The Ask
The owners of a three-level penthouse atop The Sanctuary at Alexandra Place, a luxury high-rise on Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard, faced persistent water intrusion at multiple locations. The leaks threatened interior finishes and effectively halted the completion of the owners’ interior build-out. With the owners involved in a broader Florida Statute 558 construction defect claim against the condominium association, the critical question was whether the association’s proposed building-wide repairs would actually resolve the penthouse’s specific, ongoing moisture problems.
Approach
Miller Building Group was engaged to verify the source of the intrusion and evaluate the efficacy of recommended repairs. The investigation included:
- Review of construction documents, previous leak histories, and prior expert reports
- Detailed visual assessment of the penthouse interior and accessible exterior areas
- Aerial photography and exterior inspection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Key deficiencies identified included:
- Gaps in improperly installed storefront doors
- Missing drip edges, slope, waterproofing, and flashing on cantilevered “eyebrow” roofs
- Open joints and unsealed gaps in frameless railing assemblies
- Deteriorated window sealants and poorly sealed stucco reveals
- Inadequate slope and flashing at roof membranes and parapet walls
- Unsealed penetrations through exterior walls allowing water migration
Outcome
Miller Building Group documented the specific sources and pathways of water entry in a comprehensive report, highlighting the direct impact on the owners’ ability to complete their construction. By isolating these critical defects, the report enabled the owners and their legal counsel to advocate for effective remediation within the Florida Statute 558 claim. This ensured that the condominium association’s repair scope was adjusted to address the penthouse’s unique challenges, securing a path for the owners to resolve the moisture issues and complete their home.
