Construction Defects Attorneys

Problems and defects with Walls

If you have construction defect issue likes soil movement, construction deficiencies, or low quality products used, you may see some symptoms in the exterior walls and interior walls. For example, walls may have cracks from the floor to the ceilings. Exterior walls and interior walls may have water damage. This could be due to poor workmanship on the roof, windows or doors. You may also see water damage from issues with cracks in the exterior wall that have allowed moisture to enter. In this case, you may find dryrot or mildew growing. Either issue is extremely difficult to repair. In general, water issues can be very detrimental since they can even cause structural failures.

Shear Walls

Shear walls refer to the vertical limps that help with structural support of exterior walls, floors and the foundation. Shear walls are an important part of a house’s structure since it has many functions, including keeping the shape of the structure and protecting it from elements such as wind or earthquakes that can literally tear a house apart. If you have a construction defect that impacts the foundation, you do not want the shear walls to be affected, but it can happen. Foundation issues such as expansive soils can create a great deal of pressure that can easily shift a wall or crack a slab. Any damage evident on shear walls is a sure sign of a very serious construction defect.

Below Grade Walls

Below grade walls will be most affected by water issues or foundation issues. Due to the nature of below grade walls, insulation is very important. If the integrity of the insulation is injected with water or moisture, this could result in a whole host of problems. Dry-rot, mildew and mold are all potential construction defects you may encounter with below grade walls.

Retaining Walls

If you have a soil or foundation issue causing cracks in exterior pavement or structures, you may also see cracks in retaining walls. When the ground shifts because of improper soil preparation or improper construction strategies, it causes cracks everywhere.

If you are seeing cracks in exterior walls, interior walls, shear walls, below grade walls, and/or retaining walls, you probably have some kinds of construction defect. You need to contact an attorney with experience in construction defect law. Contact an attorney today before your problems worsen.

an apartment with wet walls on which mildew forming

Fireplace, Ceilings Problems

A construction defect can be so severe that it causes cracks all over your house. The source of the construction defect will dictate what areas of the house will be most affected. Ceilings and fireplaces may show signs of a construction defect rooted from soil issues or water issues, but are not limited to just these two construction defects.

Expansive soil is a major cause of construction defect. Although we have the technology to determine if the land being built on contains expansive soil, builders and/or developers cut corners by disregarding this fact at times. It is necessary to choose a construction plan that will take the soil type into consideration. If a builder does not use these techniques and the soil gets wet, you will see some serious symptoms of a construction defect. A fireplace can become separated from the wall with the enormous pressure that wet expansive soil can produce. A fireplace can incur many cracks all over during this soil movement as well.

Ceilings are also damaged during a soil movement like when expansive soils swell when wet. When dry, expansive soil shrinks. This means that, depending on the weather, expansive soil can have a twisting effect. Ceilings can also be affected from the top down. For example, water damage from a leaky roof can be a big problem for ceilings. Mold and mildew can grow in ceilings if there is enough moisture present. Mold issues can be devastating. Ceilings that have moisture seeping in can be infected with dryrot which can eventually destroy the ceiling. This can be a very dangerous situation.

You need to evaluate what the construction defect is, its location, and how far it has progressed. Your first priority should be trying to repair any defect found. If you start to implement your repair plan, you need to keep all documentation you get from any contractors and keep your own detailed notes. Take pictures if you can. Although right now your focus is on getting your ceilings or your fireplace repaired, later you will want to decide who is ultimately responsible for the construction defects and who should incur the repair costs. Any documentation you have will be very helpful to an attorney that will help you with your case. You need to contact an attorney to help you make the right decisions moving forward.
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Recent Death or Disability

If a beloved member of your family, or a close friend or partner, has recently died we extend our sympathy. We hope it is a comfort to realize that your responsibilities as a personal representative or trustee can be guided by trusted legal counsel. The first step of our service procedure is a meeting to consider your situation. If the deceased person was our client before death, we hope our previous relationship will now facilitate the efficient handling of the estate. At our first meeting we begin to understand any legal documents related to the estate , financial and asset information, and family dynamics to determine the needed extent of administration. A formal probate administration in the court system may be required for the heirs and beneficiaries to obtain clear title and legal possession of the property. Sometimes probate is routine and simple. At other times it may be more involved. Do not make the common mistake of thinking that a will is used to AVOID probate. Rather, think of a will as a set of instructions and requests to the probate judge. Revocable living trusts have become common “will substitutes” to transfer property at death without probate. Sometimes they successfully meet this objective, and sometimes not. Even if probate is not required because the decedent properly established AND FUNDED a trust, it is important that it be properly handled after death — to avoid penalties, liability, and some taxes.