Homeowners Guide To Retaining Wall & Construction Defect Claims
If you are building a home and have encountered construction defects, it is important to know how to handle them in order to protect your investment. Unfortunately, not all homeowners understand their legal rights when it comes to retaining wall and construction defect issues. Unfortently, we get calls from Dallas homeowners that need their retaining walls repaired or their concrete lifted because their past contractors cut corners and did poor quility work. We inform people in this situation that filing claims against these contractors is an option to potentially help pay for the repairs. In this article will review the most common ways homeowners can file claims against contractors who build homes that experience these types of problems.
Foundation and Settlement Issues
A foundation issue is an issue with your house’s foundation. It can be caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods, or it can be caused by human activity. For example, if you live in an area where there are more than 100 earthquakes per year and you do not have adequate insurance coverage for this type of damage, then you may have a foundation issue.
If you suspect that you have a foundation issue, the first step is to contact your homeowners insurance company and ask them about the possibility of filing a claim against them for damages caused by their negligence (e.g., settling into cracks). If they decline responsibility for any settlement costs associated with these issues then consider contacting an attorney who specializes in construction defect claims like yours; he/she may be able to help make sure that both parties receive fair compensation for their losses!
Retaining Wall Defects
Retaining walls are designed to hold back soil, water and other materials. They’re often used in landscaping and construction projects as well. The most common type of retaining wall is made from concrete or stone; these materials have been around for centuries and have been proven time and time again to be durable enough to withstand the elements (such as snowfall).
Wooden retaining walls can also be used for their aesthetic value as well as their structural integrity when properly constructed by a skilled contractor who knows how to build them correctly. Unfortunately, there are smaller “ma & pa shops” that specialize in mowing lawns or sprinklers but offer retaining walls to gain more business. These companies tend to lack critical retaining wall knowledge and don’t properly backfill compact or install the proper drainage system. After a few years, the wall will become weak and potentially collapse.
Concrete and Masonry Defects
Concrete and masonry defects can be caused by poor workmanship, poor materials or poor installation. They may also be related to the type of mortar used in your home’s foundation. For example, if there is not enough concrete bonding agent or overlap on the mortar joints as they are being poured together, you may have problems with moisture problems in your basement later on down the road.
These types of issues will need to be repaired immediately before any further damage occurs. Give us a call so we can inspect the problem and recommend the best strategy for the masonry repair. If left unattended for too long without proper repairs being made then these issues will continue to spread throughout your home until eventually causing major structural damage which could result in mold growth inside your walls or attic area (depending upon where these areas are located within structures like houses).
Waterproofing and Stucco Defects
Stucco is a cement-based material used to cover walls, ceilings and floors of homes. The most common type of stucco is called “Monolithic.” It’s made up of layers of sand and cement mixed with small pieces of broken brick or stone. These materials are mixed together at the factory before being applied over a previously prepared surface like concrete or plastic sheeting.
Stucco can be damaged by water intrusion or improper installation during the building process. If you notice any problems with your home’s stucco work, contact your contractor immediately so that they can fix them before water damage occurs.
Roofing, Siding, and Window Defects
If you’re experiencing roofing, siding or window defect claims, it is important to understand that these can be caused by poor installation, improper materials or defective design. For example:
- Roofing defects can cause leaks, rot and mold while also increasing your energy bills by reducing the insulation value of your home.
- Siding defects can cause water intrusion into the home causing damage due to rotting wood and rot in areas where there is no water pressure to protect against moisture damage.
Experiencing Construction Defects? You Do Have Legal Rights.
If you are experiencing construction defects, it may be time to contact an attorney. A lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and how to proceed with a claim. You may also want to speak with the homeowners association (HOA) if they have any documents regarding the construction of your home.
If there are no records available, consider filing a lawsuit against both contractors and subcontractors who performed work on your property.
If you feel the damage to your wall, concrete, or masonry wall is due to poor workmanship from a contractor, then, you do have legal rights. Contact us today, and we can help you determine your situation and give you the best options for repairing the retaining wall or the masonry or concrete problem.