Seacliff Settles Defective-Condo Lawsuits

Owners of more than 400 condominiums in two developments in the Seacliff master-planned community have settled construction defects claims against the developer, Seacliff Partners, and its subcontractors for $10.9 million.

The settlements, announced Thursday, include payment of about $800,000 in costs and fees for construction reports and expert witnesses and an undisclosed contingency fee for the homeowners’ attorney, Thomas Miller, a Newport Beach construction defects specialist.

Miller said a settlement reached Thursday provided $4.7 million for the 238-unit Club Series South development, while a settlement reached a week ago and announced Thursday provided $6.2 million for the planned community’s 186-unit Club Series development.

The homeowners sued over problems that included roof leaks, ground water intrusion, dry rot in the framing of the buildings, deteriorating drywall, and plumbing and electrical defects.

Seacliff Partners could not be reached for comment, and the names of the subcontractors were not disclosed.