HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-3482VITO IANNUZZI and
SUZANNE IANNUZZI,
husband and wife,
Plaintiffs
ELDON J. MARTIN,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2002- .~ </~'.z- CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
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 an 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
VITO IANNUZZl and
SUZANNE IANNUZZI,
husband and wife,
Plaintiffs
ELDON J. MARTIN,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2002- ~ ¥ ? ~- CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, come the Plaintiffs, Vito and Suzanne lannuzzi, husband and wife,
by and through their attorneys, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER, and respectfully
represents as follows:
1. Plaintiffs are Vito and Suzanne lannuzzi, adult individuals who reside at
552 Crossroad School Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2. Defendant is Eldon J. Martin, and adult individual with a mailing address
of 8467 Rowe Run Road, Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania 17201.
3. In April, 1999, the Plaintiffs and the Defendant entered into a contract to
build a residential dwelling. Attached hereto and incorporated herein is the written
contract between the Plaintiffs and the Defendant.
4. The Defendant completed a portion of the work under the contract but has
failed to complete other portions of the project for the amount contracted for.
5. Additionally, portions of the project which were done by the Defendant
were done improperly and in an negligent manner.
6. Due to the contractor's failure to locate the lot lines, a portion of the
Plaintiffs' driveway access to their home was placed over the neighboring property.
The estimated cost for correcting this problem, which includes subdividing and
pumhasing the land from the neighbor will cost approximately $7,000.00.
7. Due to the negligence or the Defendants failure to complete items under
the contract, claim is made for the following damages:
Basement: remove and replace 48 sf. of ceiling tile
Dining Room: paint 270 sf. of ceiling with two (2) coats of paint
Recreation Room: paint 357 sf. of ceiling with two (2) coats of paint
Hall: paint 180 sf. of ceiling with two (2) coats of paint
Kitchen:
prime 248 sf. of ceiling with one (1) coat of paint
paint 728 sf. of ceiling with two (2) coats of paint
provide service technician for the cook top and lights
Master Bedroom:
clean and deodorize 312 sf. of carpet
lay 35 sy. of carpet (labor only)
remove and reset contents
remove and replace 3 sy. of carpet pad
Master Bathroom:
minimal drywall repair
minimal plumbing repair
remove and replace 10 sf. of R11 insulation
detach and reset baseboard
detach and reset 5 if. of vanity
detach and reset one (1) sink
paint 72 sf. of walls with one (1) coat of paint
paint 224 sf. of walls with two (2) coats of paint
clean and sanitize 85 sf. of floor
remove and replace 10 sf. of R30 insulation
Kitchen: labor to install one (1) wooden range hood
Bathroom: supply and install one (1) bidet faucet with rittings
Exterior:
supply and install seven (7) window screens
paint two (2) French double doom with two (2) coats of paint
paint two (2) exterior doom with two (2) coats of paint
remove and replace one (1) weather stripping on one (1) door
Garage:
paint three (3) doors with two (2) coats of paint, including trim and
jamb
install 108 sf. of 3 1/4" baseboard
paint one (1) wooden window with one (1) coat of paint
paint 108 sf. of baseboard with two (2) coats of paint
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs request judgment against the Defendant in an
amount within the compulsory arbitration limits and such other relief as is just and
equitable.
Respectfully submitted,
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire
I.D. # 28351
17 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
rlo.dirlclientsliannuzzl/complaint.pld
The statements in the foregoing Complaint are based upon information which
has been assembled by our attorney in this litigation. The language of the statements
is not our own. We have read the statements; and to the extent that they are based
upon information which we have given to our counsel, they are true and correct to the
best of our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements
herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn
falsifications to authorities.
DATE:
Vito lannuzzi
Eldon Martin Builder
8467 Rowe Run Rd
Chambersburg, Pa 17201
Vito and Suzanne Iannuzzi
Carlise Pa
Ph 258-0333
Specifications
A. Foundation
1. Footers 8" x 18" 5 - bag mix concrete
a. all footers will be dug below frost line
b. 4" footer drain
c. 3" radon pipe
2. Basement walls I0" concrete blocks
a. 12 courses except under family room will be 14 courses
b. walls will be waterproofed with one coat of foundation coating
c. garage and porch foundation will be 3 courses of 8" blocks
B. Concrete 1. All concrete floors will be 4" thick over stone base
2. Slabs will be saw cut to allow for expansion
C. Framing
1. Beam 8 x 18 steel I beam
2. Posts 3"
3. Floor joist 2 x 10 set 16" O.C.
4. Studding - Ext walls 2 x 6 set 24" 0.C.
Interior 2 x 4 set 16" O.C.
5. Roof System
a. pitch 5/12
b. Overhangs 12"
c. Manufactured roof trusses set 24" O.C.
6. Sheeting
a. Exterior walls 7/16 OSB
b. Floor 3/4" T&G OSB
c. Roof 7/16 OSB with clips
D. Exterior finish
1. Windows Andersen white tilt with grids and screens
a. sizes and style as per plan
2. Doors Steel insulated
a. front door allowance $~50.00
3. First floor and exposed basement brick
Page 1
Specifications
Outside finish cont.
a. brick allowance 300.00 per thousand
4. Vinyl siding onthe rest of house
5. Vinyl soffit with alum facial
6. Seamless alum gutter
7. Porch post 5" wood turned post
8. Vinyl paneled shutters on front of house
9. Roof shingles 25yr dimensional over 15 lb. felt
10 Ridge vent
E. Insulation
1. Exterior walls R - 19
2. Basement ceiling R - 19
3. Attic R-38
F. Interior walls
1. walls and ceilings 1/2" drywall
2. Casing 2-1/4 white pine
3. Base 3-1/4" white pine oak
4. Stairs will have oak treads and risers with oak railing
~5. Walls 2 coats flat paint
6. Doors and trim 2 coats semi-gloss paint
7 Flooring allowance ~soo.oo
a. tile allowance $~ooo.o~
8. Kitchen cabinets oak raised panel with~ormica tops)
9. Shelving closet maid wire or equal ~ --
4~ a. one shelf and rod in clothes closets
b. three shelves in linen closets
G. Plumbing
1. Copper supply lines
2. Pvc waste lines
3.80 gal. hot water heater
4. Moen single lever faucets
5. Tub and shower AG6088 by Aqua glass
6. Whirl pool signa by Jaccuzzi 6' x 42"~.
7. Shower 48"
8. Fixtures by Kohler
9. Stainless steel sink
10. Owner supply Bidet contractor will install
11. Well and pump allowance $4ooo.oo
12. Septic allowance ~iooo.oo
13. Washer and dryer hookups
14.2 outside faucets
Page 2
Specifications
H. Electrical
1. 200 amp service
2. Rec to code
3.6 phone outlets
4. 6 tv outlets
5. fan and light in each bathroom
6. Smoke detectors
7. Wiring for all appliances
8.4 outside rec
9. Light fixture allowance $2ooo.oo
10 Door chime
I. Heat and air 1. Heat pump 2 units
2. Wood burning fireplace in family room
J. Allowance for driveway ssoo0.oo
K. Sidewalk from side garage door to back garage door and connecting decks
L. Excavation is included except if blasting is needed these costs will be extra and paid
by the owner
)~. hauling of fill on or offthe site will also be extra
M./~l~awn seeding is not included in this price
Total price $186,000.00
Submitted by: Eldon J Martin
April 06, 1999
Page 3
Agreement
Between Contractor and Owner
This agreement, made on &nra 6.199~ by and between ~ herein
called the contractor, and ~ hereinat~er call the owners
1. The contractor agrees to provide all materials as specified, and to perform all the labor
shown on the Working drawings and described in the Specifications for the erection of a
house on Crossroads School Rd, Carlisle, Pa for:
Vito and Suzanne Iannuzzi
106 Meals Dr, Carlisle Pa 1701:}
2. All Materials are to be guaranteed to be as specified, and the above work to be
performed in accordance with the drawing and specifications submitted for the above
work and completed in a workman like manner.
3. The contractor agrees that the work under this contract shall be completed by
120 days after start Not counting days weather prohibits working.
4. The owners shall pay the Contractor for the performance of the contract, subject to
additions and deductions provided therein the sum of: $186.000.00
Payments will be made as following:
1. When foundation walls are completed
2. When roof is on and windows and doors are in stalled
3. When mechanical roughin's are completed
4. When drywall is completed
5. When house is complete
$30,000.00
$46,750.00
$45,750.00
$46,750.00
$16,750.00
5. The contractor will provide Workmans Compensation and Liability Insurance. The
homeowner is responsibile for a Homeowners Insurance. Ally changes to the contract that
effects the price will be agreed upon before the work is done, with signatures of bothe
parties. Adjustments (monies owed, or credits due to owners from unused allowances)
will be made at time of fnal settlement.
Contractor:
Eldon J Martin
Owners:
Vito Iannuzzi
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VITO IANNUZZI and SUZANNE
IANNUZZI, husband and wife,
Plaintiffs,
]i ELDON J. MARTIN,
Defendant
Civil Action - Law
No. 2002-3482 Civil Teim
NOTICE TO PLEAD
To'
Vito Iannuzzi and Suzanne Iarmuzzi
c/o O'Brien, Baric & Scherer
17 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO PLEAD TO THE ENCLOSED NEW
MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM THE
SERVICE HEREOF OR A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST
YOU.
By:
?cDowe St -p¢
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VITO IANNUZZI and SUZANNE
IANNUZZI, husband and wife,
Plaintiffs,
Vo
ELDON J. MARTIN,
Defendant
Civil Action - Law
No. 2002-3482 Civil Term
ANSWER, NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM
NOW COMES the defendant Eldon J. Martin, by and through his attorneys, Sharpe,
Gabler & Sharpe, and files the following answer with new matter and counterclaim as
follows:
1.
The averments of paragraph 1 of the complaint are admitted.
2.
The averments of paragraph 2 of the complaint are admitted.
3.
The averments of paragraph 3 of the complaint are denied as stated. The Iannuzzis
never signed the contract as depicted by the exhibit. Martin built the house of the
Iannuzzis substantially on those terms and according to the specifications set out therein.
For the reasons set forth in new matter, Iannuzzis breached the agreement.
4.
The averments of paragraph 4 of the complaint are specifically denied. Martin
completed the house on or before March 9, 2000. The only thing remaining to be done
were certain punch list items and some warranty work by the subcontractor plumber.
Iannuzzis took possession and moved in, and Martin sent the final invoice. Final payment
has not been made as required under the contract and as set forth in new matter.
5.
The averments of paragraph 5 constitute incorrect conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required the averment is specifically
denied. To contrary, all of Martin's work was done in a good and workmanlike manner
according to specification. Iannuzzis did make a warranty claim against the subcontractor
plumber based upon an alleged leak as set forth in new matter.
6.
The averment of paragraph 6 is denied. Martin did locate the lot lines prior to the
start of construction by having the owner point out his lot lines. Because the lot was large
enough, Martin relied on Mr. Iannuzzi's information, but he showed Martin incorrect
boundaries because of an irregularity in the lot. Martin is without information
as to the costs involved in purchasing land from the neighbor, but disclaims liability
therefore. By way of further answer, the contract price of the driveway was $5,000 and it
could be relocated at less expense.
The averments of paragraph 7 are denied. Martin completed all of the work on the
on the house, except as follows:
a. Iannuzzis are entitled to a credit for installation of the range hood;
b. Iannuzzis are entitled to a credit for the seven (7) window screens supplied
and installed;
c. Iannuzzis are entitled to credit for the painting of two French double doors
and two exterior doors;
d. Iannuzzis are entitled to credit for the painting of one door, one window
sash, as well as installation and painting of baseboard in the garage; and
e. As to any and all other work, Martin finished it all or it was an extra under
the contract, as Martin did not finish the basement and the bidet was an extra under
the contract as set forth in new matter.
It is denied that the work was done negligently or other than in a good and
workmanlike fashion. After investigation, Martin is without knowledge as to any of the
other allegations as the means of proof are in the control of Iannuzzis. Strict proof is
demanded.
NEW MATTER
8.
On or before March 9, 2000, Iannuzzis took possession of the house and made the
final draw payment to Martin.
9.
At the time Iannuzzis took possession the house was complete except for the punch
list items set out in paragraph 7 above. Specifically, all of the ceilings and walls were
painted, carpets installed, insulation installed, and vanities installed.
10.
The addition of bidets and fixtures was an extra under the contract.
11.
Thereafter, on March 9, 2000, Martin presented Iannuzzis with an invoice for the
net adjustments due Martin for extras, overages on allowances, and unspent allowances as
well as the remaining sum due from Iannuzzi on the down payment. A true and correct
!' copy of the Invoice is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
12.
Iannuzzis made one payment of $2,000.00 against this invoice on or about April 10,
2000.
13.
At some time after completion, and after Iannuzzis took possession, they
complained to Martin about an alleged leak in a second floor bathroom.
14.
Martin returned to the house, and brought a plumber, to investigate for the
Iannuzzis.
15.
Martin opened up the kitchen ceiling, but he and the plumber were unable to find
any problem in the plumbing system.
16.
The ceiling was left open so if the problem reoccurred, further investigation could
occur. The Iannuzzis were to call Martin if the situation re-occurred.
Iannuzzis never called Martin regarding this situation again; they also never paid
him for the balance of the extras.
18.
Iannuzzis never made any subsequent complaint or demand for warranty work on
Martin for any matter.
19.
Iannuzzis non-payment excuses Martin from further warranty work or claims
regarding the plumbing.
20.
On information and belief, Martin avers that the work alleged to be required in
paragraph 7 of the complaint is the result of further work related to the second floor
bathroom or relate to extras not specified in the parties' contract.
21.
Iannuzzis never made any further claim for warranty work to Martin or any demand
on him.
22.
Even if the work was required to be done, Iannuzzis' failure to contact Martin
excuses him from the cost of warranty work to which he had no notice.
23.
The contract contained no provision for Martin to locate the lot lines prior to
construction.
24.
Mr. Iannuzzi walked the boundaries of the property with Martin and showed Martin
his boundaries.
25.
The placement of the driveway on adjoining land and any cost associated therewith
is the responsibility of Iannuzzis and not Martin.
26.
The claims of Iannuzzis are barred in whole or in part by the statute of limitations.
27.
The claims of Iannuzzis are barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of estoppel.
28.
The claims of Iannuzzis are barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of laches.
COUNTERCLAIM
29.
The contract provides that certain allowances will ne provided for certain features
of the house with the Iannuzzis paying if the cost exceeds the allowance or receive a credit
if the cost is less than the allowance.
30.
The contract also contemplates that certain changes from the specifications or
drawings that affect the price may occur during construction.
31.
The adjustments made pursuant to paragraph 29 and 30 above were to be paid at
the time of final settlement.
29.
After Iannuzzis took possession of the house and construction was substantially
complete, except as set forth in paragraph 7 above, Martin invoiced Iannuzzis as set forth
in paragraph 11 above, which hereby is incorporated herein by reference.
30.
Despite making one payment against the invoice, there is unpaid the sum of
$10,082.96.
31.
This invoice was due and payable as of final settlement which was not later than
April 10, 2000.
WHEREFORE, Counterclaim Plaintiff, Eldon J. Martin, demands judgment in his
favor and against Counterclaim Defendants Vito Iannuzzi and Suzanne Iannuzzi, his wife,
in the amount of $10,082.96, together with interest thereon from April 10, 2000, and costs
of suit.
By
owell ~hal~e
~ttomey for Eldon J. Iv rtin
t~57 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 263-8447
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 37505
ELDON MARTIN - BUILDER
8467 Rowe Run. Rd, Chambersburg, Pa 17201 - Ph: 532-8408 - Fax 532-8223
· " INVOICE
PRICE
TOTAL DUE 12,082.96 orr ~SC~FnON EACH TOTAL
tnvo/cenumber !029 ~ ........ 1014 slate 68.00 272;00
9 10/13 slate ~8.00 612.0(
* * * Sand mound AIk)wanse 6000.00
~ TO Actual because of ro~$ 9914.05
3914.05
~"~ V~ ~annuz~ r~ inatallation {325 P~ 8~i.~ ;
~ity, Stero ~ 1 3teen Shower 150.00 150.00
......... ~ ............. ~_~_n_~_~. [ ..~. ~ ~ .o_~. ~ oo__r~ ~oo.oo 50o.oo
~ash owed 700005
Eldon Maran - Builder
I hereby verify that the statements made in this instrument are true and correct to the best
of my knowledge, information, and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of perjury contained in 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Eldon J. Martill/ "*"-
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this 27th day of September, 2002, I have served a copy of the
foregoing instrument upon the following person by forwarding the same by first class,
United States mail, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows:
Robert L. O'Brien, Esq.
O'Brien, Baric & Scherer
17 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
SHERIFF'S RETURN -
CASE NO: 2002-03482 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
IANNUZZI VITO ET AL
VS
MARTIN ELDON J
OUT OF COUNTY
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:
MARTIN ELDON J
but was unable to locate Him in his bailiwick.
deputized the sheriff of FRANKLIN County,
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
He therefore
Pennsylvania,
to
On September 13th , 2002
attached return from FRANKLIN
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00
Dep Franklin Co 40.70
.00
77.70
09/13/2002
OBRIEN BARIC SCHERER
Sworn and subscribed to before me
day of ~
this
~0~ A.D.
/ / Prothonotar~
this office was in receipt of the
R( Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
SHERIFF'S RETURN -
CASE NO: 2002-00108 T
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
VITO IANNUZZI ET AL
VS
ELDON J. MARTIN
REGULAR
ROBERT WOLLYUNG , Sheriff of FPJ~NKLIN
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT was served upon
ELDON J. MARTIN
the
DEFENDANT at 0008:30 Hour, on the 6th day of August
at FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE 157 LINCOLN WAY EAST
, 2002
CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17201
ELDON J. MARTIN
a true and attested copy of
COMPLAINT
by handing to
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 9.00
Service 9.00
Affidavit 4.00
Surcharge 10.00
Mileage 8.70
40.70
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me th~_~ da~ of
A.D.
/ ~tary
By
Deputy Sheriff
08/16/2002
O'BRIEN BARIC & SCHERER
i Notarial Seat
Patric,a A Strirm Notary Public
I _C. hambersh.r~j ,~-,, ~ranklin County
[N~/Cnmm;qsion ~., 3s Nov. 4, 2C04
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Vito Iannuzzi et al
VS.
Eldon J. M~rtin
SERVE: Eldon J. Martin No. 02 3482 civil
Now, July 25, 2002
, I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of Franklin
County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Now,
within
Affidavit of Service
~20 ,at
o'clock
M. served the
upon
by handing to
a
and made known to
copy of the original
So answers,
the contents thereof.
Sworn and subscribed before
me this __ day of ,20
Sheriff of
County, PA
COSTS
SERVICE
MILEAGE
AFFIDAVIT
VITO IANNUZZI and
SUZANNE IANNUZZI,
husband and wife,
Plaintiffs
VS.
ELDON J. MARTIN,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2002 - 3482 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
REPLY TO NEW MATTER
AND NOW, come the Plaintiffs, Vito and Suzanne lannuzzi, husband and wife, by
and through their attorneys, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER, and respectfully represents
as follows:
8. Admitted.
9. It is denied that the only items to be completed were those listed by the
Defendant. The plaintiffs incorporate the averments of their complaint herein.
10. It is admitted that the bidet was an extra to be supplied by the owner. It was
supplied by the owner, although it was not installed by the Defendant.
11. The Plaintiffs paid the Defendant an extra $10,000.00 in cash at the start of
the project to cover the extra work being done on the property. It is denied that the
balance due on the invoice is correct in that when the Plaintiffs were given credit for the
initial $10,000.00 payment and the $2,000.00 paid on presentation of the invoice, the
Defendant was paid in full.
12. The Plaintiffs incorporate the response of paragraph 11 herein.
13. Admitted.
14. Three or more months after notifying the Defendant of the leak, the Defendant
came to inspect with a plumber. Thereafter, the leaking continued and the Plaintiffs made
repeated calls to the Defendant who refused to return to the house stating that he had lost
money on the contract and would do no further work. In addition to requesting correction
of the plumbing leaks, the Plaintiffs requested that the Defendant correct the other matters
and complete the items as set forth in the Complaint and incorporated here. Finally, the
Plaintiffs requested that the Defendant complete the driveway which had an allowance of
$5,000.00 in their contract.
15. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 herein.
16. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 hereIn.
17. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 here~n.
18. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 here~n.
19. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 hereto.
20. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 here~n.
21. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 here~n.
22. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 14 herein.
23. The location of the lot lines was part of the Defendant's warranty as general
contractor.Prior to the project beginning, the Defen~dant was given copies of the
subdivision and full access to the property to locate the lot lines. The Defendant selected
the location of the access to the area of the lot where the home was being built and had
his subcontractor place the slate in the area. ^fter the Plaintiffs had made arrangements
to have the area blacktopped, they learned from other neighbors that Mr. Martin had been
told by the neighbors that the driveway was not correctly located. The Defendant ignored
this information and never reported to the Plaintiffs that he had been informed that his
locating of the driveway was incorrect.
24. It is denied that the Plaintiffs walked the boundaries with the Defendant. The
Plaintiffs did show the Defendant where they wished their home to be located.
25. The Plaintiffs incorporate their responses in paragraphs 14, 23 and 24
herein.
26.
27.
28.
29.
The averment states a conclusion of law to ,which no response is required.
The averment states a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
The averment states a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM
The construction of the home was substantially complete. The Plaintiffs
incorporate their response in paragraphs 11 and 14.
30. The Plaintiffs incorporate their response in paragraph 11.
31. The adjustments could have been prior to or at the time of final
settlement, the Plaintiffs paid the entire amount on the contract.
32. Incorrectly numbered as 29, the Plaintiff.,; incorporate the averments of
their Complaint, their Reply to New Matter, as well as their answers to the prior
paragraphs of the counterclaim.
33. Incorrectly numbered as paragraph 30, the Plaintiffs aver that they paid
an additional $10,000.00 on the contract in cash upon the parties entering the
agreement.
34.
Incorrectly numbered as 31, the Plaintiffs aver that they paid the full price
under their contract to the Defendant. The Plaintiffs further aver that the reason that
Mr. Martin did not pursue this alleged underpayment of $10,082.96 until the Plaintiffs
filed suit is because he knew he had received payment in full under the contemplated
contract and had no reason to bring an action against the Plaintiffs for the alleged
$10,082.96 balance. Months passed from the alleged due date of this balance with no
further invoices, nor any further contacts from the Defendant to the Plaintiffs. The
Plaintiffs finally, 28 months after the alleged invoice, had recourse to file this action
against the Defendent because of defects in the construction and workmanship on the
project.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully request that the Court find judgment in
favor of the Plaintiffs and against the Defendant on his counterclaim. Respectfully submitted,
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire
I.D. # 28351
17 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
VERIFICATION
The statements in the foregoing Complaint are based upon information which has
been assembled by our attorney in this litigation. The language of the statements is not
our own. We have read the statements; and to the extent that they are based upon
information which we have given to our counsel, they are true and correct to the best of
our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsifications to
authorities.
DATE:
Vito lannuzzi
Suzanne lannuzzi