Opinion ID: 2134576
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: kendel's cross-appeal

Text: Kendel asserts that the district court erred in imposing liability based on breach of warranty, strict liability, and/or negligence. The district court found that it was undisputed that the blueprints and construction design did not call for tar paper to be installed between the sheathing and brick veneer and that no tar paper was installed. It was also undisputed that the house plans did not call for weep holes or flashing, and none were installed. Although the source of the water infiltration was disputed, the parties did not dispute that the brick veneer front was identified as a possible source of water infiltration due to the excessive bee holes, as well as cracks in the mortar, and that remedial action was recommended. The district court found that the greater weight of the evidence established that the brick veneer front was not constructed in a workmanlike manner. The district court also concluded that the flashing between the roofline and the exterior of the wall of the house was not installed in a workmanlike manner. It found that installation of felt or tar paper was necessary to meet good usage and accepted practices of the construction trade in the community at the time the house was built. In a bench trial of an action at law, the factual findings made by the trial court have the effect of a jury verdict and will not be set aside unless they are clearly wrong. Brandon v. County of Richardson, 261 Neb. 636, 624 N.W.2d 604 (2001). The district court was not clearly wrong in finding that Kendel was negligent in building the house and therefore liable for breach of implied warranties and negligence. Because we reach this conclusion, it is not necessary for us to address any of the issues concerning strict liability.