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Lake Anna resident Bob Morrison sues Hand Construction over home. Date published: 12/13/2005
By GEORGE WHITEHURST More than three years have passed since Bob and Barbara Morrison moved into what was supposed to be their dream home on the shores of Lake Anna. But problems with the house's septic drain field, landscaping and foundation have caused the couple one headache after another. Now they're seeking industrial-strength pain relief through a $1.2 million lawsuit against their home builder, Hand Construction Inc. of Fredericksburg. The suit accuses Hand of improperly installing the septic tank and drain field and of worsening the problem when it re-graded the land around the house and driveway. It claims the house was "not free from structural defects" and, as a result, "was not fit for habitation." The suit also complains that the home's footers and foundation walls "have not been constructed [installed] in accordance with applicable building codes and ordinances." The Morrisons argue they will have to "expend significant monies" to correct the problems. Neither the Morrisons, nor their attorney, Ron Maupin, were available for comment yesterday. Gary M. Nuckols, who is representing Hand Construction, declined to comment on the case beyond saying he will file a response that rebuts the Morrisons' claims. Earlier this year, the General Assembly debated compensating the couple for errors made by the state Health Department. When Morrison built the house, Health Department officials approved the work and the septic permit. But before long, Morrison had sewage bubbling up on his property, and the state revoked the septic permit. Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline, submitted legislation requesting the state pay Morrison $498,550 to settle the matter. The bill died in the House Appropriations Committee. Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, offered his own legislation, which called for paying the Morrisons $90,000. The bill won unanimous passage in the state Senate, but died in the House Appropriations Committee. To reach GEORGE WHITEHURST:
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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