Construction defects are some of the biggest reasons behind legal action in the construction industry. They can be costly for homeowners and contractors, so it’s important to know what they are and how to avoid them.
Common examples of construction defects
One of the most common defects is a leaky roof. This can be a result of several things, such as poor installation or material failure. Another common defect is poor drainage. This can occur when the property owner makes changes to a property that causes water runoff issues, or if there are simply not enough drains for all of the rainwater on site. It’s also not uncommon to find issues with the foundation, such as cracks or settling. These can easily lead to structural damage if not fixed.
There are other construction defects that are even more serious, including a deficiency in fire protection. This can be a consequence of poor installation. Faulty wiring or plumbing can lead to fires or water damage, both of which can be very costly to repair.
How can contractors avoid construction defects?
There are many important factors that contractors can consider when creating a building structure. Some of them include design, material selection, installation methods and good workmanship. If contractors don’t consider these things, the structure may not end up or perform as expected or as desired in all situations. The way to avoid issues is by taking time to make sure each step along the way is correct. This will ensure the structure is properly built and stands up to any test that comes its way, including bad weather conditions or fire emergencies.
Contractors also need to ensure that they only work with highly skilled workers. If the construction labor is not up to par, it can lead to problems, such as poor material installation or a faulty structure design.
A lot of these issues are completely avoidable as long as the contractor takes the time to do things right. However, if you’re a homeowner and you any notice construction defects in your building, you may want to take action right away. That includes notifying the contractor and, if necessary, filing a legal claim.