What is considered a construction defect?

Nearly any condition that reduces the value of residential or commercial property can be legally considered a defect in design, workmanship or material. Construction defects can arise from architectural design, structural or civil engineering errors or miscalculations, defective building materials or simple negligent construction. Defects in design, workmanship and material can include dry rot, faulty drainage, water seepage, improper landscaping and irrigation, termite infestation, structural failure or collapse. Also included are defective plumbing or electrical wiring, lighting or security, inadequate heating and or air conditioning (environmental controls), insufficient insulation and inadequate fire walls or equipment such as smoke detectors, or as in commercial applications, defective or inadequate sprinkler systems. Additionally, improperly prepared site conditions at or near a home or building can cause ponding of water or even floods. Landslide and earth settlement problems, which include expansive soils, improper soil compaction, underground water or streams, ancient landslides, horizontal movements, vertical settlement, slope failures and inadequate rough and/or finish grading. Finally, catastrophic structural failures and earth movement conditions present both substantial property damage exposure and possible personal injury; may result in cracks in slabs, cracks in walls, cracks in foundations and ceilings and collapse of roofs; are a disturbance of public or private utilities; and sometimes a complete undermining of the structure.

We take into consideration the time sensitivity of construction cases and work towards a rapid solution, whether through Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation or Negotiation.

Call Smith and Garg today at 1.877.517.4275 or complete our contact form and let us assist you with your construction defects needs.