Bad construction can have a lot of different causes—contractors cutting corners, unsupervised subcontractors, sloppy work, and covered-up mistakes.
Bad construction can leave your property with problems that seem to creep up out of nowhere. Construction problems can cause damage to other portions of your property and leave you with ongoing issues or a dangerous situation.
A St. Petersburg construction defect lawyer at Herman & Wells can help you with a construction dispute. If you are a property owner who has had construction performed within the last seven years and are now experiencing issues—particularly water intrusion through windows, walls or roofs, or cracks in stucco—you may have a valid construction defect claim. Additionally, if you are an HOA or COA board member facing a significant construction defect that could result in substantial financial losses to the association’s property, legal action may be necessary.
A construction defect is any flaw in a finished construction project that reduces its overall value. These defects do not have to be dangerous, but many are. Defects that impact a project’s structural integrity may leave builders liable for more than replacement costs if they cause injuries.
Defects can occur for many reasons, including poor design, bad materials, or issues in the construction process. Understanding the difference between normal wear and tear and damage caused by a construction defect is one of the essential tools that a St. Petersburg construction defect attorney uses to investigate these claims.
Some examples of common construction defects include:
Many of these defects are linked to moisture and humidity, which are both common issues in St. Petersburg, FL when a building isn’t built correctly.
Florida Statutes § 558 covers construction defects. This law attempts to get parties to resolve their issues before beginning a lawsuit. For example, it requires a property owner to serve a Notice of Claim to whomever they assert is responsible for the defect and give that party the opportunity to inspect and attempt to resolve the issue.
Failure to give the contractor or other responsible party the opportunity to cure the defect can bar a property owner from being able to recover in a defective construction claim. A St. Petersburg lawyer who handles construction defects can assess the facts of the case and advise people of potential remedies.
Construction defect litigation can be challenging. A St. Petersburg construction defects lawyer at Herman & Wells can help you address construction disputes by advocating for your rights and working to ensure that defects are properly remedied—whether through negotiation, repair, or legal action.
If you are dealing with property issues stemming from past construction work, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more.
