Purchasing a home in California can be both exciting and daunting. On the one hand, you’re thrilled to be moving into a new home to build your family’s future. On the other hand, you may be a little nervous about whether or not you made the right investment.
Construction defects can reduce the value of your home
When you find a defect in your home’s construction after you’ve already signed all of the paperwork, the discovery can be very disappointing. Construction defects can dramatically lower the value of your home and force you to pay for expensive repairs. Some of the most common construction defects are:
- Foundation cracks
- Leaking roof
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Water system issues
- Design defects
- Poor materials
Patent and latent defects
The two main categories of construction defects are patent defects and latent defects. Patent defects are mistakes in the construction that are obvious as soon as a home is built. Latent defects are construction errors that become apparent over time as the home is lived in.
Paying for construction defects
While finding construction defects in your home can be incredibly burdensome, the good news is that you may not have to pay for the repairs. A construction defect claim can be filed against the construction company that built your home, and the defendant’s insurance provider may be ordered to pay for your damages.
Damages that may be recovered in a construction defect claim
If you can prove that the problems with your home were caused by construction defects, you may be reimbursed for your home’s loss of value and for the cost of repairs. You may also claim reimbursement for temporary housing costs and court fees. If you were injured or became sick because of construction defects, your medical expenses might also be reimbursed.
How a lawyer might help
A lawyer may be able to help you recover the maximum compensation for your damages. In some cases, a lawyer might show evidence of extreme recklessness that may result in a judge ordering the defendant to pay additional punitive damages.