South Carolina Construction Defect Lawyers
Offices in Rock Hill, Columbia and Anderson, South Carolina
At McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, our building defect attorneys provide aggressive and effective representation for homeowners whose contractors fail to construct their residence in a proper manner or for other building owners whose contractors fail to construct a building in a proper manner. Most contractors are competent and reliable though others do not perform in a way that is responsible. When their shoddy work is exposed, some contractors fail to take responsibility for their mistakes. Some national builders put obstacles like warranty handbooks and arbitration in the way of getting problems addressed. Whatever your problems may be, if your builder or contractor has failed to meet your expectations, contact one of our building defect lawyers. We offer free initial consultations.
Common Defects
Construction defects can take many different forms, and range from minor problems to major structural failures. Residential and commercial construction are both governed by detailed building codes. These codes set forth the many requirements that must be satisfied in the completion of a structure. The code which applies to a given structure is that code which was in effect at the time the permit for construction was issued. Not only must a general contractor construct the structure according to the applicable building code, but he must also satisfy the plans and specifications for construction.
Typical defects reported by building owners include: inadequate moisture proofing, resulting in interior leaks, rot and mold; foundation cracks; inadequate grading, causing water to pool around the structure; defective roofing; leaking windows; improper framing; and flooring and ceiling defects. These problems may be traced to a variety of culprits. Our attorneys are experienced in handling defective construction claims. If your builder is ignoring you, it is important to seek solid legal representation as soon as possible.
Determining Responsibility
Experts are essential in evaluating possible construction defects, as well as supporting the homeowner's case if litigation is filed.
Structural engineers are the most qualified experts to evaluate construction defects. They have an understanding of the applicable building codes, and are trained to provide exhaustive investigations into the quality and nature of construction. Typically, the structural engineer provides a written report documenting code violations and other construction defects. The report may focus on one area, or represent a thorough evaluation of the entire structure. Engineering reports can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending upon the nature of the investigation and the size of the structure. These expenses can often be reduced in cases where a large number of dwellings share the same construction defects. In our experience, home inspectors are rarely useful in evaluating defects and supporting litigation. Their scope of expertise and qualifications are significantly limited.
In appropriate cases, McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, may advance the cost of engineering evaluations.
Contact Us
To schedule a free consultation with one of our construction defect lawyers, contact us online.
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