Opinion ID: 1740168
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: The Lesters

Text: As previously stated in this opinion, before making the purchase agreement for lot 17, James Lester specifically asked Botsford if there was a problem with water, and if there was ever a problem with water. Botsford replied, [N]o, there shouldn't be a problem. Botsford never told the Lesters about the ponding that he had seen on Lot 17 in December 1993. During one of the numerous floods of the Lesters' property, the Lesters' 12-foot-by-12-foot utility shed containing a 900 to 1,000 pound riding lawn mower, tools, and some of James Lester's work files floated down the street and into the holding pond. James Lester had to return home from a job in Louisiana to have his utility building and riding lawn mower pulled out of the holding pond. During another flood, water overflowing from the easement damaged the framing and vinyl siding of the Lesters' carport. Additionally, water seeped under the vinyl siding and damaged the drywall under the vinyl siding. James Lester testified that the estimated cost of repair of the carport was between $1,100 and $1,200. Sandy Lester testified that Botsford did not tell her about a flooding problem before she and her husband purchased their house. Sandy testified that water from the easement travels from the backyard around both sides of the house to the front yard. She stated that water from the easement has reached the front door of her house and has transported debris to her front yard.