Dear Claudienne,

I am seeking your assistance regarding an ongoing issue with a home I purchased from New Era Developments at Port Ridge Estate in St Catherine.

I first raised structural concerns with the developer in December 2024. Since then, several assessments have been conducted, including core sampling and compressive strength testing.

The final test results, which were shared with New Era on July 21, 2025, stated:

“None of the four samples extracted from the structure met the design strength of 3000 psi. Of the four samples, three (3) met the generally accepted threshold of 70% (2100 psi), which is typically considered the minimum tolerance. One sample, taken from the washroom, measured 1128 psi — significantly below the acceptable minimum. Results below this level may warrant further evaluation and potentially remedial action, guided by the original design engineer.”

Despite providing these findings I have not received any clear response on what action, if any, will be taken to address the concerns raised.

Several months have now passed and I remain worried about the structural integrity and safety of my home.

I have made repeated attempts to follow up with New Era, but the matter remains unresolved.

I would appreciate your assistance in getting some clarity on the issue and determining what steps will be taken to assure me that my home is structurally safe.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

DW

Dear DW,

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with New Era Developments regarding your complaint.

On May 1, 2026 the company sent the following response to the column:

“We refer to the inquiry regarding the concerns raised by DW concerning her unit at Port Ridge Estate. Following the rebound hammer test conducted on the unit, a detailed technical review was done by the relevant professionals and it was found that Unit C-31 is structurally sound. It is also important to note that New Era Developments Limited has already addressed identified maintenance issues through comprehensive repairs. These works included necessary repairs to the roof of the unit. Regarding the independent report provided by DW, the technical team highlights that for core sample testing to be deemed reliable, it must adhere to specific structural protocols. The methodology utilised in that report failed to meet these standards in the following ways:

To accurately reflect a wall’s true structural performance, samples must be extracted from specific representative areas and at a certain height. Critically, samples must not be taken from areas below windows, as these locations do not provide a representative measure of the wall’s overall structural capacity. As evidenced by at least one of the photographs provided by DW, at least one sample was taken from below a window.

Core samples must also strictly avoid ‘tie holes’ or areas containing internal construction hardware and voids. Sampling from these locations can result in readings that reflect a void or hardware interference rather than the actual strength of the concrete.

Furthermore, it must be emphasised that the contractual Defect Liability Period for this unit has elapsed. The structure has already demonstrated its inherent stability by successfully withstanding the impact of Hurricane Beryl, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa and seismic activity, without compromise.”

Following Tell Claudienne’s intervention, representatives of New Era Developments subsequently met with you, however, the meeting did not result in a resolution of the concerns you raised about the structure of the house. The column again contacted New Era Developments for an update. On Thursday, September 17, the company advised Tell Claudienne that the matter is now being handled by its attorney, Kemar Robinson. Robinson subsequently told the column that New Era’s proposed solution would be communicated to you by early next week.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility or company? Telephone 876-936-9436, call or WhatsApp 876-484-1349, or write to: Tell Claudienne, c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5. You may also email edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.