NEW HOME DEFECTS FACT SHEET Construction defects can seriously damage a home resulting in costly repairs, a lower property value, and health and safety problems.
Common Signs of Construction Defects in New Homes
Water leaking into home
Foundation cracks
Cracks above windows or doors
Mold
Cracks in brick, concrete & drywall Wood rot
Water damage to hardwood floors
How Do Home Defects Occur? Construction defects can be the result of:
Negligent work by the builder
Defective building materials
Negligent work by an architect or engineer in the designing the home
Negligent work by an engineer in analyzing the soil
Signs Of Home Defects Usually the owner of a home, townhome, or condo sees only the outward signs that a construction problem may exist. The most significant damage from a construction problem is usually hidden in a wall, in the roof, or under flooring.
Construction problems that become apparent relatively quickly:
Foundation cracking as a result of soil settling
Yards that hold water and do not drain
Construction problems that become apparent more slowly:
Leaks through walls and windows
Leaking and failing roofs
When Can I Bring a Claim? South Carolina has laws that limit when a homeowner can bring a claim for construction defects. Two legal principles determine these timeframes: the Statue of Limitations and the Statue of Repose.
The Statute of Limitations and Statute of Repose
3
8
YEARS
YEARS
Under the Statute of Limitations, a
To comply with the Statute of
homeowner must bring a claim
Repose, a homeowner must bring
within three years of the time the
a claim within eight years of when
problem is discovered or should
the home was built.
have been discovered. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
STATUTE OF REPOSE
What Can You Do About Construction Defects? Contact our construction defect team and we will asses the issues in your home at no cost to you. If you have claims for construction defects, we will assert claims against the responsible parties to get you the compensation you need to repair your home.
If your home has damage from a construction defect, our Charleston construction defect lawyers are ready to pursue aggressive action against the liable party. Contact Steinberg Law Firm or call us at 843-720-2800.