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Many of you have followed our dilemma with the floor situation. Here’s the recap: we had our floor replaced in 2020 (right before the shutdown). When removing the carpeting on B Side, asbestos was discovered.
After consultation with experts, we had two viable options: abatement (hazmat suits and county inspection) or containment. A contractor (recommended by a former board member) suggested a raised platform (time-consuming and expensive). When that option was not accepted, he proposed another solution: Ultrabond 980. He had used it and said it “dried like concrete.” He and another contractor agreed to complete the work of securing the underlayment, and the previously contracted crew would install the final commercial tile.
The finished project looked great – for a while. Within a year, the floor buckled. We rearranged racking to maintain a safe environment, but the buckling increased and became a tripping hazard. Online research revealed their recommended adhesive should never have been used as it was. The contractor refused to come to the shop to find a resolution. We took him to small claims court and were awarded a settlement. We had the damaged floor abated and sealed the concrete on the B Side. Their lawyer appealed, propelling us into arbitration.
Preparation for arbitration required HOURS of discovery, document reproduction, and a 5-hour deposition. The arbitration was held on June 6th. The contractor said I (Sally) had recommended the glue – probably after searching for it online! (This was not the case and clearly not my expertise!) The determination by the panel of three arbitrators was that Treasure House received nothing; the contractors had no liability for the floor.
We could appeal and bring in witnesses to support our claims, but the process has already used up so much time, energy, emotion, and resources (which could have gone to serving our women). We have chosen to cut our losses (although significant) and focus on making a positive impact through our mission!
Lessons learned:
Just wanted you to know…
MOVING ON!
