When Do You Need a Construction Defect Lawyer?
Construction defects are conditions in an individual’s home or other structure that has errors or other deficiencies that occurred in the construction process.
This may include many potential problems, such as:
- Exposed nails;
- Peeling paint;
- Cracked foundations; and
- Structural failure.
There are four main categories of construction deficiencies, including:
- Deficiencies in design: Design deficiencies arise from the work of the design and engineering professionals, for example, structural engineers and architects, who make errors or fail to adhere to the applicable building codes and professional standards;
- Deficiencies in materials: Deficiencies in materials include using defective or improper building materials;
- Deficiencies in construction: Construction deficiencies are the result of poor workmanship during building construction which may result in;
- cracked foundations;
- dry rot;
- electrical problems;
- plumbing problems; and
- pest infestation; and
- Deficiencies in preparation of the subsurface: Deficiencies in preparation of the subsurface occur when soil conditions are unsuitable for the structure that is built on it, making the structure unstable, which may result in cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors of a structure.
Lawsuits for construction defects are commonly based on negligence and breach of contract. In order for an individual to be successful in a lawsuit involving construction defects, the assistance of professional expert testimony will be required.
If an individual has any of these issues with their construction, it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as they can.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Defect Lawyer in the U.S.?
The cost of hiring an attorney will vary depending on numerous different factors, such as:
- The fee structure that the attorney uses;
- The location where they lawyer practices;
- The lawyer’s experience; and
- The complexity and potential duration of the individual’s case.
In the United States, a lawyer will often charge between $100 and $400 dollars per hour if they use an hourly rate fee to charge for their services.
What to Look For in a Construction Defect Lawyer?
When an individual is searching for the right construction defect attorney for them, they should consider:
- Whether the lawyer charges an hourly fee or a flat fee;
- Which state bar(s) does the attorney belongs to;
- The lawyer’s performance record in court;
- How many years the lawyer has been practicing; and
- Whether or not the lawyer has been disciplined for ethical or professional infractions.
An individual should look for an attorney who fits into their budget and with whom they feel comfortable working.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a Construction Defect Lawyer
When an individual is preparing for their consultation with a construction defect lawyer, there are several steps they should take. An individual should create a list of questions or concerns they may have to address during their meeting, to ensure everything gets covered.
An individual should also make sure to gather all of the documents they have related to the construction of their structure. This should also include any communications from builders or contractors.
If an individual has any questions regarding whether a document is important or not, they should bring it to the meeting so their lawyer can review it themselves.
Where to Find the Best Construction Defect Lawyers in the U.S.?
If you find out that a structure you own has a construction defect, it is important to reach out to a real estate lawyer as soon as possible. These types of cases can be very complicated and will require expert testimony from professionals and may also include multiple defendants, such as engineers, architects, contractors, subcontractors, and insurance companies.
LegalMatch is an excellent resource to help you find the best construction defect lawyers in the United States. Post your case for free and you will get responses from lawyers who are ready to begin working on your case.
