Finding out that your beautiful new home has construction defects is the stuff of nightmares. However, the sad truth is that many homeowners, especially homeowners in Portland, find this to be their reality. Construction defects are frustrating, costly, and cause numerous structural problems while reducing a home’s value. And if you’ve found yourself in this situation, you may feel hopeless and discouraged.
While nothing can diminish your feelings of anger at the problems your home has been through, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. Most construction defects can be remediated by a highly-trained professional.
As a team of contractors who have helped many Portland homeowners repair their residences in the most severe situations, we want to empower you to be able to spot construction defects when they are occurring and know what steps to take in order to have them remediated promptly and effectively.
Common Residential Construction Defects
You are not alone if you notice defects in the construction of your home. What can separate you from homeowners who experience major problems down the road is knowing how to spot common construction defects so you can get an immediate home repair.
Here are some of the most common defects to look out for:
Leaky windows
Faulty, leaky windows are a common issue that can appear in construction. If left unchecked, they allow water penetration into the home, which can cause larger issues. However, it is important to note the difference between a construction defect and improper maintenance. Windows require regular care to properly perform. If your brand-new windows are having issues, you know it is an installation issue. If it has taken a year or more to surface, make sure to inspect the window before claiming it was an installation problem.
Improper Siding installation
Unfortunately, siding can commonly be improperly installed. This can lead to water intrusion in the home that creates mold, mildew, and rot. Signs of ineffective siding include:
- Cracked or loosened siding
- Excessive mildew or mold growth on the siding
- Interior wall discoloration
- Heightened heating or cooling bills
It’s a good idea to do research into different siding options before you start a siding project. Click here to learn all about James Hardie siding.
Substandard Substitutions
Often times, a contract will allow contractors to make substitutions of equal or better quality. Where this can become an issue is in the question of who decides what quality is. A contractor may, therefore, make a substitution you deem inferior while they deem it of equal value. Many substitutions are made based on the lower cost of an item, so keep a lookout.
Poor Roofing Installation
Like your siding, a roof is installed to protect your home from the outside. But you need a quality roofer. An improperly installed roof can lead to moisture issues in your home, causing major damage. You might have had a poor roof installation if you notice:
- The sky through patches in your attic
- Ceiling water stains
- High energy bills
Foundation Issues
Problems with the foundation can result from numerous matters, which can make it a common defect. Foundation issues can arise from settling of the soil, excessive moisture, improper mixing of concrete, the wrong kind of foundation being laid (settling areas need post tension slabs), and more.
Watch your foundation for signs of damage.
Your Next Step
Alert Your Contractor
If you notice any issues of concern, bring it to the attention of your contractor. Allow them the opportunity to fix the mistake before taking other action. In most states, laws are put in place to allow for the remediation of work before other steps are taken. If a contractor is unwilling to perform the necessary repairs, then it is time to find someone who will.
Check warranties
If your residential construction has been fully completed and you notice one defect in the work, check the warranties of the contractor you hired. Do they offer a workmanship warranty on the defective item? Did the products installed in your home come with warranties?
If you have valid warranties, review the company’s procedures for filing a claim. Most require a written request. However, if much of the work on your home is defective, filing a claim may be a moot point. If an incapable contractor is also performing your repairs, you will end up with shoddy repairs.
Fire Your Contractor
It may sound harsh, but before you bring in a new contractor to fix mistakes or complete a project, you need to fire your old contractor. Before doing so, it would be wise to review your construction contract with an attorney to ensure you will not be in breach of contract. Please, review your options with a lawyer.
It’s also wise to consult with an attorney if you desire to take any legal action against an old contractor. Remember that litigation can take years and tie up your project, so weigh out the pros and cons before moving forward.
Hire a New Contractor
The best thing you can do to fix construction defects is to hire a reputable contractor experienced in repairing faulty construction. Having your old contractor who performed shoddy work in the first place will likely mean inefficient repairs.
Take some time to research a contractor with a proven track record and a trustworthy team. Then bring them in for repairs. A reputable contractor can get your home into the proper order and is the best solution for your construction defect issues.
Hire a Trustworthy Contractor for Your Home Repairs
The last thing you want when having repairs completed on your home is to end up with another inefficient contractor. Take the time to research contractors to find one you can trust with your home. Our Lifetime Exteriors team is reliable, experienced, licensed, and eager to help.
By selecting Lifetime Exteriors, you can trust your repairs are done right and will last. Schedule an appointment with our team for more information on how we can help transform your home.
