Core issue in many real estate disputes: alleged construction defects

When it comes to ranking the importance of a given financial investment, few things rise to the level of a real estate transaction.

Property concerns – vast and varied – centrally define much of the American commercial landscape. Construction on myriad types of projects is constantly ongoing across the country. Multiple and diverse participants make their living in the real estate realm, and the wealth/assets that drive the industry are at a nearly incalculably high level.

That means this: There is a collective eye at all times on both opportunity and risk. The upsides of a real estate transaction – whether an office building, public-works project, school, sports venue, home or other endeavor – are always clear, yet they are potentially coupled with adverse outcomes that threaten financial loss and related downsides.

A common realty-linked dispute catalyst: construction defects

Today’s post spotlights construction defects in the residential realty sphere. Building shortcomings spanning a host of possibilities fundamentally threaten the stability, well-being and financial security of legions of American homeowners.

A proven Colorado real estate legal source addressing construction defects notes that they can substantially “reduce the value of your home and can be caused by anything from poor workmanship to defective materials.”

That concern is prominently echoed in an article authored by ABIS, a national building inspection firm. That company points to a number of top-tier issues surrounding home construction/updates, which are spotlighted below.

Home construction defects: a top-10 list of problematic issues

ABIS notes that legions of homes – and commercial buildings as well – begin to reveal fundamental construction flaws sometime after they are built. It highlights these “over time” problems via a “Top 10 Time-Tested Building Defects” list. Here are some key entrants:

• Plumbing mistakes spurring problems ranging from leaks to water accumulation inside walls
• Subpar roofing materials, which can lead to leaks, rotting and myriad other problems
• Quick fixes employed by contractors that skirt best practices and code requirements
• Foundation/structural damage
• Electrical wiring/connection errors
• Inadequate pest/vermin control

That bulleted list is but a partial compendium of “things that can go wrong” in residential or commercial construction.

The outcome for an individual or family victimized by one or more material defects can be starkly adverse. They can turn for candid guidance and diligent legal representation to a seasoned legal team with broad experience in real estate matters.