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Types of Construction Defects

Construction defects include flaws in design, materials, construction, or subsurface issues that result in problems like structural integrity problems, mechanical or electrical issues, water intrusion, and finishing defects. Common construction defects involve concrete and foundations cracks, water intrusion, and improper structural support. Construction defects are generally categorized as design deficiencies, material deficiencies, construction deficiencies, or subsurface deficiencies.

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19 views

Types of Construction Defects

Construction defects include flaws in design, materials, construction, or subsurface issues that result in problems like structural integrity problems, mechanical or electrical issues, water intrusion, and finishing defects. Common construction defects involve concrete and foundations cracks, water intrusion, and improper structural support. Construction defects are generally categorized as design deficiencies, material deficiencies, construction deficiencies, or subsurface deficiencies.

Uploaded by

Miyoue Zepeto
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Construction Defects

Construction defects include improperly designed materials, poor workmanship, and failure to
follow construction codes. Any flaw in a construction project, such as the following, can be
classified as a construction defect:
 Defective architectural designs
 Lack of planning or supervision
 Lack of a proper inspection
 Improper construction

A construction defect is any flaw in the project, including the following:

Common Construction Defects

Some of the most common and high-cost construction defects include:

 Structural integrity — concrete, masonry & division, carpentry, unstable foundations


 Mechanical problems
 Electrical issues
 Water intrusion (which can result in property damage and toxic mold exposure)
 Thermal and moisture protection
 Doors, windows, and glass seals
 Finishing defects

Categories of Construction Defects

Generally, courts categorize construction defects in one of four categories:

 Design deficiencies
 Material deficiencies
 Construction deficiencies
 Subsurface deficiencies

Design Deficiencies

Design professionals include architects and engineers. These professionals design buildings and
systems. However, even professionals do not always work as specified, which can result in a
defect. Typical design deficiencies relate to building outside of the specified building codes.
Improperly designed roofs are an example of a design defect that can result in water penetration,
intrusion, poor drainage, or inadequate structural support.

Material Deficiencies
Using inferior building materials can cause significant problems, such as windows that leak or
inferior concrete that cracks under pressure. Inferior products can fail to perform and function
adequately, even when properly installed.

Common manufacturer problems with building materials can include deteriorating flashing,
building paper or waterproofing membranes that are not up to code, inferior asphalt roofing
shingles, or using inferior drywall that is not approved for use in wet or damp areas, such as
bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Construction Deficiencies

Poor quality workmanship can result in multiple defects. Many construction defects are not up to
code or may be intentionally covered up by a contractor. A common example is water intrusion
through some portion of the building structure, including around windows, doors, or roof
openings. Any water intrusion can create an environment for the growth of mold. Other
construction defects include cracks in foundations, dry rot in lumber, electrical and mechanical
problems, and plumbing leaks.

Subsurface Deficiencies

Expansive soil conditions are typical in many parts of the country,


including Colorado and California. Some houses are built on hills, shifting soil, or other areas
where it is difficult to provide a stable foundation. A lack of a solid foundation may result in
cracked foundations and other damage to the building.

If subsurface conditions are not properly compacted and prepared for adequate drainage, the
property may experience problems like improperly settling to the ground (subsidence), structure
moving or shifting, and flooding.

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