The types of construction defects that might harm a project

Being part of a construction project in Baton Rouge can be an eventful time. While many benefits can be experienced by the completion of a project, most construction projects are complex and have many details and working parts. Therefore, contractors and subcontractors have many obligations to uphold. In some cases, design deficiencies or defects might surface. While some of these might be minor, others may be material defects. When construction defects occur, this might be considered a breach of contract. Thus, parties to a construction contract should be aware of the common defects that can occur in a construction project.

In some cases, the common defects that occur in a construction project are costly. These often include those that deal with structural integrity; expansive soil; mechanical and electrical components; water intrusion; thermal and moisture protection; finishes and components such as doors, windows and glass.

When defects are detected and the party harmed by them seeks compensation for damages, courts typically place the defect in one of four categories. These include design deficiencies, material deficiencies, construction deficiencies and subsurface deficiencies.

Design deficiencies typically occur when design professionals, such as architects and engineers, fail to design a building to code. Other design deficiencies can include a roof with defects that result in water penetration, intrusion, poor drainage or inadequate structural support.

With regard to material deficiencies, these typically occur when inferior building materials cause problems.

Construction deficiencies relate to poor quality workmanship. This could result in a long list of defects, including mold, cracks in the foundation, electrical problems, plumbing leaks or pest infestation. Lastly, subsurface deficiencies result from expansive soil or a lack of a solid foundation. A cracked foundation could result in damage to the building.

When construction defects occur, it is not only important to understand the type of defect but also how to address it and the damages that can result from it. This could help resolve any issues present, especially if construction litigation occurs.

Source: FindLaw, “Types of Construction Defects,” accessed Jan. 28, 2017