Construction Defect Attorneys in Orange County

Material Deficiencies

Material deficiencies have to do with the use of poorly made materials. These are often found in houses where the contractor or architect tried to get the job done quickly and turn the most profit. 

Any material can be defective, but the most common include: 

• Cheap/discount drywall
• Cheap waterproofing materials
• Windows with weak frames/glass
• Poorly made roofing shingles

Design Deficiencies

This is when part of a property’s design is defective. 

For example, if a bathroom’s plumbing was defectively designed, it may lead to all sorts of other problems. Water may leak from a second-story bathroom and come through the kitchen ceiling. This can happen slowly over time, leading to mold, mildew, and poor structural support.

Most often, design deficiencies are caused by an architect or engineer who cut corners and went against building codes. 

Subsurface Deficiencies

This is when a house or property is built on an unsteady, unreliable foundation. 

In Orange County, houses built on hills, cliffs, and near the ocean often have subsurface deficiencies. For example, a house on a hill may be built on shifting soil, which can become a serious problem in the event of a landslide.

Construction Deficiencies

This is what most people think of when they think of a construction defect. Construction deficiencies are caused by poor workmanship, such as dangerous electrical wiring or improperly installed showers, doors, windows, etc. There is nothing wrong with the material, the design, or the foundation—the problem is the execution of the work itself.

Each of the above types of defects may lead to financial losses, property damage, and even injury. Thankfully, that means each of these defects may be the subject of a lawsuit. Our Orange County construction defect lawyers have found that often more than one type of deficiency contributes to a single claim.

Time Limits on Filing a Claim

The general time limit for construction defect claims for breaches of contract or implied warranty is somewhere between two to four years. This is because different statutes of limitations apply depending on the terms of the work agreement. 

To put it simply, if you hired a contractor to renovate your bathroom but didn’t sign any paperwork, then you may only have two years to file a claim. If you have a written agreement, then the statute of limitations would most likely be extended to four years. 

Negligence cases are subject to completely different deadlines. For those concerning a personal injury or wrongful death, the person generally has two years to file a claim. If the main issue is property damage caused by negligence, then they will have three years to file. 

With so many different things to keep in mind, it is recommended to consult a construction defect lawyer to avoid missing the deadline for your case.

How Long Is a Contractor Liable for Latent Defects?

A latent defect is one that isn’t discovered until long after the work is completed. The law recognizes that not all defects are obvious.

According to Section 337.15, most property owners have 10 years from the date of the project’s completion to file a latent defect claim.

Suing a House Flipper

If you bought a flipped house only to find out later that it was rife with defects, you may have the right to sue the seller. These claims are becoming more and more common, but they still fall under the same statutes of limitations as other construction defect claims.

House flipping is an increasingly popular practice where a person buys a home, remodels it, and sells it at a profit. This is a completely legal practice—that is, unless the person doing the remodeling, or “house flipping,” isn’t qualified. 

It is all too easy for someone to make mistakes when replacing floors, installing doors, and putting up new walls. It is especially dangerous when they make a mistake with the plumbing and electrical.

Don’t let irresponsible house flippers get away with endangering you and ripping you off. Hold them accountable.

For skilled guidance and high-quality representation, call (888) 427-8064 today!

Recover Compensation for a Construction Defect

Residential and commercial construction claims are complicated, but protecting your rights doesn’t have to be. 

From our office in Orange County, our trusted attorneys will take care of every aspect of your claim. We’ll work to find the exact defect that caused your damages, maximize your compensation, and fight for accountability. At our law firm, we always have our clients’ best interests at heart.