Any time your construction company or construction firm starts a build project, you are undoubtedly aware you need to use utmost care and deliver safe final products or structures. Did you know that any error that occurs during construction and discovered afterwards might constitute a construction defect, though? A property owner who finds a construction defect might have the ability to demand your construction company fix it, or else face the possibility of a lawsuit.
In order to defend your construction company from a construction defect claim, you need to begin by understanding what causes construction defects. Our Charleston construction litigation attorneys from Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC want you to be well prepared for any challenge you and your business may encounter now and in the future. We have compiled a quick list of four of the most common causes for construction defects for you to review. If you already know you need the help of our lawyers to defend your company from a construction defect claim or lawsuit, contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
The four main categories of construction defects are:
- Design: A newly-designed structure needs to meet strict design standards and regulations. Failing to meet those standards in design can create a construction defect. Poorly designed structures may even pose a safety hazard if the defect compromises the stability of the building.
- Material: Building materials are rated by industry standards and must meet the minimum requirement for its purpose in the overall construction project. Using substandard building materials may count as a construction defect that the property owner can cite to file a claim. Once again, subpar materials could jeopardize the overall stability of the structure.
- Construction: The actual construction process itself needs to be handled to the highest standards. Workmanship defects can arguably be construction defects. If a property owner does claim a defect and files a suit against you, South Carolina’s automatic right to cure gives you 30 days to offer to fix the defect, pay a settlement, or challenge the claim.
- Subsurface: Do not forget about what is beneath the structure you are constructing. Subsurface conditions have to be solid through and through, from concrete foundations to wall separation to pipework planning.
Remember that your construction company is not alone if you get targeted by a construction defect claim. Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC and our litigation attorneys are here to provide all the legal counsel, guidance, representation, and defense you require. Fill out an online contact form to begin at any time.