#2 - Case History - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client

#2 - Case History - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client

From GBA Podcast by Geoprofessional Business Association

June 16, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

The episode discusses a case history involving a geotechnical study and the consequences of a client ignoring professional advice.

GBA Case History Series – Case History #2 - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client Summary The GBA Member Firm performed a geotechnical study for a repeat client, a custom-home builder, to identify potential groundwater problems for construction of a two-story home near the flank of a ridge. It was a hand-shake deal. Despite recommendations for drainage provisions and construction monitoring, the client went silent. Two months after completion, the basement began experiencing cracking, buckling, and water seepage. While admitting he ignored important recommendations, the client representative wanted the Member Firm to contribute money to help pay for repairs. In exchange for a full release, the Member Firm contributed a token amount for the repairs and quickly walked away. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/ JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value…

People in this episode

Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, Abi Corbett

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: GBA Member Firm, JLT Consultants, SME

Places: Boise, Idaho, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

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