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What are the main kinds of construction defects?

On Behalf of | Jun 5, 2019 | Construction Disputes

When it comes to construction projects, there are plenty of parties involved. There is the property owner, the general contractor, sub-contractors and sometimes an architect or designer. During a project, all these parties need to communicate with one another to get the job done.

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

What is a construction defect?

A construction defect is a deficiency in the construction process that leads to damages to a property. Damages caused by construction defects can include declined property value, cost of repair, court costs and loss of use.

Patent vs. latent defects

“Patent defects” are easy to spot. These problems are immediately noticeable after finishing a project.

“Latent defects,” on the other hand, may not be noticeable at first. A latent defect could crop up years after completing the project.

Three main kinds of construction defects

There are three main types of defects. All three types of defects could be patent or latent.

  • Workmanship Defect: This is a defect that arises due to improper construction. An example of a workmanship defect could be a careless piping job that leads to water damage.
  • Design Defect: A design defect is a deficiency in a project’s design. This type of defect is usually the fault of an architect or a designer. These can occur if a designer was careless with his initial design or failed to inspect the project when they were contractually obligated to do so.
  • Material Defect: These are deficiencies in the physical material used for a construction project. An example of a material defect could be a window frame that was bent during transit and caused water damage.

What can I do about a defect?

If you have suffered damages due to a construction defect, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages of the defect.

However, construction litigation can be a complex and long process. Hiring an experienced attorney can help you understand how best to handle your particular situation.

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