What Can I Do About Substandard Construction on My Home? 

 Posted on March 29, 2023 in DuPage County Real Estate Attorney

Your home is likely the most valuable asset you own, both in the financial sense and a personal sense. When problems such as leaky roofs, cracked foundations, and unsafe electrical systems arise due to substandard construction, it can be extremely frustrating and very expensive. In some cases, construction defects like these may even put your and your family's lives at risk. 

Shoddy construction work lessens the value and functionality of your real estate property. It is important to take swift action to protect your rights and hold the at-fault party responsible.

Poor Workmanship and Mistakes During Construction Can Cost You Dearly

When a homeowner hires a construction company or contractor to do work on their property, they have certain expectations, including having the job done on time and within budget, as well as to a certain standard of quality. Unfortunately, mistakes can be made during construction that result in serious flaws and dangerous conditions.

Construction defects may cause problems such as:

• Leaks and water intrusion

• Electrical problems

• Poor structural integrity

• Cracks in the foundation or walls

• Mold due to poor ventilation

• Inadequate insulation

• Separating flooring

• Incomplete construction

• Incorrect appliance installation

Substandard construction may be caused by failure to follow building codes, use of inferior materials, inadequately trained workers, lack of supervision of workers, or just plain carelessness. Regardless of the cause, when you discover a problem, it is important to know what rights and options you have.

What Can You Do About Substandard Construction?

If your home has been constructed using substandard materials or poor workmanship, you may be able to take legal action against the responsible party. This party may be a developer, contractor, subcontractor, architect, engineer, supplier, or product manufacturer. You may be able to recover financial compensation for the costs of repairing the home, replacing the faulty materials, and restoring it to its original condition. The at-fault party may also be required to compensate you for the costs of any temporary relocation necessitated by the repairs.

Keep in mind that there are statutes of limitations restricting when a homeowner may sue for construction defects. Per Illinois law, you must bring a claim within four years of the detective condition's discovery. Homeowners may have up to 14 years in some cases involving latent defects. However, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible because construction defects can worsen over time and lead to serious safety risks.

Contact Our Wheaton Real Estate Lawyer

Our DuPage County real estate attorneys know how frustrating and confusing it can be to take legal action against a contractor or other party for a construction defect. We are here to help. Call our office today at 630-665-2500 for a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K13-214