The Law Offices of

John Austin, PLLC

300 W. Millbrook Drive Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27609

Telephone 919 278-7634 Fax 919 341-1165

Construction Defects and Products Liability

Once construction or product defects become noticeable to homeowners or consumers, they need to act quickly and methodically. Depending on the severity of the defects youíll either want to contact a forensic re-construction contractor or engineer to assess the damages thus far.  If youíre not familiar and comfortable doing this on your own initially, then you should immediately contact a construction defect attorney whose experience in these matters can help guide you through the process. The Law Offices of John Austin can assist you in this investigation. The following list identifies common construction and product defects:

 

Windows/Doors: Causes include incorrect installation, lack of or improper flashing or the product itself is defective  

Roofs: Causes included flashing is lapped incorrectly or installed improperly or in the case of a flat roof (like ours) slopped improperly.
Decks / Balconies: lack of or incorrectly applied flashing or incompatible materials applied that quickly deteriorate.

Drywall: Improperly applied resulting in stucco cracks or peeling stucco.

Concrete: Cracking or improper sloping where water is driven towards the house and not away from it.

Drainage: Ponding with water driving towards the house

Stucco: Excessive cracking which could be a structural, soil settlement or improperly applied material.

Mold: The result of water intrusion and finding and stopping the source of the leaks is the number one priority. Typically in litigation air sampling, documentation and other appropriate test are preformed followed by remediation.

Moisture through floors: Concrete not properly mixed or vapor barrier compromised or missing.

Structural issues: Components such as tie downs (metal straps/brackets or shear walls, which bear lateral forces, are incorrectly installed.

Plumbing: Cracks, leaks, and other failures in brass fittings related to PEX flexible piping used for potable water systems in residential and commercial buildings. See Present Investigations.