Construction defects that may not be immediately obvious can cause long-term damage and compromise the safety of your home, costing thousands of dollars to repair.
At ACTS LAW, LLP, our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys represent victims in a broad array of case types. We are trial tested and zealous advocates for the rights of our clients. See how we’ve helped others, and how we can help you.
When you purchase a home, you expect to acquire a well-built, defect-free structure that will offer shelter and protection for a long time. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Construction defects that may not be immediately obvious can cause long-term damage and compromise the safety of your home, costing thousands of dollars to repair. Construction defects can range from scratched or chipped tile to a sinking foundation. More broadly, courts have ruled that conditions that reduce the value of a home may be considered construction defects.
Insurance companies have their own definitions of construction defects in the policies they sell. According to one company, construction defects are composed of four categories: design deficiencies, defective building materials, poor workmanship, and lack of maintenance. Subsurface deficiencies are sometimes considered a fifth category in construction defect law.
Design Deficiencies: A construction defect may be considered a design deficiency if the plans developed by an architect or engineer resulted in a building that does not work as expected. One example is an improper design that allows for water intrusion.
Defective Building Materials: Construction defects may also be caused by damaged building materials. These can become troublesome because the defect comes from the manufacturer and the construction company might not detect it until after they used the material. This could make it more expensive to replace the defective material.
Poor Workmanship: Poor workmanship may include improperly installed plumbing or electrical systems. It is the most common perception about work defects and takes place when there is an error made by those conducting the construction. Not all poor workmanship can be a severe problem. In some cases, it involves aesthetic problems, such as the wrong siding on a building. However, there can be more expensive mistakes, such as those involving the structural integrity of a building. The complexity of that situation entails dolling out liability among workers.
Lack of Maintenance: Once construction is finished, if the owners do not properly maintain the property, defects such as frozen pipes or other issues may arise. It is imperative to review proper maintenance with the owners of what they constructed to ensure its longevity.
Subsurface Deficiencies: Subsurface deficiencies occur when houses are built on hills or areas of expansive soil where it is difficult to ensure a stable foundation. The soil must be properly compacted, and adequate drainage must be ensured to avoid future problems, including settling of the structure or even landslides.
Any type of major construction deficiency may significantly reduce the value of your home. Whereas some defects are obvious, others may not become apparent until years later. Defects that are obvious are sometimes called “patent,” and those that are hidden may be labeled “latent.” Some defects present obvious signs, including the following:
Other defects may be less apparent, such as an abnormal deterioration of stucco or siding, subtle cracks in ceramic floors and countertops, roof leaks that slowly increase over time, and drainage problems in hardscaping.
Major defects and damages include but are not limited to the following:
Subsidence is a major problem in certain areas of California, including San Bernardino. It occurs when large amounts of groundwater accumulate over time and the rock underneath collapses on itself. California, Texas, and Florida have experienced millions of dollars of damage as a result of subsidence.
Danny Abir is one of the founding partners of ACTS LAW and currently serves as its managing partner. He is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the firm. Equally as important, Danny leads the strategic planning of clients’ cases in the areas of property damage claims, insurance bad faith, catastrophic personal injuries, and products liability.
Years of experience: 20 years
Bar number: #177358
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Property Damage Lawyers at ACTS LAW, LLP Protect the Rights of Victims of Construction Defects
If you or someone you know is living in a home with construction defects, the Los Angeles construction defect lawyers at ACTS LAW, LLP offer aggressive legal counsel regarding property damage claims and are not afraid to take on complicated cases. To arrange for a free initial consultation, contact us online or call 833-228-7529 today. From our offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, we serve clients throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County, including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Calabasas, Encino, Foresthill, Hidden Hills, Long Beach, Malibu, Newport Beach, Pasadena, San Marino, and Santa Monica.
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In my 35 plus years of business experience, I have never met more knowledgeable, responsive professionals. My cases were settled in record time with extremely satisfactory results. All legal advise I received was spot on and very proactive. Could not be more happy w/ the services and advise received.
I am so impressed with Atty Terry Bailey. I needed a 2nd opinion on inverse condemnation case. He was knowledgeable, experienced and just as important, very human in dealing with my dilemma. He took the time to listen and understand the issues relating to my property damage caused by county negligence and never rushed me or interrupted me. He listened carefully and understood, it was very clear how experienced he is. I highly recommend Mr. Bailey.
Yes, they did a great job at handling the home insurance case. Knowledgeable, smart and diligent. Always on top of things. Great communication. But they were more than that. Great advisers to us as well. And not full of empty promises, but with real understanding of what is possible and what is not. Nice to have someone who does not over promise, just over delivers.
Founding Partner
Growing up in a family that worked in the construction industry, Terry Bailey spent much of his early years in and around construction sites, then worked in the business as a teenager and into his adulthood. It was at those building sites where Terry learned the family mottos and built his work ethic: Be early. Work hard. Do the right thing.
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