An ARCHES and School of Landscape Architecture and Planning Event
Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Kyle Mittan.
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A Panel Discussion on Arizona’s Construction Defect Liability Law and its impact on owner-occupied multifamily development
Construction defect liability laws create a warranty period during which homeowners can seek compensation from housing developers for building issues. In Arizona, current state law provides eight years of protection and offers expansive coverage for deficiencies in a unit’s design, construction, manufacture, repair, or alteration. While individual owners can bring a defect liability claim against a builder or developer, a simple majority vote by a homeowners' association (HOA) can also initiate a claim. While construction defect liability laws provide important protections for buyers, there is a growing concern among researchers and housing advocates that, if overly restrictive, these laws can increase development costs and lower production. And defect liability laws may be particularly constraining for owner-occupied multifamily development. A simple majority vote of a condominium HOA board can create an expensive claim that affects all homeowners in a large multifamily building. The threat of these claims can substantially raise insurance costs for developers, potentially disincentivizing builders from undertaking denser multifamily projects. In this panel discussion, we will explore the impact of Arizona’s construction defect liability laws on multifamily development, with a particular focus on possible legislative reforms to better balance buyer protections with development costs.
Refreshments are provided through the support of the Arizona Research Center for Housing and Economic Solutions (ARCHES) HUD grant. The event is free and open to the public—prior registration is requested.
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MODERATOR
Daniel Kuhlmann, Assistant Professor of Real Estate and Urban Planning, CAPLA; Co-Lead for the Arizona Center for Housing and Economic Solutions
Daniel Kuhlmann is an Assistant Professor of Real Estate and Urban Planning at the University of Arizona. In his research, he examines how zoning affects housing markets, the businesses of small residential landlords, and local land-use politics. He is the University of Arizona lead on a HUD-funded project to establish a new housing research center of excellence, the Arizona Research Center for Housing and Economic Solutions (ARCHES), in partnership with ASU, NAU, and UNM faculty. He is also the CO-PI on an NSF project examining the impact of natural disasters on residential landlords. He is a member of the Pima County Continuum of Care Board. He also holds multiple service positions in academic organizations. Dr. Kuhlmann was previously an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University. He holds a PhD and an MA in Community and Regional Planning from Cornell University, as well as a BA from Carleton College.
PANELISTS
Massimo ‘Max’ Sommacampagna, Construction Director and a Managing Principal, Bolzano Construction
Massimo ‘Max’ Sommacampagna is the Construction Director and a Managing Principal of Bolzano Construction. He provides more than a decade of hands-on experience as a licensed general contractor and has built over 100,000 sqft of real estate. Massimo is a proud second-generation general contractor. Born in Bolzano, Italy and raised in Arizona, he pairs European craftsmanship with Southwestern grit. His projects showcase a blend of thoughtfully operated construction, attention to details, and a clear focus of on-time and on-budget execution. A recognized voice on Arizona’s housing challenges, Massimo serves on the Urban Land Institute’s committees both nationally and locally, the Home Arizona Board, a City of Phoenix Village Planning Committee, the Young Developers Council Leadership Committee, and various other boards. He also champions cultural and workforce initiatives as the vice president of the Arizona Italian American Chamber of Commerce, where he forges European partnerships and organizes events that connect the local business community. Community is at the heart of Massimo’s work. Massimo believes that great buildings are catalysts for thriving neighborhoods—and that thoughtful development and construction today creates the resilient, thriving Arizona of tomorrow.
Representative Sarah Liguori, Arizona State House of Representatives
Sarah Liguori is a proud Arizona native with a career rooted in real estate, finance, and public service. Born and raised in Tucson, she began her professional journey in rural land development and commercial brokerage before transitioning to financial planning, where she spent a decade helping families and small businesses achieve their goals. Outside of her professional work, her personal life has been dedicated to serving the community. Her leadership has been seen on advisory boards for organizations like the Urban Land Institute, BMO Harris Bank, and Arouet, as well as through her efforts in leading volunteer initiatives focused on youth mentorship, addressing homelessness, and creating opportunities for underserved communities.
Sarah was appointed to the Arizona State Legislature for District 5 and served in 2022 and 2024, returning for another term in 2025. During her tenure, she has prioritized housing, water conservation, reproductive rights, education, healthcare, and economic equity. Her legislative work includes championing bills to expand affordable housing solutions—such as ADUs, middle housing, and mobile home park protections—and advancing water conservation efforts, including securing $200 million in statewide funding for conservation projects.
Previously, Sarah led the Impact Investing program at the Arizona Community Foundation, overseeing initiatives to expand affordable housing and provide nonprofits with access to lowcost capital. Today, she consults on housing, environmental, and economic equity issues while embracing her most cherished role as a mother to two young boys.