Owning a Florida property is an exciting opportunity for anyone – from soaking up the sun in the summer months to experiencing the mild winters. However, Florida property owners can experience issues with construction defects that can have devastating effects on their homes, as well as affecting their community too.
Florida’s SB 736 bill is striving to shorten the amount of time a homeowner has to take legal action against contractors for latent defects from ten years down to four. This proposed legislation could have immense implications for property owners across the state. In this blog post, we’ll explore how unaddressed construction defects impact both Florida property values & community morale.
If you are a Florida property owner and are in a construction defect or insurance dispute, contact Herman & Wells today. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve to cover all property defects. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Florida construction lawyer.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
We listed the impacts of construction defects on Florida property values and community morale; however, here are the key bullet points if you are in a rush:
- Construction defects can cause a property’s value to plummet and be difficult to sell.
- The presence of construction defects can also have a negative impact on property values throughout the community.
- Stress and frustration is caused by construction defects among Florida residents.
- Strained relationships between homeowners and HOA professionals, as well as decreased sense of community pride and satisfaction, are also common results of construction defects.
- Proper maintenance, inspection, reporting, and resolution of construction defects should be taken to minimize their impact.
- Hiring a qualified attorney is essential for individuals or communities facing construction defect claims so that they can get legal assistance throughout the process.
The Effect Of Construction Defects On Florida Property Values
Construction defects can have a huge impact on the value of Florida real estate. Construction defect claims are common in the state, and can affect single family homes as well as larger commercial buildings. Some common effects on property values include:
Reduced Property Values Due To The Presence Of Construction Defects
Construction defects can cause a property’s value to plummet. The homeowner or business owner may find it difficult to sell their home or commercial building due to the presence of defects. This can cause major financial losses for them, as fewer potential buyers will be interested in purchasing the property and paying top dollar for it. Additionally, if the defect is serious enough, lenders may refuse to issue mortgages for the property.
Difficulty In Selling Properties With Known Construction Defects
Individuals or businesses looking to sell their property with construction defects can also find it quite difficult to find a buyer. Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing an already damaged property, and sellers may have difficulty getting the desired price for their property due to its condition. This can create a major headache and financial loss for those trying to sell their home or business.
Potential Negative Impact On Community-Wide Property Values
The presence of construction defects can also have a negative impact on property values throughout the community. If a particular area has several homes or buildings with known issues, then potential buyers may be less likely to purchase in that area, leading to lower real estate prices for everyone. This could lead to long-term economic damage for the community if the issue is not addressed.
It is important to address any and all construction defects as soon as possible in order to reduce the potential disruption they may cause. Homeowners or business owners should contact a qualified construction attorney, like Alan Gustafson, if they are facing a construction defect claim so that they can get legal assistance throughout the process.
The Effect Of Construction Defects On Community Morale
Construction defects can have a negative impact on the morale of a community. If a construction project, such as a new housing development, is incomplete or not up to code due to construction defects, people living in the area may experience:
Stress And Frustration Caused By Construction Defects
The construction defects can cause stress and frustration for Florida residents who are looking forward to the completion of a project that will improve their quality of life. It is common for Florida construction projects to experience delays due to construction defects, which can lead to feelings of anger and frustration among local homeowners.
Strained Relationships Between Homeowners And HOA Professionals
Construction defects can create strain between Florida homeowners and the professionals who manage their HOA or property management companies. When construction projects are delayed due to construction defects, it’s common for homeowners to become frustrated with their HOA professionals for not ensuring the project is completed properly. This strain may lead to a breakdown in communication that further exacerbates the problem.
Decreased Sense Of Community Pride And Satisfaction
Construction defects can also lead to Florida residents feeling a decreased sense of community pride and satisfaction. If a construction project is delayed or falls short of expectations due to construction defects, it’s common for Florida residents to feel a decreased sense of accomplishment for the work that was done in their community.
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Construction Defects
Construction defects are a common problem in Florida and can have serious implications for the safety, security, and financial standing of property owners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact:
Proper Maintenance And Inspection Of Properties
It could be reasonably argued that one of the primary responsibilities of any property owner in Florida is to regularly inspect and maintain their properties. This is especially important when it comes to construction defects, which can be difficult to spot at first but can lead to significant problems over time.
For example, stucco defects are a common issue in Florida due to the humid climate and frequent exposure to moisture. If not properly installed or maintained, stucco can crack, allowing water to seep in and cause damage to the underlying structure. This can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other serious problems that are expensive to fix and can put the safety of occupants at risk.
Regular inspections can help identify stucco defects before they become significant or unmanageable problems. By hiring a qualified inspector, property owners can get a detailed assessment of the condition of their stucco and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed.
In addition to regular inspections, property owners should also be proactive about maintenance. This includes things like keeping gutters and downspouts clean, ensuring proper drainage away from the property, and sealing any cracks or gaps in the stucco to prevent water from seeping in.
By being proactive about inspections and maintenance, property owners can help protect their investments and the safety of their occupants. And in the event that a construction defect is identified, seeking the services of a good construction lawyer can help ensure that the issue is resolved quickly and effectively, minimizing the impact on the property and its occupants.
Prompt Reporting And Resolution Of Construction Defects
Florida residents should promptly report any construction defects they identify and work with a Florida construction lawyer to ensure they get the best outcome. A good attorney can also help Florida communities maintain their morale and stay in line with Florida code regulations. By taking the right steps to address construction defects, Florida residents can help ensure that their communities are safe and pleasant places to live.
Hiring A Construction Lawyer To Represent The Community’s Interests
When Florida communities are dealing with construction defects, it may be necessary to hire a Florida construction lawyer to represent the interests of the community. A Florida construction lawyer will have experience in navigating construction defect cases and should fully understand the Florida code regulations that apply.
Educating Homeowners And HOA Professionals About Construction Defect Issues
Finally, Florida communities should strive to educate their homeowners and HOA professionals about the potential risks associated with construction defects. By understanding the basics of Florida construction law, Florida residents can identify potential problem areas and take steps to address them before they become larger issues.
Want To Talk To A Good Construction Lawyer? Call Herman & Wells
Construction defects can have a long-term and damaging impact on Florida communities. Not only can construction defects lower property values, but they can also lead to decreased community morale due to delays in the completion of construction projects or a failure to meet expectations. Florida construction lawyers understand these issues, which is why it is important to hire a Florida construction lawyer who has experience in dealing with construction defect cases.
At Herman & Wells, we are Florida construction lawyers dedicated to helping Florida communities navigate the complexities associated with construction defects. We have extensive knowledge of Florida construction law and Florida code regulations and use this to provide our clients with effective legal representation. Call (727) 821- 3194 today for a free consultation about how we can help you resolve construction defect issues in Florida.