One study of the financial consequences of construction defects determined that as much as 10% of the costs of a build are attributable to construction defects. With that in mind, home and business owners need to be able to identify these problems and ensure that the contractor prevents or mitigates them.
Below is some important information about some common construction defects.
Construction defects include any deficiencies or flaws in the workmanship, materials or design of the project. All can create structural problems, interfere with the functionality of a structure’s features and adversely affect its appearance.
Here is a partial list of common defects on a construction project:
- Roof leaks – A leaky roof causes water damage and opens a home to pest infestations if left unrepaired.
- Cracks in the foundation – If the slab is cracked, the house or other structure will “settle,” causing doors to swing ajar and floors to tilt as the building shifts.
- Defects in the design – Sometimes, the fault lies not with the builder but with the architect who designed the project.
- Inadequate ventilation – This defect literally can be life-threatening, as toxic pollutants can build up in a home and compromise the air quality inside the structure, posing a risk to the health and lives of those living inside.
These are but a few of the myriad defects that can inflate the costs of a build and negatively affect the quality of life of those who live or work in the defective building.
How can the buyers protect themselves?
At the first sign that a construction project is going south, speak up and insist that the builder address the problems, including how they will be ameliorated — and at whose expense. Make sure to document any evidence of the defects.
Learning more about how the law addresses construction defects here in the state of Washington can be helpful when seeking resolution.