78. 79. New Matter and Cross Claim are incorporated herein as fully as though set forth at length. Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph seventy-five above. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that a correct copy of portions of the dealer contract are attached to the Answer of Defendant NBS as Exhibit A, but the remaining averments of this paragraph constitute legal conclusions to which no response is deemed necessary and are denied. Admitted that Defendant NBS approved said contract designating itself as a "third party beneficiary." The averments of this paragraph constitute legal conclusions to which no response is deemed necessary. By way of further answer, said contract speaks for itself and Defendant Famer disputes the interpretation given by NBS to the provisions of said Dealer Contract. Said provisions were not intended to apply to situations which arise due to circumstances other than wrongdoing on the part of Defendant Famer. Rather, as stated in Defendant Famer's Answer with New Matter and Crossclaim, Defendant Famer's inability to complete the contract was due to the conduct of the Plaintiffs themselves, their agents, servants or employees, and in the Plaintiffs' cancellation of the contract and removal of Defendant Famer from the job as of November 21, 2000. It is believed, and therefore averred that any liability of Defendant NBS will most likely result from missing or defective materials supplied by NBS as part of the Crockett Log Homes home package. 80. The averments of this paragraph constitute legal conclusions to which no response is deemed necessary. Should response be necessary the averments of this paragraph are denied for the reasons stated in paragraph seventy-nine above. 81. Admitted. 82. Admitted, with the exception of those actions underlying the crossclaim of Defendant Famer against Defendant NBS, the averments of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth at length. 83. Admitted. 84. To the extent any two year statute of limitations may be applicable to the present matter or to any conduct of any of the Defendants in the present Action, the averments of this paragraph are admitted. WHEREFORE, Defendant Famer demands judgment in his fhvor and against the Plaintiffs. Alternatively, on the Crossclaim filed by Defendant NBS against Defendant Famer, judgment is demanded in favor of Defendant Famer as~d against Defendant NBS. Dated: LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED BY: Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 117112 717 909-6637 Attorney's I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland VERIFICATION I, Bradley Famer, hereby swear or affirm that the facts set forth in the foregoing Reply to New Matter of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. are tree and correct to the best of my information, knowledge and belief, and that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Dated: v ffr~c[ley~amer -- CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW on this /~'2~ay of December, 2002 1 Robert P. Reed, Esquire, hereby certify that I served the within Reply of Defendant Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland to New Matter of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to: Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT P. REED Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 717 909-6637 Attorney:'s I.D. No. 15624 Counsel for Bradley Famer d/b/a Crockett Log Homes of New Cumberland STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-37O CIVIL REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. 73. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference as though set forth herein, their response to paragraphs 1 through 72 of their Amended Complaint. 74. Averment 74 is not directed at Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. 75. Averment 75 is not directed at Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 76. Averment 76 is not directed to Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 77. Averment 77 is not directed to Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 78. Averment 78 is not directed to Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 79. Averment 79 is not directed to Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer thereto, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 80. Averment 80 is not directed to Plaintiffs and no response by Plaintiffs is required. In further answer thereto, this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 81. Denied. Paragraph 81 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. 82. Denied. Paragraph 82 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. It is further averred that Plaintiffs have adequately plead the specific damages suffered as a result of the actions of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. and its agents, the other named defendants. 83. Denied. Paragraph 83 is denied as a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is due. 84. Denied. Paragraph 84 is denied as a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleadings is due. Wherefore, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and against the named Defendants. Dated: December ~ ~, 2002 Respectfully submitted, 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774.-1445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorney for Plaintiffs Barbara Sumple-Sullivaa, Esquire Suprern~ Court #3231 ? 549 Bridge Street N~w Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GKLMwooD aad JENNIFER L. G~OOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FAKNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATUKAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COLrRT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENN SYLVANIA NO. 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED yERIFICATION We, STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L,. G MWOOD, hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Reply to New Matter of Natural Building Systems, Inc. are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that any false statements made herein are subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.. 4904 relatin$ to unswom falsification to authorities. ,2002 6GOJ.. '~,,L2. 2_I2. Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire, do hereby certify that on this date, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC., in the above-captioned matter upon the following individual by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Rupich 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP 30 North 'rhird Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1713 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 DATED: December 27, 2002 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court I.D. No. 32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 CIVIL ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM OF DEFENDANT, DOUGLAS DODSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., AND CROCKET LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. 73. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that Counterclaimant purports to be Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without sufficient knowledge to admit or deny the corporate status of said corporation. If duly incorporated, it is further averred that said corporation fails to follow the formaiities required of a corporation i.n dealing with third parties and the public. It is admitted that a contract attached as Exhibit "C" is included herewith. 74. Denied. It is denied that Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. performed all items listed in the contract. It is further averred that the work that was performed was not adequately completed. 75. Denied. For the reasons set forth in the Amended Complaint, which complaint is incorporated herein by reference, it is denied that all work was done in a proper and workmanlike manner or that Plaintiffs indicated this to the Counterclaimant. 76. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiffs paid to Defendant Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. certain sums. It is further averred that Plaintiffs made other payment directly to Defendant Dodson for the work. The remainder of the paragraph is denied as a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is due. 77. Denied. Prior to the initiation of the counterclaim, no demand has been made on Plaintiffs for payment of said sums. Wherefore, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and against the named Defendants. Dated: December 27, 2002 Respectfully/////~:~ ~~B~ :>le-Sul~quire 549 Bridge Street New Cumbedand, PA 17070 (717) 774-.1445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorney for Plaintiffs 2 BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NI~W CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA,, INC,, CKOCKI~TT LOG HOMES OF PA,, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants · IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ' CI. JMBE~ COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO, 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED We, STANLEY Ii. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, hereby certify that the facts ,et forth in the foregoing Answer to the Counterclaim of Douglas Dodson, individually and d/b/a Crocket Log Hom~ of ]PA, In~ are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief, We understand that any false statements made herein are subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.. 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities. $(anl~ H. ~rri~wood - -- STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and · IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JENNIFER L. G IM OOD, Plaintiffs · CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants NO. 02-370 CIVIL IURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire, do hereby certify that on this date, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM OF DEFENDANT, DOUGLAS DODSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., AND CROCKET LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., in the above-captioned matter upon the following individual by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Rupich 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1713 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 DATED: December 27, 2002 Ba~ple-Sullivan, EsqUire Supreme Court I.D. No. 32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs (717) 774-1445 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED DEFENDANT NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc.("NBS"), by its undersigned counsel, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, files the following Reply to the New Matter of Defendant Bradley Famer and avers as follows: 1-18. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraphs 1 through 18 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. 19. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraph 19 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. By way of further response, NBS states that it is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief concerning all of the materials made available to Plaintiffs, and thus NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding what was contained in those materials. HBDATA:8140 v 1 20. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraph 20 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. By way of further response, NBS states that it is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the remaining allegations in Famer's response to paragraph 20. 21-25. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraphs 21 through 25 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. 26. NBS incorporates by reference as though set fonth herein its response to paragraph 26 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. By way' of further response, NBS states that Famer had purchased prior materials packages supplied to Croclkett-PA by NBS, with which Farner could have built log homes and from which Farner could have gained construction experience. 27-36. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraphs 27 through 36 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. 37. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraph 37 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. By way of further answer, NBS states that it is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding whether ceiling beams in the master bedroom are sagging (subparagraph C), or whether the pine flooring is gapping and/or bowing (subparagraph j). To the extent a further response is required, NBS specifically denies that any of the materials it provided are defective, and avers to the contrary that none of the materials were defective. 38-63. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraphs 38 through 63 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. 64. NBS incorporates by reference as though set forth herein its response to paragraph 64 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter. By way of further response, NBS states that it -2- HBDATA:8140 vl is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief concerning all of the materials made available to Plaintiffs, and thus NBS is without information of knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding what was contained in those materials. 65-72. NBS incorporates by reference as though set fol~h herein its response to paragraphs 65 through 72 in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Mal~er. _NEW MATTER WITH CROSS CLAIM 73. NBS incorporates by reference the allegations contained in its Answer to Amended Complaint and New Matter as though set forth herein. 74-85. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations of paragraphs 74 through 85. 86. The allegations of paragraph 86 are not directed to NBS and therefore no response is required. To the extent that response is deemed to be required, the allegations constitute conclusions of law and are deemed denied. By way of further answer, NBS deni. es that it made misrepresentations of any kind, but admits the remainder of paragraph 86. 87. Admitted. 88. Admitted. 89. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth of the allegations in paragraph 89. By way of further answer, NBS states that the document attached as Exhibit A speaks for itself and is the best evidence of its contents. -3- HBDATA:8140 vl CROSSCLAIM BRADLEY FARNER d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF CUMBERLAND vs. NATURAL BUILDING_ NEW SYSTEMS, INC, 90. NBS incorporates by reference its Answer to A~rnended Complaint and New Matter and Reply to New Matter of Defendant Bradley Famer. 91. Admitted that NBS delivered materials necessary to build a custom Vershire model pursuant to an October 25, 1999 order placed by Crockett-PA in response to an order Farner placed with Crockett-PA. 92. Plaintiffs' Complaint and the exhibits attached thereto speak for themselves and are the best evidence of their contents. To the extent a further response is required, NBS admits that Plaintiffs' Complaint alleges the deficiencies set forth in paragraph 92. 93. After reasonable investigation, NBS is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth of the allegations in paragraph 93. 94. NBS denies the allegations of paragraph 94 as conclusions of law which require no response and are deemed denied. To the extent a further response; is required, NBS denies that Farner is entitled to indemnification. -4- HBDATA:8140 vl WHEREFORE, NBS prays that the Court enter judgment for NBS and against Defendant Famer on Defendant Famer's Crossclaim, together with attorneys' fees and costs and such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate. Respectfully subnfitted, MoniL~L. Reb~uck, I.D. No. 78225 Nicole Reimann, I.D. No. 57707 Attorneys for defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-4000 Dated: January 6, 2003 -5- HBDATA:8140 vl VE!!3[FICATION - I.verifytMt ~e stat,ment~ mado in tlli~ Answer etd true and correct, I understand that false statement$. , ...her~/n are made subject to. penalties of'18 PA~ C.S. § ,*904 relating to umworn' falsi'ficati'on ~o authorities. "Dated: January ~_i 2003 Dgnnis Richmond NatUral Building Systems, i~c. · _CERTIFICATE OF SERVI_C.__E_E I, Monica L. Rebuck, hereby certify that a true .and correct copy of the foregoing Answer to Amended Complaint And New Matter of Defendant Natural Building Systems, Inc. was served on January 6, 2003, via first class mail, postage prepaid to the following: Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs Robert p. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 HBDATA:8140 vl STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIM OOD, Plaintiffs BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-370 CIVIL REPLY TO NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM OF BRADLEY FARNER, D/B/A CROCKET LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND 73. The averments in paragraphs 1 through 72 of the Amended Complaint are incorporated herein by reference as though set fbrth in length. 74. Admitted. 75. Admitted with the clarification that Plaintiff's controlled completion of certain components of the work and hired others to do the work. It is averred that they had no control over the work to be completed by Farner and that the faulty nature of his completion of items is the basis of PlaintifFs' cause of action. 76. Denied. It is denied that Farner's inability to complete construction of the house still in the time frame normally expected was due to Plaintiffs' failures. It is denied that any work to be completed by the Plaintiffs impacted the timely completion of Defendant Farner's work. To the contrary, it is further averred that Defendant Farner's failure to timely proceed with the work adversely impacted the timely and cost efficient completion of the total construction by Plaintiffs and others. 77. Denied. It is averred that Farner agreed to complete the construction on or before December 6, 2000. Said date was a material term for the construction completion. The remainder of the paragraph is denied since after reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge as to the nature or beliefs of Defendant Famer. 78. Denied. Defendant Farner had every opportunity to complete the work prior to his removal from the job. Said removal occurred orfly after Defendant Farner had taken no active efforts for several weeks after repeated notices from Plaintiffs to complete the job. Defendant Farner advised Plaintiffs he would not return to complete the work until more monies were released. Plaintiffs advised him that no further sums were due given the terms of the corttract. 79. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is denied that many items cited by Plaintiffs as being improperly performed or left uncompleted were to due to change of plans by Plaintiffs themselves. It is admitted that certain changes, specifically the railings, were negotiated between Plaintiffs and Defendant Farner. Regarding said negotiation, Plaintiffs advised Defendant Famer at or near the signing of the contract that a substitute railing was desired. Defendant Farner indicated his acquiesce. He advised them that the railing would be one of the last things to be completed. When Plaintiffs asked about the cos, ts for the change, Defendant Farner advised Plaintiffs they could either keep the supplies of the original railing kit or some type of credit arrangement would be made. Plaintiffs' alternate railing choice was discussed on several occasions and each time, Defendant Farner's response was that this was no problem and would be implemented as one of the last things to be done. Despite the agreement and representation, Defendant Farner proceeded to erect the standard kit posts. These had to be removed to accommodate the desired railing. Defendant Fa~rner left a huge hole in the dry wall after removal of the standard posts. 80. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that the brick and stone work was the sole responsibility of Plaintiffs Grimwood. It is denied that many items Plaintiffs complained of could not be completed by Farner because of the brick and stone work or would have been damaged had they been installed prior to the brick or stone work. The brick work was 100% complete early in the building process. Regarding the railing, the brick was the only thintg that the railing tied into and this is in a single spot. It is denied that ridge venting was in any way affected by Defendant Farner's work. The chimney did not ,come near the peak of the roof/ridge vent. It is averred that Defendant Farner, in fact, installed the ridge vent prior to the chimney being run through the roof. It is admitted that partial stone work was not complete in two areas where the downspouts would need to be attached. Plaintiffs instructed Defendant Farner to proceed to install the gutters and Plaintiffs would attach the downspouts in those limited areas affected by that stone work. Defendant Farner could have proceeded since there was no issue of the spouting being damaged because the stone work was below the spouting. Plaintiffs had pursued vigorously the spouting installation by Defendant Farner because of the damage the lack of installation thereof was causing to the already installed, very expensive powder coated brick on the house. In response, Defendant Farner advised Plaintiffs that he had contracted someone to do the spouting but they were just really delayed in getl:ing to Plaintiffs' job. 81. Denied. It is denied that flashing was not required on the specified section of the sunroom roof. It is averred that such was an area where there are full logs not log siding. 82. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Farner was not in exclusive possession or control of the premises and would not be responsible for damages created by persons for whom he had neither control nor the right to control. It is denied that Defendant Farner is nol: responsible for the doors. Defendant Farner is liable for the doors since it was performed by his workers. It is further averred that Defendant Farner was not frequently on the jobsite and failed to adequately monitor or review said situation. Regarding work which 4 Defendant Famer had to rework due to conduct of others, it is responded to as follows: A) Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that a piece of skirting was affected. It is denied that said was the result of brick or stone work. However, this single piece was pulled up during backhoe work and was fixed by Defendant Farner's workers; B) Denied. The loose corner was not originally attached properly during original installation. This faulty installation led to the requirement of it being reattached. There was no brick or stone work done near the corner; C) Denied. It is averred that Defendant Farner's workers caused the holes when they used the front porch to cut their materials; and D) One door was reset by Farner's workers, and even after two attempts, did not work. After receiving no satisfaction from Defendant Farner, the matter was then turned over to. an actual company representative from the supply company. That representative indicated the installation needed to include set screws. The representative noted that none of the doors had set screws in them, as were required. No other party meddled with his completed work. Defendant Farner's faulty construction evidenced itself early in the job progress. 83. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Farner told Plaintiffs to try to keep even heat in the house. It is averred that Plaintiffs' followed Defendant Farner's direction. It is denied that they did not heed his warnings. 84. Denied. It is denied that staining resulted from Plaintiffs' lack of sealing or cleaning. It is further averred that there is no obligation to seal brick work. staining resulted from Defendant Farner's failure to install gutters. The 5 85. Admitted in part. Denied in part. It is admitted[ that thb remainder of the contract balance should be offset by any outstanding contract balance. It is denied that said balance was $7,000.00. It was further averred that a portion of the sum was paid to Douglas Dodson and Crockett Log Homes of Pa., Inc. for remedial work. 86. Denied. Paragraph 86 is denied as a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is due. 87. Denied. Paragraph 87 is denied as a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is due. 88. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintift§ are without sufficient knowledge to form a belief as to the truth of the averment. It is asserted that no express representation was made to Plaintiffs to lead them to recognize that any entity to this transaction was not affiliated as "Crockett Log Homes." In the course of dealing between the parties, no reference or distraction was made known to Plaintiffs. 89. Admitted with the clarification that while pre-printed documents issued by "Crockett" made various references to Natural Building Systems, Inc., Plaintiffs aver that no express representation was made known to Plaintiffs concerning the interrelationship of the parties. It is averred that said product was marketed and believed to be a "Crockett Log Home." 6 WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment in their faw~r. 90.-94. Paragraphs 90-94 are not directed at Plaintiffs and no responses by Plaintiffs are required. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and against the named Defendants. Dated: January 17, 2003 RespectfullTmitted /~~( Barbara Su~mple_Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-11445 Supreme Court I.D. 32317 Attorney for Plaintiffs 7 Barbara Sumplc-Sulliv~u, Esquire Supram¢ Cotul g32317 549 B~ S~ N~w C~b~l~, PA 17070 STAGEY H. G~O~D JEeR L. O~WOOD, Pl~n~ffs BRADLEY F~LNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATUR,~ BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Dei'endants · IN THE COUR'r OF COMMON PLEAS · CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-.,70 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED V'gRIFI.CATION We, STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, hereby ~nify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Reply to New Mat~er and Cross Claim of Bradley Farner, d/b/a Crock, et Leg Homes of Nm~, Cumberland are mae and c, orreci to the best of our knowledge, information and belief, We understand that any false statemems made herein are subject to penalties of 18 Pa, C.S.A.. 4904 relating lo unswom falsification to authorities. DATED: ,. / - c~ Ct ,20C~ Grimw~,od Grsmwood ' t'O 'd Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court #32317 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717) 774-1445 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs · IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS · CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA., INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants NO. 02-370 CIVIL JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire, do hereby certify that on this date, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing REPLY TO NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM OF BRADLEY FARNER, D/B/A CROCKET LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND, in the above-captioned matter upon the following individual by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Rupich 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 DATED: January 17, 2003 Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1713 /Bar;}ra Su.mple-Sullivan, Esquire Supreme Court I.D. No. 32317 549 Bridge: Street New Cumberland, PA 17070 Attorney for Plaintiffs (717) 774-1445 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE FOR SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Kindly enter the appearance of Nicole Reimann, Esquire, and Vincent A. LaMonaca, Esquire, of Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis, LLP, as counsel for defendant NATURAL BUILDiNG SYSTEMS, INC., and remove the appearance of Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire. WITHDRAWING COUNSEL: ENTERING COUNSEL: Monica L. Rebuck (Pa. I.D. No. 78225) Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1701 (717) 364-1030 Date: December 5, 2003 lqicole Reimarm (P~a. I.D. No. 57707) Vincent A. LaMonaca (Pa. I.D. No. 82321) Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP 1600 Market Street, Suite 3600 Philadelphia, PA 19103-7286 (215) 751-2295 21150-1 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, his wife, Plaintiffs, VS. BRADLEY FARNER, d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND et al., Defendants. No. 02-370 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on this 8th day of December, 2003, a true and correct copy of Praecipe for Substitution of Counsel was sent via First Class Mail, postage prepaid, to: Monica L. Rebuck, Esquire Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin 30 North Third Street, Suite 700 Harrisburg, PA 17101-1701 Barbara Sumple-Sullivan, Esquire 549 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070-1981 Robert P. Reed, Esquire P.O. Box 6034 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Dils & Dils 1017 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Vincent A. LaMonaca -- CHDATA 21171_1 STANLEY H. GRIMWOOD and JENNIFER L. GRIMWOOD, Plaintiffs 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VS. NO. 02-370 Civil Term BRADLEY FARNER, d/bid CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF NEW CUMBERLAND; DOUGLAS DODSON, individually and d/b/a CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, 1NC., CROCKETT LOG HOMES OF PA, INC. and NATURAL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE FOR DISCONTINU3d'qCE TO: Curt Long, Prothonotary: Discontinue the above action in its entirety, marking the Doc~ttled and Discontinued." ~~// Dated: August 4, 2004 ////"" / l~'~t[ Smnple-Sullivan, Esquire Counsel for Plaintiffs Dated: Dated:~ /~) ~- ~/7 Robert P. Reed, Esquire Counsel for Defendant Bradley Farner, dgo/a (;rocket Log Homes of New Cumberland Arthur K. Dils, Esquire Counsel for Defendam Douglas Dodson, individually and dfo/a Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc., Crockett Log Homes of PA, Inc. Nicole Reimann, Esquire Counsel for Defendant Natural Building Syste. ms, Inc.