Home Construction Law

Legal Help for Construction Issues

Construction law pertains to legal issues related to construction of homes and buildings. Issues can arise under local, state, or federal laws. Water damage to structures is common in the Low Country because of weather conditions in the area. Many of those problems are the result of a contractor’s poor workmanship and negligence. We have the knowledge and experience in the construction industry to effectively represent our clients’ interests.

As a smaller client-focused firm, we treat clients as real people — not file numbers”
- Julian Allen
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Construction Defects Defined

The term “construction defect” refers to a deficiency in the construction process that leads to failure in some aspect of the structure and causes damage (financial or otherwise) to a person or property. The deficiency can be in design, workmanship, or materials:

  • Design defects occur by error or omission. Design errors can be remedied with redesign and replacement of component parts. Design omissions may require change orders that increase the contractor’s scope of work.
  • Workmanship defects result from a contractor’s failure to build in accordance with construction documents, manufacturer specifications, applicable Code(s), and/or industry standards. These defects can range from minor aesthetic issues to problems with structural integrity. Allocating liability for workmanship defects can be complicated.
  • Material defects arise when building materials are damaged or inadequate. When defective materials come from the manufacturer, contractors may not be aware of the defect until the materials have already been used in the project. This type of defect is costly to repair, as it requires new materials and additional labor.
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Housing and Construction Defects

A home is a major, long-term investment for most people. Construction often involves multiple parties, and construction defects are not uncommon. Defects can lower the value of your property and even present health hazards. In some cases, the problem can be resolved quickly with a phone call to the contractor and an explanation of the defect. In other cases, you will need to speak with an attorney.

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Types of Construction Defects

Homeowners may encounter a number of construction defects after moving into a new home. Some defects may not be discovered until years later. Common construction defects include:

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How to Recover Compensation for Defective Construction

If you have discovered construction defects in your home, it is important to act quickly to protect your investment and to safeguard your family’s health and safety. The first step is to speak with an experienced Charleston construction law attorney. Your lawyer can advise and assist you in seeking compensation for your damages.

At Allen Law, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to thoroughly investigate, analyze, and assess the extent of a potential claim. As a former insurance defense lawyer, Attorney Allen has an in-depth understanding of construction means and methods, legal defenses, and insurance coverage for construction defects. He has years of legal and trial experience.

Contact us by calling (843) 882-5005 to schedule a free consultation with no time limit. When we represent you in a construction defect matter, we can deal with the contractor on your behalf and take your case to trial if necessary to recover compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no fees until we win a recovery for you.

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