However, as discussed further below, there is a duty "implied in every contract for work or services" to perform skillfully and "in a workmanlike manner." Schofield Interior Contractors, Inc. v. Standard Bldg. Co., Inc. , 293 Ga.App. 812, 668 S.E.2d 316, 318 (2008). There has been some confusion in past Georgia case law as to whether a violation of this duty to perform work in a "workmanlike" manner appropriately sounds in contract or tort.

(Citations, punctuation and footnote omitted.) Schofield Interior Contractors v. Standard Bldg. Co., 293 Ga. App. 812, 814 (668 SE2d 316) (2008). In support of their negligence claim, appellants relied upon the affidavit of James Ahlberg, a civil and geotechnical engineer who opined, based upon his review of soil reports before and after the grading work was completed, that

Rowe Dev. Corp. v. Akin Flanders, Inc., 240 Ga. App. 766, 769 (2) ( 525 SE2d 123) (1999). See also Schofield Interior Contractors v. Standard Building Co., 293 Ga. App. 812, 814 ( 668 SE2d 316) (2008) (independent cause of action exists for negligent supervision of construction work). When an independent cause of action exists and there is no allegation that a product is defective, our courts have traditionally held that "[t]he `economic loss' versus `physical damage' dichotomy that is used in products liability cases can find no application. . . ." (Citations omitted.)

. Schofield Interior Contractors, Inc. v. Standard Bldg. Co., Inc., 293 Ga.App. 812, 814; Hall v. Harris, 239 Ga.App. 812, 817 (1999)

(Citations, punctuation and footnote omitted.) Schofield Interior Contractors v. Standard Bldg. Co., 293 Ga.App. 812, 814, 668 S.E.2d 316 (2008). In support of their negligence claim, appellants relied upon the affidavit of James Ahlberg, a civil and geotechnical engineer who opined, based upon his review of soil reports before and after the grading work was completed, that