Property owners hire contractors with the expectation that they’ll take care of a project in a professional manner. Most projects are completed without any issues, but there are times when construction defects may plague the process and vision of interested parties.
Determining what type of defect that’s present is often the first step in the process of getting it corrected. The following are the most common kinds of construction defects that may impact the integrity of any particular project.
Design defects
Design defects happen if there are flaws in the engineering or architectural plans that govern a project. They may arise because of errors or omissions that occur during the design process. Structural issues and other serious problems can occur because of design defects. For example, lack of proper drainage because a building’s design doesn’t allow for it can lead to water damage over time.
Material defects
Material defects are the result of using substandard materials for a project. In some cases, this may be because of inappropriate material substitutions. These defects vary in severity based on how crucial the material is to the project. For example, poor quality concrete used as foundation is typically a more serious issue than poor quality trim being used around interior doors.
Workmanship defects
Workmanship defects occur when the quality of the work doesn’t meet the client’s agreed-upon expectations or the requirements for the project. This type of defect can encompass any aspect of a project, such as electrical work, plumbing, roofing or framing. Defects in this category may lead to safety hazards or place the structural integrity of a building in jeopardy.
Subsurface defects
Subsurface defects relate to issues with the ground or soil beneath a structure. These defects can cause serious problems, such as foundation shifting or settling, leading to cracks and structural instability. Poor site preparation, such as inadequate compaction or failing to properly account for soil conditions, often contributes to these defects.
When a construction defect occurs, many contractors will stand behind their projects and correct the problem. Yet it’s possible that a property owner will take legal action if their contractor doesn’t correct a defect. Legal assistance is beneficial in these cases because they can often be particularly complex and lengthy affairs.