How To Identify And Solve Construction Defects

By Olivia Cross


Throughout modern history, construction standards have been significantly raised in response to continuous awareness about various potential failures in structures and ways to avoid or minimize the likelihood that such will occur. In spite of the advances that have taken place in design, engineering and building codes, alarming number of construction defects that occur and cause injuries keep taking place. People who suffer injuries which are attributed to these building flaws can pursue legal action against the concerned party for being negligent.

It is not always easy for a person to identify the cause of the defect. Proper identification usually requires the right level of expertise from contractors who have been in this industry for a long time. The experts who are appointed to be in charge of an on-going construction must be careful to ensure that these issues do not happen and that the lives of their clients are protected.

After the construction has been completed, every client expects their building to be flawless. Defects on walls and other sections of the structure are the last thing a person would expect to find, especially after they have spent a lot of money on the property. Some of these flaws are quite easy to identify while others are difficult to notice and fix. Serious ones are usually dangerous and costly.

There are some way the property owner may identify the flaws on their structures. By appointing the right professionals, it will be easier to identify the inadequate connection between various sections of the structure. For instance, poor connection between balconies and decks could lead to costly repairs, and this could be dangerous when they collapse. This is why it is imperative to make sure all structural connections are fastened securely.

Other signs that one needs to look for are cracks in concrete found at the basement or garage, and cracks in walls of the foundation. While minor cracking might be meaningless, cracks on the foundation might indicate soil subsidence or settling, and this weakens the structure. Cracks in the wall interiors are an indication of unsound structure. One should look out for these signs.

Windows and doors that are not plumb indicate problems with the foundation or poor carpentry. When such issues are detected, it is imperative to ensure that they are addressed as early as possible to prevent costly expenses on repairs. Toxic mold in most cases can be difficult for a person to detect. However, proper inspection should be done especially at the basement to see if there are any fungi. This problem is mostly caused by surface water. Installing gutters and downspouts are some excellent ways of solving such problems.

Nothing is worse than ignoring dampness problems since these get worse with time. The best reaction would be to hire experts to solve the defect. These professionals will know how to use their techniques and equipment to ensure that the problem is solved in no time.

Of course these kinds of services will require the property owner to cough out some extra money. However, when such defects are as a result of professional negligence, one can always file a case in court and recover damages. All in all, it is advisable to hire home builders who are well experienced and use state-of-the-art equipment.




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