Construction firm claims Fairfield U owes it $705,039

[FU73]

Pa. modular construction firm claims university in Connecticut owes it $705,039

WILLIAMSPORT – A modular construction company in Columbia County claims a university in Connecticut owes it $705,039 for change orders on a housing project.

Modular Steel Systems Inc. of Bloomsburg accuses Fairfield University in a suit filed Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court with breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Modular Steel says it was contracted to provide 92 modular units for a project known as Fairfield University Townhouse Style Junior Housing in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Despite being a subcontractor, Modular Steel says it dealt with representatives of the university including its architect, who directed changes to windows, doors and cabinets.

The company agreed to make the changes but, according to the complaint, it has not been paid $542,684 for the work.

It also accuses Fairfield of not releasing $192,335 in retainage. The suit seeks payment of the $705,039.

www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-modular-construction-firm-claims-university-in-connecticut-owes-it-705039.html

[stags74]

Interesting, but a suit that Modular Steel Systems Inc. most likely cannot win . As a subcontractor they most likely have a contract with the GC or construction manager for the project and not directly with the owner Fairfileld University . Generally change orders are reviewed / approved by the architect and then approved by the GC all in writing before any work is completed by a sub-contractor. Not sure what happened here with this one? Retainer amounts, known when the contracts are first signed are not released until all is finalized. This is a common industry practice in commercial construction.