Construction Defects
Dessaules Law Group is proud to represent all types of property owners (homeowners, HOA’s, commercial) in resolving construction defects throughout Arizona and California. We have a team of experienced attorneys with a strong record of successful trial results as well as negotiating settlements through mediation and arbitration.
Whether your community is a high rise, mixed use, townhomes, single family homes, common areas or commercial, our team will ensure that your case is handled from top to bottom. We use our client-centered approach to maintain clear and honest communication throughout the entire construction defect process.
Your home represents one of the largest investments of your life. We believe that you deserve a home free from construction defects.
The cause of most construction defects involve:
Use of unapproved or substandard materials
Poor workmanship
Use of unlicensed subcontractors or undocumented workers
Contractor negligence
Safety designs
Code violations
Breach of warranty cleans
Abandoned construction projects
Failure to meet building codes
Improper site preparation
Design failures
Water damage
Types of Construction Defects Claims
There are many different types of construction defects claims. Some construction defects are more common than others, but rest assured, no matter the type of situation you’re facing– the professional construction defects attorney team at Dessaules Law Group has got you covered.
Balconies
By nature, balconies are susceptible to damage caused by water. Improper drainage can cause water to pool on balconies, which then causes water to penetrate the structure. Here are some of the potential scenarios:
There is not enough vertical offset at the door threshold.
Lack of waterproofing on the sides of the balcony.
There is an insufficient slope of the balcony surface that does not allow proper drainage.
Lack of a ridge to deflect water to the scuppers in an enclosed balcony.
Drainage Issues
Drainage issues become a problem when there’s a flawed design, or improper construction and grading. When there are drainage issues, flooding can occur and cause a whole chain reaction of negative events, including:
Soil settlement
Concrete, asphalt, and building foundation movement and distress
Water intrusion into buildings
Mold, fungus, or dry rot
Corrosion of metal construction materials like structural steel or anchor bolts
Mold Growth
Mold is not only a hazard to your home, but to your health, too. Mold growth is common when conditions are favorable i.e. when an area with organic material (wood, drywall) is exposed to water and little sunlight. Over time, mold spores begin to form and multiply, deteriorating the integrity of your structure.
Common places to find mold include:
Walls and ceiling cavities
Bathrooms, showers, and kitchens
Closets, crawlspaces, and attics
Windows
Roofing
Your roof is one of the most important structures playing a role the integrity and longevity of your home. One of your roof’s greatest threats is the penetration of water or leaks.
Common roofing defects include:
Unsealed penetrations
Missing roof tiles or shingles
Improper underlayment
Improper slope
Lack of flashing
Soil
Soil issues can manifest in many ways. From cracked concrete slabs to faults in your interior drywall, your home could be in danger due to soil issues. Soil issues are typically caused by inadequate or improper soil preparation.
Types of soil issues that you may experience include:
Expansive soil
Soil compaction
Sulfate and chloride
Saturated soil
Drainage issues
Structural
To achieve a structurally sound home, the foundation, framing, and roof must all work in unison. If any of these elements has faults, it jeopardizes the integrity of the whole home. There’s usually an underlying cause that can be attributed to structural faults, such as improper grading or soil compaction before or during the construction project.
Structural issues typically present in the following ways:
Cracked ceilings, walls and floors
Windows and doors that won’t close
Broken or cracked windows
Cracked tiles, flooring materials, or counter tops
Stucco
Stucco is a brittle building material that leaves very little room for flexing. Hairline fractures are very common in stucco; however, large cracks can cause major problems. Two of the major problems include:
Internal stress: As Portland cement, one of the main compounds in stucco, hardens, it shrinks. This can lead to cracking at the points where it’s least resistant, at door and window corners.
External stress: Outside forces like ground swelling, settlement, wind, or thermal expansion and contraction can act on the stucco and result in cracks. Moisture can then enter through the cracks, penetrating the stucco walls and cause damage to the interior.
Windows
Windows must be installed properly to ensure that they are sealed appropriately, repelling moisture and dust while maintaining your home’s temperature. Improper window installation can lead to a whole host of problems for your home.
Some of the most common window defects include:
Flashing material paper is missing or cut too short
Improperly installed building paper
Improper or missing sealant around the window(s)
Statutes of Limitations
You have a limited amount of time to act once you are aware of the existence of construction defects or notice damage (staining). You must take action to protect your rights or risk being barred from make a claim in the future. In addition, prior to filing a claim, there are legal obligations imposed which, if not followed, will be grounds to dismiss your claim which may affect your ability to re file a claim in the future.
At Dessaules Law Group, we work with our clients from the initiation of your construction defect lawsuit to the resolution of your claim. We know the law inside and out and we’ll use that to your advantage as we fight to get you what you deserve.
Complimentary Site Inspection, Document Review and Client Meeting
This Due Diligence Program (DDP) is designed to provide an Association or homeowner with assistance in protecting their investment from construction defects. We will provide a site inspection which will evaluate the major components of your property. We will present a report of findings which will include an evaluation of any governing documents, repair records or developer correspondence.
This has been extremely useful to provide owners with information on the condition of their homes and any legal obligations before bringing a claim.
Contingency Fee and Advancement of Costs
We are willing to represent our clients on a contingency basis and advance all necessary costs so that your financial ability to bring a claim will not be a factor fighting for your rights.
Call Us Today To Speak With A Construction Defect Attorney
Get in touch with one of our construct defects experts today to see how we can fight for you and your best interest.