2014
Encino Lane
At Strucco, we were brought in to address what initially seemed like a straightforward issue: repairing a staircase and rear patio for a homeowner on Encino Lane. However, as we began our work, it became clear that the problem extended far beyond the surface. What started as a simple structural repair revealed a much larger issue—severe drainage failure that had caused significant erosion between two neighboring properties.
The root of the problem was improper drainage. A broken or disconnected pipe had been channeling roof runoff from the neighboring property directly into the hillside for decades. This unchecked water flow had carved out a massive void in the soil, creating a 101-inch-deep hole that extended the length of a car. The erosion compromised the stability of the hillside, the foundation of the neighboring house, and the structural integrity of our client’s property.
San Clemente
Our team acted as both problem-solvers and advocates for our client. While our primary responsibility was to repair the staircase and patio, we identified the drainage issue and its potential to cause catastrophic damage. We notified both our client and the neighboring property owner of the danger. Despite the high liability and complexity of the situation, we engineered and implemented a proper fix on our client’s side, ensuring their property was stabilized and protected from further damage.
Unfortunately, the neighboring property owner, a long-time landlord, opted for a quick and temporary solution—filling the void with truckloads of dirt rather than addressing the underlying drainage issue. While this was outside the scope of our work, we continued to advocate for a long-term resolution, emphasizing the risks of neglecting proper drainage.
“Strucco not only fixed the visible issues of our property but also uncovered and addresssed the root cause to ensure safety and longevity of our home.”
Home Owner
