How the Defect Occurred
There are few things more frustrating and stressful than discovering a defect in a new home, renovation, or commercial building. Defects can be obvious within days of moving in or start as minor annoyances that become serious over time. Some remain hidden for years before suddenly becoming a major problem.
How the defect occurred and who is ultimately responsible for it are not easily answered. Architects, contractors, subcontractors, designers, concrete suppliers, engineers, and a host of others work – though not necessarily together – on every construction project.
Sorting out who is responsible and whose insurance may cover the defect requires a law firm working in tandem with a team of construction experts.
The Hahn Legal Group APC has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you navigate your construction defect issue to a successful conclusion.
Construction Defect Claims for Property Owners
California Statute of Limitations laws are of vital importance in any construction defect claim. A ‘patent and/or obvious defect’ must be brought within four years. Hidden or latent defects must be brought within ten years after completion of the building or remodeling.
In addition, homeowners with a construction defect claim must give the builder notice of the defect(s) and an opportunity to fix it before pursuing a claim.
Regardless, it is in the owner’s best interests to begin the process immediately after they discover the defect.
Construction defect cases can get complicated, quickly. It can start with faults in the design phase. Code violations. Poor engineering. Errors in the plans and drawings. Any number of things can go wrong during construction. Anything from the roof shingles to the concrete in the basement could have a defect.
The average builder of the average single-family home uses between 11 and 30 subcontractors. Most, if not all of them, have multiple suppliers. Most, if not all of them, have different insurance companies.
That’s why it may not be immediately apparent who is responsible for the defect. Or which insurance company – or companies - is obligated to cover the damages.
The Hahn Legal Group APC knows the construction industry. We have years of experience cutting through the complexities while putting together a team of experts to move quickly and decisively for you.
Construction Defect Claims Defense
If you are an architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, or supplier a construction defect claim is stressing. It can have a profound effect on your livelihood and reputation.
Construction defect issues are complex. Defending a claim starts with a thorough analysis of the contractual duties of all the parties. Insurance coverages and indemnity clauses must be evaluated and reconciled.
Experts and other professionals are sometimes needed to get the full picture of the defect’s origins, possible solutions, and the costs of correcting it.
It’s important to note that construction defect claims do not need to end in litigation. They can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, and/or arbitration.
The Hahn Legal Group APC will guide you through the process. We will zealously and efficiently pursue the best course to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
Let us put our knowledge and experience with construction defect cases to work for you.
The Hahn Legal Group APC represents clients throughout Southern California.
