Table Of Contents
Leaks, stains, and musty odors are often the first indications that your builder made an error while working on your property. You may also notice hairline cracks, soft drywall, or swollen baseboards after a storm. Your builder may deny responsibility, and your repair costs can quickly add up. A Jacksonville construction defect lawyer could investigate the cause of the problem, explain your options, and help you plan the next steps to meet your objectives. We could also coordinate inspections and preserve evidence on your behalf.
At Herman & Wells, we are approachable and accessible. Our attorneys keep you informed and provide you with frequent updates on the status of your claim. Knowing your case is being actively managed could help to reduce the stress you are under.
Most construction defect cases involve damage caused by water infiltration, which is the unwanted entry of water into the structure. Typical causes include poor design decisions, substandard materials, and workmanship errors. Our attorneys are experienced in evaluating structural deficiencies in Jacksonville. We focus on how water has penetrated your property, assess the repairs you will need, and challenge any defense offered by your builder. Common causes of water infiltration include:
We work with qualified inspectors to test moisture levels, make limited exploratory openings when appropriate, and map the course of the water intrusion in your property. We use detailed photos, reports, and repair specifications to demonstrate what failed and why your builder should be held responsible.
Evidence drives results. We start by collecting your contracts, plans, modifications, and warranty documents. We assemble a timeline of the work undertaken on your property, including inspections and final fixes. We also document any complaints you may have made.
Through site visits and non-destructive testing, we identify areas of your property that are exposed to the elements. When necessary, we coordinate targeted destructive testing to uncover issues while preserving findings and maintaining repair options. This evidence allows us to clearly show how the negligence of the builder, subcontractor, or developer led to the problems you are facing.
Good communication is important to our firm. We provide you with updates on your case at least every 30 days, and more often as milestones approach. We discuss your options with you, including pre-suit notice, settlement discussions, mediation, or filing a lawsuit, and explain the potential outcomes of each approach. Our experienced Jacksonville attorneys prepare every case involving substandard building work as though litigation might be necessary. This thorough preparation may strengthen your negotiating position and increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement.
Time matters. You may have as little as four years after completion to sue for obvious construction defects under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Different rules apply to hidden issues, and some claims allow you a longer deadline of up to seven years to file suit. Our legal team in Jacksonville carefully reviews dates related to construction defects to help protect your options.
Florida also uses a pre-suit process for many residential construction defect claims. You must send a detailed notice to the responsible party that describes each defect in detail. This gives them an opportunity to inspect your property and respond before litigation. This step may lead to repair proposals or negotiations and could shape your strategy if you need to file a lawsuit later.
At Herman & Wells, we typically handle the pre-suit construction defect process for a flat fee. We may also be able to take your case on a contingency basis if litigation or arbitration is required. We are transparent about fees and focused on helping you make informed decisions at every stage.
A Jacksonville construction defect lawyer at Herman & Wells could review your situation and answer your questions. We could prepare a comprehensive plan to address the issues at your property. We also coordinate qualified experts to help identify the cause of the problem and gather the evidence needed to support your claim. Our firm prides itself on being accessible and communicating clearly with you, providing the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the challenges ahead.
Our goal is to help you pursue a defect claim to secure repairs or compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
