Owning a new home and providing a safe space for your kids is every parent’s dream – the ultimate goal. Sometimes with all that excitement of choosing the interior design and the decorations, it can be easy to overlook the home’s structural foundation and ensure the build is up to standard. Construction defects, especially hidden ones, can threaten a family’s health, safety, and long-term financial security. Here are a couple of key areas to check and keep in mind to take the right steps to protect your family from these hidden risks.
Understanding Hidden Construction Defects
What Are Hidden Construction Defects?
Hidden construction defects are problems within the structure or foundation of your home that may not be immediately visible and can surface later on further jeopardizing home safety and durability. According to a Houston residential construction defects lawyer, examples of hidden defects can include the following:
- Water leaks impair the integrity of the structure and encourage toxic mold growth
- Inappropriate site selection or preparation
- Improper window and door installation
- Improperly applied stucco or other exterior cladding
- Poorly installed roofing
- Mold growth from water intrusion that can result in serious health problems
- Architectural design errors that threaten the safety of the structure
- Lack of structural support
- Sinking and cracking of the foundation
- Warping of floors
- Cracking and crumbling of walls
- Faulty plumbing, electric, or HVAC systems
Common Hidden Construction Defects and Their Risks
Sometimes without thorough inspection, these hidden defects can go unseen. These are problems that sometimes occur internally, such as inside the walls, under the floors, or within the roof space. Becoming aware of these hidden problems can help you be proactive in addressing these concerns and defects within your home. Some of the most common construction defects are:
- Water Damage and Mold Growth: Poor waterproofing and faulty drainage systems can lead to risks of mold growth, mildew, and structural rot. These can be harmful to you and your family’s physical and respiratory health.
- Faulty Electrical Systems: The risks of below-average or improperly installing electrical systems could lead to hazards such as electrical fires and electrocution.
- Foundation Issues: Cracks or foundation shifting of a home can risk its stability further causing uneven floors, wall cracks, and long-term damage.
- Poor Insulation: Inadequate insulation installment can lead to problems of inefficient energy, higher utility bills, and uncomfortable living conditions.
- Structural Defects: Issues such as weak framing, load-bearing wall mistakes, or improperly installed roofs may not be visible immediately. However, these can cause serious problems for your home’s structure in the future.
Steps to Protect Your Family from Hidden Construction Defects
Taking the following steps can help you identify those hidden defects within your home and ensure to continue to protect your family:
- Hire a Professional Home Inspector
- Look Beyond the Surface
- Request Detailed Construction Documentation
- Use a Pre-Occupancy Walkthrough
- Pay Attention to Red Flags During the Move-In Process
- Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
It can also be recommended to use smart technology to detect and monitor things such as water leaks, temperature changes, or the quality of the air.
What to Do If You Discover a Hidden Defect After Moving In
If you happen to find or discover a hidden defect after moving in, make sure to document everything. This can include collecting photos, videos, detailed notes about these concerns which can be used to support future claims. Contacting the builder or contractor of the home to discuss warranties or construction agreements that can be set in place. Also, understanding your legal rights and seeking professional legal help can streamline the process of filing a claim and navigating the statutes of limitations to reach a resolution.
Long-Term Prevention and Peace of Mind
For overall long-term prevention and peace of mind, it is always a good idea to build a positive relationship with your contractors during construction to foster clear communication just in case problems arise later on down the road. Also, keep your home’s warranty documentation organized in case you have to access them for easy access to appliances, systems, and structural work. By staying proactive and not reactive when preventing major issues is key. Detecting issues early, implementing proactive maintenance, and careful monitoring will ensure you are protecting your family from hidden construction defects.
Ensuring The Safety of Your Family from Hidden Defects
It is important to ensure the safety of your home and take the right measures to continue to protect your family from hidden defects. By understanding how to identify potential issues and when to seek professional help, these are the best first steps. You can have peace of mind and security in the safety of your home from thorough inspection, proper documentation, and regular maintenance. So don’t wait to take action today by assessing the build of your home to ensure it is safe for you and your family for years to come.