top of page

Manchester Mayor Hobbs sued; accused of breach of contract, failing to comply with codes as a homebuilder  

Writer's picture: Arnie WheelerArnie Wheeler


A Manchester attorney is suing the construction company owned and operated by Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs for breach of contract. Among many accusations, the lawsuit alleges that Hobbs refused to comply with codes requirements and request.

Hobbs claims the suit is a result of a lien he placed on the property for non payment.

In a suit filed December 4, 2024 in Coffee County Chancery Court, Patrick John Swanson is accusing Homes By Hobbs TN, LLC, of not submitting proper documentation for a remodeling project undertaken in the spring of 2024.

The suit alleges that Hobbs was advised by Coffee County Codes that he was required to obtain a letter from a structural engineer confirming the structural integrity of the project. Swanson claims he was not advised of the requirement and that Hobbs continued to build the new addition without providing the structural letter.

When reached by Thunder Radio News, Hobbs said he believed the lawsuit was a result of a lien he placed on the property.

"I'm sure the lawsuit is a direct reflection of the lean I placed on the property for non payment," Hobbs explained. "I placed a lean, which is public, I'm sure that's what this is about. It's about collections versus whatever else he wants to say."

According to the litigation, Hobbs was removed from the project in July 2024 and a new contractor, Campbell Builders took over. Campbell was notified that the Codes Office would be issuing a work stop order until the letter was provided. Swanson hired St John Engineering, LLC to inspect the Integrity of the structural foundations and framing. Swanson’s lawsuit alleges the engineering consultant confirmed several deficiencies in the work completed by Hobbs, including inadequate foundational support under the house to support the increased loads.

Swanson’s lawsuit alleges that St. John engineering confirmed several deficiencies in the work completed by Hobbs, including: inadequate footing under a new column for a second story addition; inadequate or no footing whatsoever under four columns for a newly constructed breezeway; inadequate wood beams in the foyer to support the room and second floor addition; inadequate front entry wall bracing; inadequate foundational support under the house to support increased loads.

The lawsuit also points to code violations that must be remedied, including no egress in the downstairs bedrooms. Hobbs allegedly installed stationery windows in the bedrooms that do not allow egress as required by codes. Brick was also installed around the exterior electric meter outside the garage, which the lawsuit states is a clear violation of codes. Swanson also alleges that 45 trees died due to improper planting or no planting at all.

Swanson claims to have paid Hobbs for much of the work and is refusing to pay an invoice for nearly $66,000 From August, 2024. In the litigation, Swanson is asking the Chancery Court of Coffee County to determine the amount of damages he says should be awarded to him for breach of contract, negligence and recklessness, plus court costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Hobbs’ contractor license has been active with the state of Tennessee since Nov. 10, 2022, according to state records.


101 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page