Our services for Sun City Palm Desert included the investigation of construction defects in more than 1,800 homes and three (3) recreational buildings in the Sun City Palm Desert residential development.   The project includes more than 5,000 homes with about 34 plan types, many with optional variations.  These two and three-bedroom residences range in size from 1,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.  They are single-story Type V buildings, and are wood-framed structures constructed on concrete slabs-on-grade with perimeter footings.  The exteriors of the buildings are clad in a one-coat plaster system, with aluminum-framed dual-glazed windows and sliding glass doors.  The roofs are covered with concrete tile.  The interior finishes include gypsum board ceilings and walls, with tile and carpet floorings.

Common area recreational facilities support the residential community. Three clubhouse buildings were constructed. They are one-story structures that are wood and steel-framed on concrete footings / slabs-on-grade.  Exterior finish systems are similar to the residences.  The clubhouse buildings include meeting rooms, dining facilities, a natatorium, and exercise gymnasium.

During investigation, defects and damages were identified in the following systems or assemblies:  exterior plaster; window & doors; roofing; and interior floor tile and concrete slabs.  Repairs were defined in a repair scope document which lists procedures for repairs to the defective conditions and shows the locations for each repair by plan type.

Forensic services by Whitmore Architects were provided on behalf of the individual owners (for residences) and the Homeowners Association (for recreational facilities) in litigation against the developer of the project. Our investigation was the basis of a successful resolution of this litigation.