Common construction defects and their sources

When building or purchasing a new home, the buyers expect that it will be free of defects. Unfortunately, construction defects can occur in various stages of the building process, which can result in a house that does not function as it should.

There are certain defects that are more common than others, and there are some main reasons for the deficiencies.

Common defects

According to FindLaw, construction-related defects fall into four major categories: Material, design, subsurface and construction. Material deficiencies often come in the form of inferior materials, which can cause a myriad of problems. Common ones include leaking windows and a lack of waterproofing in laundry rooms and bathrooms.

In regard to design deficiencies, engineers and architects have requirements to follow certain building codes. However, sometimes they design not according to code, which can result in inadequate structural support.

If there is not a solid foundation, this can result in damage to the entire structure. Certain areas present more difficulties for stability, and without proper subsurface conditions, there may be foundation cracks, flooding, shifting structures or landslides.

Issues with the general building of the house can result in numerous construction defects. Some include mold, electrical issues, dry rot, pest infestation and plumbing leaks.

Main sources of defects

Realtor Magazine states that there are numerous reasons why defects occur, but the main one is that many contractors do not receive the proper training. Contractors may misread or improperly interpret construction plans, stray from the manufacturer’s recommendations or provide poor workmanship.

There are additional problems for homes built in states located in the Sun Belt. Trade contractors tend to have more issues with weatherproofing, fire-resistant and insulation assemblies.