Types of Construction Defects
When you purchase a new property in Pennsylvania, you expect the building to be in excellent condition. Unfortunately, many contractors, developers, and construction professionals often make mistakes when executing the building project. This may result in construction defects which can affect the use of the home, cause bodily injuries to residents, or ultimately make the property unsafe.
Additionally, construction defects may occur due to contractor’s negligence, poor structural design, poor construction practices, defective building materials, or improper soil analysis. Fortunately, Pennsylvania construction defect laws allow property owners to seek fair compensation for construction defects or damages to their property by holding the liable party responsible.
At Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C., I’m poised and ready to represent clients in their construction defect claims. As an experienced Pennsylvania real estate law attorney, I can evaluate the type of construction defect in your property, help determine the liable party, and explore your options to recover damages. My firm is proud to serve clients across Pittsburgh, Aspinwall, Oakmont Borough, Ross Township, and O’Hara Township, Pennsylvania.
What Qualifies as a Construction Defect?
A construction defect can be described as a condition in a property that shows defects, deficiencies, or mistakes in the construction process. Construction defects often occur due to the failure to execute a construction project in a reasonable manner and in accordance with the reasonable expectations of the client.
Common Construction Defects
Here are some of the most common types of construction defects:
Defects in Design
Design defects occur as a result of the failure of the design expert to produce accurate construction documents or follow professional standards. Examples of design defects include:
Inadequate structural support
Flawed roof designs
Faulty foundation
Water intrusion
Poor drainage
Landscaping issues
Insufficient support
Defects in Material
Material defects occur due to the use of defective, damaged, unsuitable, or faulty construction materials in executing the construction project. Examples of material defects include:
Inferior products
Bent window frames
Toxins in the yard soil
Dangerous gas or emissions from duct systems
Mold in areas such as woodwork
Faulty pipes that cause plumbing leaks
Defects in Construction
Construction defects occur when the contractor fails to execute the building project in accordance with the construction documents. Examples of construction defects include:
Improper plumbing work causing leaks
Rotting wood
Cracks in foundations
Mechanical and electrical issues
Mold growth
Plumbing, insulation, and HVAC failures
Pest infiltration
Water intrusion through the building structure, window, doors, and roof openings.
If there is a construction defect in your property, you need to reach out to a skilled construction litigation attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can evaluate the type of construction defect you’re dealing with, identify the responsible parties, and determine the best course of action.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Defects?
In a recent construction defect case, a jury in a Pennsylvania court found Carosella, a homebuilder, negligent in the building construction and awarded Jefferson, the homeowner, $289,532.50 in damages. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a different number of parties or entities may be held liable for defects in a construction project. These include:
The contractor
The builder or engineer
The architect
The general contractors
The subcontractors
Property owner.
An experienced construction defect attorney can review every detail of your case thoroughly, identify the responsible parties, and help file multiple claims within the specified time limit.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for Damage/Repairs
Furthermore, the statute of limitations for construction defects claims in Pennsylvania is 12 years from the date of the building construction. This means that you will have 12 years from the date of the construction to file an action seeking damages for construction defects. A skilled lawyer can represent you diligently in your construction defect claims and help you seek the maximum possible compensation.
How Legal Counsel Can Help
Contractors, engineers, subcontractors, and architects have a duty to deliver a construction project that meets the highest standard under the circumstance. Unfortunately, some negligent construction professionals often fail in their expected duty of care and cause defects in the building. Therefore, if there is a construction defect in your property, it is crucial that you hire a skilled real estate law attorney for detailed guidance and to help pursue fair financial compensation.
I have the expertise, resources, and diligence to assist, guide, and represent clients in their construction defect claims. Using my in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania real estate laws addressing liability in construction defect cases, I can help guide you through the overly-complicated claims process. Also, I will fight compassionately to advocate for your best interests, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.
Contact my firm – Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C. – today to schedule a simple case assessment with a trusted construction attorney. I can offer you the skilled representation, assistance, and dedicated legal counsel you need in your construction defect claims. My firm proudly represents homeowners and business owners across Pittsburgh, Aspinwall, Oakmont Borough, Ross Township, and O’Hara Township, Pennsylvania.