Your house or condo is one of your most significant investments. You may file a claim against the builder and other parties if it has a construction defect. These defects may be hidden in the walls or foundation and can go undetected for years. A qualified housing and construction defects lawyer can help you recover monetary damages. A lawyer can review your case, examine contracts and insurance policies, and help you build a strong case.
Damages
A construction defect claim can result in damages for any physical condition that reduces the property’s value, endangers the safety or health of occupants, and is not caused by normal wear and tear. In a civil lawsuit, these claims are typically brought against contractors and related parties. They can be filed for breach of implied and express warranties or negligence-based claims based on a party’s duty of care to a home or building owner.
Depending on local state law, a homeowner may be entitled to recover the cost of repairs, diminution in property value, loss of use of the property, expert fees, and litigation costs. In addition, homeowners may be able to recover compensation for injuries sustained due to construction defects. Contractors sometimes cut corners during the construction process to save money and time. This can cause problems for the homebuyer in the future. A housing and construction defect lawyer can hold negligent builders liable for construction defects. These cases involve a complex area of the law, and hiring an experienced attorney to handle your case is important.
Time Frame
Some specific standards and deadlines must be met in filing a construction defect claim. An experienced attorney will be able to help you comply with these laws and ensure your rights are protected. In addition, a legal professional can help you hire an expert to investigate your property’s construction defects and determine the cause of the problems.
A lawyer can also assist in addressing payment disputes with contractors. They can also represent you in a lawsuit against your contractor if their work has harmed you. For example, if a contractor fails to perform the work agreed upon in your contract, you may have a valid claim for breach of warranty. Construction defects are common in new homes. They can range from minor to severe, but they usually affect the structural integrity of your home. They include improper drainage, leaks, and faulty electrical or heating systems. Some of these defects can even lead to premature deterioration of building materials.
These defects can also affect the health of the occupants. Sometimes, they may create a toxic mold that releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). This can lead to respiratory illnesses, flu-like symptoms, and headaches. In these cases, a lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against the contractors and designers involved in the construction process.
Expertise
A housing and construction defect lawyer can help with problems discovered during or after a property is built. These include structural engineering defects, issues with the design or workmanship of a project, and flaws in materials and systems. They also handle contractual disputes with builders and contractors. They can represent homeowners, condominium owners, and developers of new projects.
When a building or home has a construction defect, it can cause serious injuries or property damage. A homeowner may be able to sue the builder for compensation if they have suffered damages due to the defect. These damages can include medical expenses, repairing or restoring the property to its original condition, and loss in property value. Some construction defects are visible, while others are latent and can take years to become apparent. Some examples of these defects include leaky roofs, toxic mold, wood rot, balcony or walkway problems, and soil and foundation movement. Other construction defects include fire and earthquake safety, poor drainage, and faulty or dangerous electrical systems. Hiring an experienced construction defect attorney when dealing with these cases is important. They should have extensive law knowledge and a strong track record of success. When choosing a firm, looking at their website and seeing what areas they cover is important. Ideally, they should specialize in the area of law that concerns them.
Experience
A home is one of the largest long-term investments most people will make. Whether new construction or remodeling an existing home, homeowners expect their contractors to follow building codes and do a good job. Unfortunately, not all contractors can meet these standards and deliver a quality product. If you are a homeowner experiencing residential construction defects, you may have legal rights to seek compensation from your contractor or other parties involved. Construction defects are typically found after the construction project is complete, but sometimes they can be discovered during construction. These defects can be costly to repair and may result in a loss of value for the property. A construction lawyer can help you determine which party is liable and recover damages.
Residential construction defect cases are complex, and the underlying cause of the issue can be difficult to determine. An experienced lawyer can review the building code, architectural plans, and initial documents to identify the type of defect and the liable party.
