Coral Gables, Florida -- Thomas E. Miller, the attorney who represents the owners in a $5 million class action lawsuit against the developer of "The Gables" condominium complex in Coral Gables, has co-authored an important handbook entitled, "Home and Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction" [Seven Locks Press, $9.95 in paperback]. The book educates homeowners about potentially dangerous and costly construction defects and the process of seeking resolution. It is available at Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.

Miller wrote the handbook with his daughter Rachel Miller. Both are nationally renowned specialists in construction defect and land subsidence claims. They have represented hundreds of homeowners and homeowner associations in construction defect lawsuits throughout the United States and have won more than $350 million on behalf of their clients. Besides "The Gables" lawsuit, they currently are examining potential construction defect claims in Boynton Beach and Aventura as well as in other areas throughout the U.S.

Miller observed that "the American Dream can turn into a nightmare for the family that discovers their new home is riddled with problems. Our goal in writing this handbook was to let them know that they can effectively fight back."

The book has been widely endorsed by watchdogs in government and the media. Sandy Lopez, national director of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings Inc. (HADD), said the handbook "dispels the counterfeit claims of the building industry regarding construction defect litigation and informs homeowners not to fall into builders' implied one-year warranty" myth. Harvey Rosenfield, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, added that the handbook is "an important resource for protecting home values."

The most common defects homeowners encounter are leaking roofs and windows, mold, mildew and fungal damage resulting from water seepage; residences not properly attached to foundations; and balconies and decks that fail prematurely. For instance, the defects at "The Gables" condominium for which Miller is seeking redress include faulty air conditioning, roof and window leaks, electrical problems, pool and tennis court surface failures and loose balcony hand rails.

Miller estimated that a third of new residential and commercial construction has some significant structural defects. The industry trend of using cheaper materials and cutting corners to increase profits and speed up production has contributed to the upsurge in claims.

The Miller Law Firm is headquartered at 4685 MacArthur Court, Suite 300, Newport Beach, California, and represents homeowners throughout the United States. The firm's telephone number is 800-403-3332 or visit their website www.constructiondefects.com. (The handbook may be ordered through this website.)

For more information, contact Jane Swanko Souaid at 305-867-8090.