Contractor sued on claims of improper work on fire damaged home

GRETNA – Claudia Garner and Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation filed suit against Harvey Honere Construction Company LLC and Brent Honore in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 28.

The plaintiffs claim that on April 22, 2012 Garner’s home located at 903 Poplar St. in Metairie was severely damaged by fire with a repair estimate of $141,984.34 plus mitigation costs $11,323.37. Garner contends she entered into a contract with Honore and Harvey Honere Construction Company LLC to repair and restore the home for a cost of $131,121.53.

Garner and Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation assert that after Honere agreed to the contract he and his company began work, but failed to file the proper permits to cover the scope of the work. The plaintiffs allege the defendants were paid $87,700 between July 6, 2012 and Aug. 16, 2013 in addition to spending $25,059.16 to purchase items provided in the insurer’s estimate. However, Garner and Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation claim that they had to terminate Honore and Harvey Honere Construction Company LLC due to poor worksmanship and also because parish officials issued a stop work order on the project due to the proper permits not being secured.

After being terminated from the job the defendants allegedly placed a lien on Garner’s home. Garner and Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation assert that meanwhile they had to hire a third party contractor to complete the work begun by Honore and Harvey Honere Construction Company, which pushed the project costs above the initial sum agreed upon in the initial contract.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, failing to remove improperly filed lien and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for costs in excess of original contract, costs to repair, costs to correct defective work, increased living expenses, mental anguish, costs from delayed completion of work, labor and material escalation costs and attorney’s fees.

Garner and Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation are represented by Jimmy A. Castex Jr. of New Orleans-based Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner Jr.

Case no. 741-785.