Torrance Construction Defects Lawyer

Construction Defects Attorney in Torrance, CA

In California, home builders and developers are held responsible for any defects in their construction. Construction defects may not be immediately apparent. It might take months or even years for a defect to reveal itself. When you finally do realize your home has a construction defect that makes it unsuitable for living or even dangerous, it’s vital that you pursue compensation the right way. A Torrance construction defects lawyer can help your case.

The legal team at Kristy & Kananen can help you pursue justice in your construction defect case. You may not know exactly where to start with a case like this, which is understandable. You may not know much about California’s construction defect laws. That’s why it’s so important to retain the indispensable services of a Torrance construction defects attorney. Having the right legal help by your side can make all the difference, especially in a case that’s so significant to your home.

Common Construction Defects in California

If you decide to move forward with legal action in a construction defect case in Torrance, your case may be heard in the Los Angeles Superior Court, specifically at the Torrance Courthouse in the Southwest District. The average price of a mid-tier home in California is approximately $755,000, more than twice the cost of a home elsewhere in the United States, according to data from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

There are many kinds of construction defects that can plague a homeowner, and many may not be immediately visible during or after construction. Sometimes, it can take a very long time for a construction defect to appear. As long as your case fits within the 10-year statute of limitations, you should hire a construction defects lawyer and pursue a case against the builders. Here are some of the state’s most common construction defects:

• Design defects. These defects stem directly from the home’s structural plans. Every building begins with an architect or engineer’s design, and that design isn’t always feasible. Sometimes, it’s downright impossible or unsafe, but the construction team builds it anyway. California state law gives home buyers protection from bearing the cost of construction defects in new homes. If it’s a design flaw, liability is on the architect.
• Material defects. In many cases, the design of a home is perfectly sound. However, the construction crew may use the wrong materials to build that home. The materials may be of poor quality or simply the wrong ones for the build in question. Defective shingles, leaky windows, and warped lumber can all cause severe, irreparable damage to your home. Defective materials that don’t meet industry standards can be hazardous.
• Workmanship defects. It’s unfortunately quite common for some construction crews to rush a job to meet a deadline. They may also be untrained in the construction at hand, leading to a careless, sloppy, or haphazard job. If the defect lies in the workmanship, your case may end up being much more complicated. You may have to deal with subcontractors, builders, engineers, and several trades all at the same time.
• Soil problems. Much of the soil in California is expansive. If a home is built on that soil without the proper foundation, it can cause significant damage to the home if it gets wet and expands. Every building in California must adhere to the building code, including homes. A soil issue can become a very serious problem for you.

FAQs

What Types of Property Damage or Building Flaws Legally Qualify as Construction Defects in Torrance?

In Torrance and the rest of California, any type of construction defect, property damage, or building flaw that includes a design deficiency, defective materials, or shoddy workmanship can be considered a violation of the building code and industry standards. That legally qualifies it as a construction defect, and you can pursue legal action against the responsible party. Common issues include water intrusion, cracked foundations, and even faulty electrical systems.

Who Can Be Held Legally and Financially Responsible for Poor Workmanship or Defective Materials on My Property?

California’s strict Right to Repair Act puts liability for poor workmanship and defective materials solely on those who implemented them into the design of your home. An investigation may determine whether liability lies with the construction crew, the engineer, the architect, the general contractors, the subcontractors, or the material manufacturers. Your lawyer can help you discover exactly who is at fault for your home’s construction defects.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Defect Claim Under California’s Statute of Limitations?

In California, under the Right to Repair Act, you generally have 10 years to establish grounds for your claim, build up a case, gather evidence that supports your case, speak with a construction defects lawyer, and file your claim with the proper court. If you can’t build a case before 10 years have passed, you may have to accept the unfortunate fact that you won’t be able to seek compensation for the construction defect.

What Is California’s Right to Repair Law, and How Does It Impact My Ability to Take Legal Action Against a Builder or Contractor?

California’s Right to Repair Law established specific industry standards for home construction and mandated a pre-litigation process for settling defect cases. This act requires homeowners to notify the builders of an existing defect and give them a chance to inspect and repair it before moving forward with legal action. If the builder never comes to inspect it or refuses to fix the problem, then you can pursue a construction defect claim against them.

Hire a Construction Defects Lawyer

If you discover a defect in your home’s construction, the wisest decision you can make is to speak with a construction defects lawyer who has an understanding of local construction defect laws and see what your options are for pursuing compensation. At Kristy & Kananen, we have decades of experience helping individuals with complicated legal issues and protecting consumer rights. Contact us to speak with someone on our team who can help.