There are many areas where disputes can manifest in a big construction project, but defects continue to be one of the most common issues. You need to be on the lookout for construction defects and you need to be prepared to address them. You also should know that they could lead to legal headaches. Fortunately, our Houston construction defect claim lawyers are prepared to help you when these issues arise.
What Are Some Common Types of Construction Defects?
Construction defects can pop up in all stages and parts of a construction project. So many people and companies can be involved in a big job, and that can make it difficult to spot defects and address them. Some common types of defects include:
- Design defects
- Workmanship defects
- Subsurface defects
- Code violations
- Material defects
- Operation and maintenance defects
- Issues with mold and moisture
Once you know a bit about what kinds of construction defects to look for, you can make a plan to detect and address them early.
How Can Construction Defects Be Detected Early?
If you want to find construction defects early on, you need to make the detection of these defects a top priority. This means carrying out regular inspections during and after inspections. Either bring in experts or make sure that your employees know exactly what they are looking for.
Then make sure that everything is documented. What construction activities occurred that day? Which materials were used? Was there any reason to change the original plans and how did those plans change?
The earlier a defect is found, the better. If you let a defect fester you could end up with additional problems, lawsuits being among them.
What Should Be Done When Defects Are Detected?
When construction defects are found they should be brought to the attention of the responsible parties. If there was an issue with the materials, the contractor who used them and the manufacturer who made the materials should be alerted. If there are design defects, an architect or engineer should be given the chance to address the problem.
In most cases, a quick review of the contracts will be necessary to see how these matters should be addressed. If a responsible party does not try to address the defect, then litigation may be necessary.
When Do I Need an Attorney?
If any kind of dispute arises due to defects, you should talk to a lawyer. You need to protect yourself and your business. If there is an issue, an attorney can help you work it out with the other parties involved. If possible, we can even introduce alternative methods of dispute resolution, like mediation and arbitration, that can help you save time and money.
Talk to Our Lawyers Today
So if you’re in need of legal advice or assistance, talk to lawyers who actually know your industry. Contact Patout & Shaw to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll help you figure out the best way to approach your legal issue.
