Construction defects can turn your best-planned dream home into a nightmare. Crumbling walls, leaky roofs, and uneven floors damage property and pose serious injury risks. Knowing how to identify these defects is vital if you suffer an injury and suspect a construction flaw. Let us explore how to identify construction issues that may have led to your injury and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
What are the common signs of construction defects?
Construction defects often leave telltale signs. Look out for:
- Walls and ceilings with cracks or uneven foundations
- Water stains or mold growth
- Sagging floors
- Doors or even windows that stick or don’t close properly
- Electrical issues like flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips
These issues may point to severe structural problems. New Home Warranty and Builders’ Registration Act protects homeowners against certain construction defects. This law requires builders to warranty new homes against major construction defects for ten years.
How can you document evidence of a construction defect?
If you suspect a construction defect caused your injury:
- Take clear photos and videos of the defect
- Keep a detailed record of when you noticed the issue
- Document any repairs or maintenance related to the problem
- Save all communication with contractors or builders about the defect
- Get a professional inspection to confirm the defect
You need to have everything properly documented to put in a claim. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for construction defect claims is six years from the time you discover the defect.
How can you pursue your claim?
It can be troublesome when you must deal with construction defects. Instead of enjoying your dream house, you must run after people you trusted to build your home the right way. Having an attorney can help you review your evidence, assess the strength of your claim, and guide you through the legal process if necessary. Remember, time is critical in these cases, so don’t delay seeking advice if you believe a construction defect caused your injury.
