Austin Law Firm
Construction Defects
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 youll either want to contact a forensic re-construction contractor or engineer to assess the damages thus far. If you're 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. Austin Law Firm 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 installed or containing harzardous chemicals
Concrete: Cracking or improper sloping where water is driven towards the house and not away from it.
Drainage: Ponding with water driving towards the structure
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.
