Why should I worry about construction problems when my builder gave me a warranty?
In our experience, the written warranties provided by builders cover very few of the many problems that can exist in a new home, townhome, or condo. These warranties are often written very narrowly and unfairly to cover as few of the potential problems in a home as possible. For example, the 10 year “structural” warranty in many builders’ warranties often does not cover many issues that are plainly structural issues.
When a builder does respond to a warranty request, the builder often just takes a Band-Aid approach trying to do as little work as possible to make the homeowner go away.
In responding to a warranty request, the builder may not deal with the underlying problem. The warranty may provide that the repair for a problem is a temporary or cosmetic repair—like painting over a crack or placing sealant at a leak—when the real problem is more serious and requires more serious repairs. These temporary or cosmetic repairs can actually worsen the problem by allowing it to continue. We have also seen numerous instances where a builder claims to have fixed a problem, and the problem later reappears.
Also, if the builder was the one who did the work improperly the first time, it may not make sense to trust that builder to do it right the second time.
Finally, builders have a history of ignoring warranty claims or delaying dealing with them. Because the law provides time limits on how long a homeowner has to bring claims against a builder, homeowners should not just wait around for a builder to do the right thing and fix a problem.
For all of these reasons, it is usually smart to consult a lawyer to see what legal options exist to address a construction defect other than relying solely on the builder’s written warranty.
Call now to speak with someone about your construction defect claim for FREE. The initial consultation is completely confidential, no obligation, and at no cost to you. Call 843-720-2800 today. Our phones are answered day or night – 24/7/365 – and our legal staff is standing by to help you right now.
Other Construction Defect FAQs:
- How does South Carolina law protect home purchasers?
- How long do I have to file a suit against the developer or builder for my home?
- How long does a construction lawsuit last?
- How much will a construction lawsuit cost me?
- I did not purchase my home or condo directly from the builder. Do I still have a claim against the builder?
- If I sue my builder, can I continue living in my home or condo while the lawsuit is ongoing?
- If I sue my builder, will I have to go to court?
- If my warranty has expired, does that mean I no longer have a claim against the developer or contractors?
- If the builder or developer that sold me my home, townhome, or condo is no longer in business or is bankrupt, can I still recover for construction defects?
- Is arbitration mandatory?
- What are signs that foundation or settlement problems exist in my home?
- What are signs that problems exist in the walls of my home?
- What are signs that roof problems exist in my home?
- What are signs that water leak problems exist in my home?
- What are signs that window or window leak problems exist in my home?
- What are some of the potential construction problems in roofs?
- What are some of the potential construction problems in walls?
- What are some of the potential construction problems related to foundations, soil, and settlement?
- What are some of the potential construction problems related to windows and window leaks?
- What are some potential construction problems related to water leaks?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of arbitration?
- What compensation can I get from a lawsuit for construction defects?
- What duty does a homeowner’s association have in relation to construction defects?
- What if the builder says there is no problem with my home?
- What is a class action?
- What is a construction defect?
- What is arbitration?
- What is flashing?
- What is mildew?
- What is mold?
- What is wood rot?
- What role do homeowner’s associations play in addressing construction defects?
- What should I do if I find a construction defect?
- Where does The Steinberg Law Firm handle construction cases?
- Who can sue for a problem in a townhome or condominium?
- Who is responsible and liable for a construction defect?
- Why do I need to hire a lawyer experienced in construction issues?
- Why should I worry about construction problems when my builder gave me a warranty?
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