Common construction defects

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2019 | Construction Defects |

Whether it is someone’s home or a commercial project, there are many things a New Jersey contractor is responsible for. If there is a deficiency during any part of the building process, it can lead to a defect. There are certain construction defects that are more common, and the costs include not only financial ones but also time and stress.

According to FindLaw, a defect can occur during the planning, design, supervising, manufacturing or inspection of the construction project. In general, there are four main categories of construction defects, and they include:

  • Material: These deficiencies are the result of poor-quality materials, and common ones include drywall, shingles, particle board and wall products for damp areas.
  • Design: Defects occur when engineers or other design professionals do not follow building codes, and this results in issues like ineffective structural support and poor drainage.
  • Subsurface: This refers to deficiencies due to a poor foundation, which may occur due to expanding soil or shifting foundations. Issues may include flooding, cracked foundations or even landslides.
  • Construction: These defects can occur at any stage of the building process. They can result in a variety of problems, including leaks, mold, electrical issues and rotting.

When it comes to filing a construction claim, the defendant may be one or multiple parties. If both sides want to avoid litigation, the Federal Trade Commission recommends some alternate dispute resolution options.

One is mediation, in which a third party facilitates communication between the two parties to negotiate and come up with an agreed upon solution. The other option is arbitration. A third party arbitrator listens to each side’s argument and examines evidence. The arbitrator then makes a decision that is often binding.

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