February 27, 2011

Court Reviews a Case Involving a Non-Performing Construction Company, a Developer, and Homeowners

DANIEL CAVANAUGH, et al., v. AVALON GOLF PROPERTIES, LLC. (Tenn. Ct. App. February 24, 2011)

Plaintiffs purchased a residential lot from defendant developer, but the purchase contract required plaintiffs to use defendant construction company to build their home. Before the home was completed, defendant construction company defaulted on paying materialmen and suppliers and abandoned the project.

Plaintiffs brought this action alleging that developer knew, or should have know, that the construction company was incapable of performing the required construction services, and that the developer owed plaintiff a fiduciary duty to provide a contractor who could perform the work in a good, workmanlike manner. They further alleged a breach of contract, in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

A default judgment was entered against the construction company, and the developer filed a Motion for Summary Judgment which the Trial Court ultimately granted against plaintiffs. Plaintiffs appealed and we affirm the Judgment of the Trial Court.

Opinion available here:
http://www.tba2.org/tba_files/TCA/2011/cavanaugh_022411.pdf