Are you facing construction defect issues on your property? Don’t let a latent defect pose serious safety risks and affect the integrity of your structure. At Herman & Wells, our seasoned construction defect attorneys understand the complexities of such issues and are prepared to help. Act now and protect your investment. Call us for a consultation at (727) 821-3195 and let’s address your construction defect concerns together.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- 1Protect Your Property: Early detection and legal intervention are crucial in addressing construction defects to safeguard your property’s value and ensure structural safety.
- 2Expert Legal Support: Herman & Wells brings years of specialized experience in construction law, offering expert guidance and representation to resolve your construction defect issues efficiently.
- 3Immediate Action: Don’t wait for minor defects to escalate into major safety hazards. Contacting Herman & Wells promptly can prevent further damage and protect your property investment.
- 4Comprehensive Services: From initial consultation to litigation, if necessary, our team is dedicated to managing every aspect of your construction defect claim with the utmost professionalism and diligence.
- 5Your Rights Matter: Understanding your rights as a property owner is the first step towards effective resolution of construction defect disputes. Herman & Wells is committed to educating clients and vigorously defending their rights.
Understanding Construction Defects In Florida
A construction defect refers to a flaw from the construction process causing structural element failure and damage. Factors like faulty workmanship, planning, materials, negligence, or site selection can lead to these defects. They manifest as patent (visible) or latent (hidden) defects, mainly design, material, or workmanship issues. Claims often target general contractors despite subcontractor negligence. Legal representation is crucial for disputes. Construction defects fall under Chapter 558 of Florida Statutes, requiring a written notice before legal action.
Common Types of Construction Defects In Florida
Water And Plumbing Issues
Water damage and plumbing issues top the list of the most common construction defects. These are often a result of faulty materials, bad design, or shoddy workmanship. Factors such as soil shifting and foundation problems or inadequate drainage could also contribute to these defects.
Improper Drainage
Defects leading to flooding fall under improper drainage. Design problems with gutters and drainage systems are the culprits here. These defects could manifest inside or outside the house, leading to mold development and structural instabilities when flooding occurs.
Foundation Issues
Foundation issues are a major concern, particularly in Florida. They can be caused by inferior soil, soil erosion, shifting or shrinking soil, among other reasons. The most common manifestations are sinking and shifting foundations, foundation settlement, and foundation cracks. These defects threaten the building’s structural integrity, leading to unstable, leaning walls, and uneven floors.
Electrical Systems
Electrical system defects are another common risk. At best, they might cause power shortages and inconveniences, but at worst, they could lead to dangerous fires and outages. When coupled with water damage or plumbing issues, these defects can pose an extreme risk to the building’s occupants.
Roof Defects
With Florida’s frequent and steady rainstorms, particularly during the hurricane season, roofs are prone to water damage. This could lead to significant structural problems, rot, and mold, which in turn could cause health issues if ignored. Common roof defects include improper roofing installation, missing anti-ponding metal at eaves, exposed roof tiles, broken or chipped roof tiles, and non-draining gutters.
Hot And Cold Spots
Contrary to pop culture references, hot and cold spots in a structure indicate physical defects rather than a paranormal presence. These could be due to faulty doors, windows, insulation, or ductwork. Inadequate sizing or poorly designed ductwork could disrupt air circulation, leading to these hot or cold spots.