When a construction company does not properly grade a property, serious problems may arise. Water can pool around your home or building, leading to flooding, soil erosion, or foundation damage.  The cost to repair grading issues can be significant. If a contractor or subcontractor acted negligently during construction by not exercising proper care, you may have the right to hold them accountable for the problems you are facing.

At Herman & Wells, we understand how stressful it is to discover that grading issues are affecting your home or condominium community. Our experienced construction defect attorneys could help determine whether your grading issues in Orlando stem from poor workmanship or design and guide you through the legal steps available to protect your investment.

What Makes Grading Issues Serious?

Grading problems often lead to standing water around the property. Over time, this may lead to mold growth, flooding in living areas, or structural issues. Unlike a minor landscaping problem, improper grading is a construction defect that can impact the safety and livability of your property.

Incorrect grading can cause soil to shift, placing additional stress on foundations, driveways, and retaining walls. Over the long term, this instability can lead to costly repairs for damage such as cracks and structural movement.

Construction issues are not always immediately visible. In Orlando, heavy rainfall may reveal problems associated with grading defects months or even years after contractors complete construction. Because of this delay, the appearance of costly damage can come as a surprise to homeowners and associations.

The Legal Side of Grading Defects

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you may need to file claims for patent construction defects—those that are noticeable with reasonable inspection—within four years of construction being completed. If you discover grading issues later, you may still have options, but it is critical to act promptly once you suspect a defect.

Grading, and therefore any associated problems, is typically the responsibility of contractors, developers, or others involved in the preparation of the site in Orlando. If negligence in design or construction caused the defect, you may have grounds to pursue a claim. Proving responsibility often requires professional evaluation, so working with a lawyer could make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

How Herman & Wells Could Help

Our well-practiced team of attorneys in Orlando may be able to help you handle your grading issue case. Once hired, we would:

  • Investigate the cause–We work with construction and engineering experts to determine whether grading issues caused the damage.
  • Identify responsible parties–Our team could hold negligent builders, contractors, or developers accountable.
  • Navigate deadlines–We review your claim complies with Florida’s statute of limitations, preserving your right to pursue compensation.
  • Provide clarity–We explain your options so you understand the process.

At Herman & Wells, we focus on giving you transparent guidance and a strong plan for moving forward.

Why Grading Issues Matter for Homeowners

Improper grading could affect entire communities. For condominium and homeowners associations, widespread grading defects may lead to shared financial burdens that could reach into the millions. Acting quickly may help prevent costs from escalating and protect both property values and community safety.

Discovering a grading problem in Orlando may leave you with overwhelming repair costs and questions about who is responsible. At Herman & Wells, we understand the frustration and uncertainty these problems bring. Our team could help you identify whether construction negligence caused the issue, pursue the responsible party, and work toward protecting the value of your home or association property.

Contact Us for Help With an Orlando Grading Defect

At Herman & Wells, we are ready to review your situation and explain your options. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional about your grading issues in Orlando.