Construction defects can greatly reduce the value of your home or commercial property. Sometimes defects are obvious either during or shortly following construction, and they are addressed right away. In many other cases, property owners do not become aware of a defect until years later, once the defect begins to cause problems or is uncovered during an inspection as part of a real estate transaction.
At our law office, we represent clients in all matters of construction litigation and we have an in-depth knowledge of the various defects that occur in construction in California.
Some of the most common types of construction defects that result in litigation involve:
- Heating and electrical problems
- Faulty drainage
- Water issues, which can include mold
- Landscaping problems
- Structural issues and failures
- Dry rot
- Cracks in the foundation, roof, floor or walls of a structure
These types of defects can occur for a variety of reasons, including one or more of the following:
- Poor workmanship
- Use of defective or inferior materials
- Poor site selection or planning
- Improper soil preparation or analysis
Depending on the circumstances that resulted in a defect and the extent of the damages, you may be able to recover compensation for the cost of necessary repairs, temporary housing, court costs and attorney fees. In certain cases in some states, punitive damages can be awarded in an effort to punish the negligent party.
However, it is not always easy to prove that a general contractor, builder, manufacturer, architect or developer caused the defect and resulting damage to a property. It is important to seek legal counsel if you believe you are dealing with a construction defect. A skilled attorney can help you uncover the cause of the defect and hold responsible parties liable, as well as ensure you fulfill your legal obligations if you ever plan to sell the property.