Purchasing an apartment complex is a significant investment. But what happens when you discover major construction defects after the purchase? To safeguard your investment, you should understand the rights and protections available to you.
Accountability among responsible parties
Construction defect laws ensure property owners can hold responsible parties accountable. This includes the original builder, contractors, or even previous owners, depending on the nature of the defect and the terms of your purchase agreement.
The law also mandates that a qualified and unbiased inspector must inspect all multi-unit residential buildings. The inspector may provide you with insight that other parties may not have.
Document all issues
One of the most important steps to take is thoroughly documenting the defects. Keep detailed records, such as photographs, timelines, and descriptions of the issues. This documentation is crucial if you need to pursue a claim.
File the claims
Washington has specific time limitations for construction defect claims:
- Statute of limitations: The law allows six years from the date of substantial completion of the construction project to file a claim for construction defects.
- Discovery rule: The law gives you three years from the date you discovered the defect to file a claim, not to exceed 10 years from the date of substantial completion.
Familiarizing yourself with these timeframes will help you make your claims within the legal deadlines.
Benefits of seeking claims
Finding construction defects after purchasing an apartment complex can be disheartening. However, by taking these steps, you can better protect yourself from unexpected construction defects.