There’s almost nothing as exciting as moving into a new property. However, if you start spotting problems with your Texas property, they might be due to construction defects.
Construction defects come in many forms
A construction defect can involve flawed designs, materials and workmanship. Sometimes, construction defects involve a combination of all of these. Design-related issues can result in properties that contractors can’t correctly build. Using damaged materials or those of sub-par quality often leads to building with construction defects. Lastly, untrained, uncertified or otherwise non-professional contractors might also construct a flawed property.
How to spot common construction defects
There are two types of construction defects: latent and patent defects. While you can spot many patent defects, spotting latent ones often requires help from a professional. For example, a patent defect could be a missing HVAC unit or ceiling fan. Fortunately, a contractor can easily fix most patent-related problems.
Latent defects are hidden, making them much harder to spot. Unfortunately, the location of latent problems might affect other areas of your home. Because of that, latent problems often cost a lot of time and money to fix. A few familiar places for latent defects can include behind a home’s walls, above its ceiling and throughout its frames.
With many causes of defective buildings, it’s good to know some of the many examples of construction defects:
- Water stains on your home’s walls and ceilings
- Drafts throughout your home
- Cracked or otherwise damaged siding
- Leaking water, especially from sinks or bathtubs
- Cracks or shifts in your home’s foundation
- Curled or otherwise damaged shingles
- Mold
It may be in your best interest to have a professional inspect and resolve construction defects sooner rather than later. If left unresolved, these defects could compromise your home’s overall integrity.