What to Know About Construction Defect Disputes

 Posted on February 05, 2025 in English

One of the most frustrating and potentially expensive setbacks that a property owner can face is finding a construction defect. Minor or major construction defects are a hassle, can lower a property’s value, and are likely to require repairs. Whether the construction or renovation has been completed or is ongoing, there are strategies to seek legal redress for construction defects. A Falls Church, VA property dispute attorney can advise you on your rights in a dispute to address construction defects.

What Are Common Defects in Property Construction? 

Construction defects occur when the construction has a flaw either due to substandard materials or work. Some common construction defects that lead to construction disputes include:

General Construction Defects

Examples of general construction defects include structural defects, failure to follow plans, electrical problems, sagging floors, door binding, stained drywall, moisture and mold issues, finishing issues, and more. Construction companies are required to hand over a finished product free of construction defects and that meets the terms of the agreement between the company and owner. If they do not, the property owners may have a claim for the construction defect.

Design Defects 

Design defects can have a significant impact on the property and prove especially expensive to repair because they might require a complete redesign of the project, which means starting over from scratch. Examples of design defects include poor structural support or water damage due to mistakes made by the builders, engineers, or architects.

Poor Materials

If the materials used during construction are substandard or inappropriate, either because the builder was attempting to save money or due to a mistake, this can cause issues later on, such as rapid deterioration of roofs or tiling that breaks after minimal use.

Code Violations

A code violation can result in serious expenses for the property owner, who also risks being cited and fined by code enforcement authorities. Builders must build according to legal code and this is usually addressed in the contract, so the failure to do so could be grounds for a legal claim.

Bringing a Claim for a Construction Defect

Usually, the way to legally address a construction defect is through a breach of contract claim. If there is a major construction defect, in all likelihood your builder, contractor, engineer, or architect did not fulfill one or several of their obligations under the contract governing your relationship. In Virginia, you have 15 years after the completion of the contract to bring a claim for breach of contract on the construction.

Contact a Falls Church, VA Construction Defect Attorney

The team of attorneys at Salvado Law Offices are here to look out for your rights if you have encountered a construction defect. Our experienced Arlington, VA property dispute attorneys are skilled at negotiating and litigating disputes related to structural problems, code violations, or substandard workmanship. Call our offices at 703-379-9446 for a consultation to discuss the issue and formulate a strategy to resolve the dispute in your favor.