{"id":369107,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html"},"modified":"2026-09-15T12:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T17:27:04","slug":"legal-liability-for-construction-defects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html","title":{"rendered":"Legal Liability for Construction Defects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Legal Liability for Construction Defects<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 15, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>In <span data-term-id=\"60018233\">construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018233\"> law<\/span>, a person or entity may be liable for <span data-term-id=\"60018209\">property damage<\/span> and repair costs.<\/li>\n<li>Liability can relate to several legal frameworks, such as <span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligence<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60018212\">breach of contract<\/span>, and <span data-term-id=\"60018222\">breach of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\"><span data-term-id=\"60018222\">warranty<\/span><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>The construction professional is generally released from liability if the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> fails to file a claim on time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Home <span data-term-id=\"60018199\">construction defects<\/span> are problems or mistakes you find in the work done on your home, including\u00a0issues with the <span data-term-id=\"60018203\">workmanship<\/span>, design, materials, engineering, and more.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60018208\">Homeowners<\/span> bring <span data-term-id=\"60018227\">construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018227\"> lawsuits<\/span> to fix the situation\u00a0and\/or\u00a0get money for the damage. The goal is to find the person responsible for the defect in your property.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60018217\">Construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018217\"> liability<\/span> can be a complicated topic. Many professionals and companies can be involved in a single project. If you discover a property defect, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate lawyer<\/a> can help you determine how to recover your losses and who may be accountable.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Can Be Liable for Building Defects?<\/h2>\n<p>The typical\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defects-basics.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018215\">construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018215\"> case<\/span><\/a> is based\u00a0on contracts between:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> and real property <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span><\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> and the <span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"60018201\">subcontractors<\/span><\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> and their <span data-term-id=\"60018213\">suppliers<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60018204\">architects<\/span>, and engineers<\/li>\n<li>You and anyone involved in building your home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once you find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/types-of-construction-defects.html\">why a defect exists<\/a>, you can determine which party likely caused it. For example, a <span data-term-id=\"60018213\">supplier<\/span> may have sent <span data-term-id=\"60018237\">defective materials<\/span>. An <span data-term-id=\"60018204\">architect<\/span> may have introduced a <span data-term-id=\"60018232\">design defect<\/span>, such as miscalculations or omitted technical specifications, which caused <span data-term-id=\"60018240\">structural problems<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Legal Claims Against a Liable Party<\/h2>\n<p>After you determine who is responsible, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-claims-overview.html\">bring a legal claim<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60018239\">Causes of action<\/span> (claims) for <span data-term-id=\"60018199\">construction defects<\/span> often involve:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Negligence\"><span data-term-id=\"60018210\">Negligence<\/span> torts\u00a0<\/a>(civil wrongs involving carelessness)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Contract\"><span data-term-id=\"60018212\">Breach of contract<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Warranty\"><span data-term-id=\"60018222\">Breach of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Strict\"><span data-term-id=\"60018230\">Strict liability<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li>In some cases,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Fraud\">fraud<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html#Misrepresentation\"><span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligent<\/span> misrepresentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The following sections will describe each type of claim in more detail.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60018210\"><a id=\"Negligence\"><\/a>Negligence<\/span> During Construction Projects<\/h2>\n<p>The law requires <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developers<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60018211\">general <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractors<\/span>, and <span data-term-id=\"60018201\">subcontractors<\/span> to use reasonable care in\u00a0the\u00a0construction\u00a0process.\u00a0Think of it this way: If a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/standards-of-care-and-the-reasonable-person.html\">reasonably careful person<\/a> in the same role as the construction professional would have done the same thing in similar circumstances, they\u00a0were probably using\u00a0reasonable care.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If not, you might have a <span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligence<\/span> claim for the value of the\u00a0property that was damaged\u00a0and any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/injury-damages.html\">resulting <span data-term-id=\"60018220\">personal injury<\/span><\/a>. You\u00a0will need to\u00a0show that the <span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> did something that didn\u2019t meet their profession\u2019s standards. Or perhaps they committed an omission, failing to perform construction in a\u00a0workmanlike\u00a0manner.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, you\u00a0may be able to\u00a0prove that they didn\u2019t\u00a0have the knowledge\u00a0necessary to do the work.\u00a0For example, suppose a <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span>\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have the proper degree or license to do their job correctly, but a company hires them anyway and puts them on a job.\u00a0In that case, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/an-employer-s-liability-for-employee-s-acts.html\">company can be held <span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligent<\/span><\/a> for damage the <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> causes.<\/p>\n<p>The duty of care extends to anyone who could be hurt by the <span data-term-id=\"60018199\">construction defect<\/span>. This includes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-defects-discovered-after-the-sale.html\">future purchasers of the house or property<\/a>.\u00a0For example, even if an issue occurs\u00a010\u00a0years later, the original builder could still get in trouble.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60018205\">Developers<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"60018211\">general <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractors<\/span> are responsible for the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/negligence.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligence<\/span><\/a>\u00a0of their <span data-term-id=\"60018201\">subcontractors<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60018212\"><a id=\"Contract\"><\/a>Breach of Contract<\/span> Claims<\/h2>\n<p>Real estate owners can sue the builder\/<span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> for not living up to the language in their contract. Typically, this complaint is more than the builder not following the plans and specifications.<\/p>\n<p>In <span data-term-id=\"60018243\">construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018243\"> litigation<\/span>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/breach-of-contract-and-lawsuits.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018212\">breach of contract<\/span><\/a> usually involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breaking an obligation in the <span data-term-id=\"60018214\">construction contract<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Not following purchase or sale documentation<\/li>\n<li>Not following the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/escrow.html\">escrow<\/a> instructions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When such claims\u00a0are made, courts often look to the \u201cdoctrine of <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/performance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">substantial performance<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0If the builder\u00a0made an effort\u00a0to complete the contract but\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0meet all requirements, the court will consider the contract complete.\u00a0The <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> will not be required to pay the\u00a0full\u00a0contract price. Typically, the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> needs to pay the contract price minus the reduced market value of the home (caused by the error).<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example to show how a <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span>\u2019s costs might change:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A builder has a contract price of $100,000 to build a condominium.<\/li>\n<li>The builder accidentally has a <span data-term-id=\"60018201\">subcontractor<\/span> do bad plumbing work.<\/li>\n<li>The reduced value\u00a0is caused\u00a0by the failure of the builder to follow the plans and specifications listed in the contract.<\/li>\n<li>The bad plumbing is estimated to lose $25,000 of market value for the home.<\/li>\n<li>You only have to pay the builder $75,000\u00a0for building\u00a0your home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you win a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-for-breach-of-contract.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018212\">breach of contract<\/span> case<\/a>, you may be able to collect <span data-term-id=\"60018235\">attorney fees<\/span> if your construction project agreement provides for them.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60018222\"><a id=\"Warranty\"><\/a>Breach of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">Warranty<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60018222\">Breach\u00a0of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span> is like\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60018212\">breach\u00a0of contract<\/span>.\u00a0But instead of a contract not being followed, a <span data-term-id=\"60018222\">breach of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span> means\u00a0the <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span>\u00a0was not\u00a0followed.<\/p>\n<p>The contract may have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/what-are-express-and-implied-warranties.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranties<\/span> about the property\u2019s condition<\/a>\u00a0in case of defective products. An example is a <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span> saying a washing machine will work for five years.\u00a0If\u00a0the washer breaks after three years, the company must uphold the <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span>.\u00a0Often, this means replacing the broken item for free.<\/p>\n<p>If the <span data-term-id=\"60018209\">property damage<\/span> relates to a breach of an\u00a0express <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span>, the principles of the contract apply.<\/p>\n<p>Courts say that builders and sellers of new construction are responsible for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What\u00a0is implied\u00a0in the contract or <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Reasonably designing and constructing the structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All builders and\u00a0vendors\u00a0have to work under the theory that\u00a0a home was built\u00a0to be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sold to public buyers<\/li>\n<li>Used for a specific purpose (such as living in it or renting it out)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Privity of contract (a direct legal relationship)\u00a0is not always required\u00a0under this particular theory of liability.<\/p>\n<p>In some states, <span data-term-id=\"60018236\">homebuyers<\/span> may waive <span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranties<\/span>. Builders may also disclaim\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/what-is-an-implied-warranty-.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018226\">implied <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranties<\/span><\/a>. If disclaimers are involved, they work against the seller\/<span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span>.\u00a0This\u00a0means they work in favor of the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span>. Typically, waivers are difficult to enforce.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60018230\"><a id=\"Strict\"><\/a>Strict Liability<\/span> Claims<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-implied-warranty-of-habitability.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018226\">implied <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018202\">warranty<\/span> of habitability<\/a>\u00a0puts <span data-term-id=\"60018230\">strict liability<\/span>, or responsibility, on the <span data-term-id=\"60018211\">general <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span>. In a <span data-term-id=\"60018230\">strict liability<\/span> case, the <span data-term-id=\"60018206\">property owner<\/span> does not have to prove the <span data-term-id=\"60018211\">general <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> was <span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligent<\/span> in\u00a0constructing\u00a0the new home.<\/p>\n<p>However, they must prove:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> was involved in the mass production of housing<\/li>\n<li>A defect in the house exists<\/li>\n<li>The defect caused damage or injury<\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018200\">contractor<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> caused or created the defect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Fraud\"><\/a>Fraud in Construction Projects<\/h2>\n<p>Fraud means the <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/fraudulent-misrepresentation.html\">intentionally misrepresented<\/a>\u00a0the quality of construction.\u00a0This\u00a0often involves false statements or false advertisements. An example is saying \u201cscratch-proof flooring\u201d when the floors scratch easily.<\/p>\n<p>To win the case, your attorney must show the <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"60018221\">design professional<\/span> had no intention of following the design plans and specifications as promised.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60018210\"><a id=\"Misrepresentation\"><\/a>Negligent<\/span> Misrepresentation<\/h2>\n<p>In <span data-term-id=\"60018210\">negligent<\/span> misrepresentation cases, <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowners<\/span> need to prove:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> asserted something to the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span><\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> had no reason to believe the information was true<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An example\u00a0could be a <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> saying their plumbing will never break. Once it breaks, the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> is upset, and the <span data-term-id=\"60018205\">developer<\/span> has nothing to back up their claim.<\/p>\n<h2>Beware of the <span data-term-id=\"60018219\">Statute of Limitations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/statute-of-repose.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Statutes of repose<\/a> bar recovery after a certain deadline.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60018219\">Statutes\u00a0of limitations<\/span><\/a>\u00a0disallow you from filing a lawsuit for your legal issue if you\u2019ve waited too long after discovering it.\u00a0The specific timeline will depend on your state laws.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, even if you didn\u2019t timely discover an issue but a reasonable person in your shoes would have\u00a0discovered\u00a0it sooner, it could cause your case to be barred. Having a legal expert on your side can help you avoid these problems.<\/p>\n<h2>Defects Liability Period (DLP) and the Right To Cure<\/h2>\n<p>While there is a time limit to file a claim, you might also be subject to a waiting period before you can begin one. This waiting period is often a few months to a year, but it depends on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-laws-by-state.html\">state laws<\/a> and <span data-term-id=\"60018214\">construction contract<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Some state laws give construction professionals a \u201cright to cure,\u201d which means they must receive an opportunity to correct the defect or offer compensation before the <span data-term-id=\"60018208\">homeowner<\/span> can sue. Many contracts also specify a defects liability period (DLP). The DLP offers protection like the right to cure, but it is a contractual right rather than a statutory right.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the liable party caused serious damage, you could lose your opportunity to seek relief if you make a mistake when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-faqs.html\">filing your claim<\/a>. You can work with a lawyer to take the right actions at the right time.<\/p>\n<h2>Have Your <span data-term-id=\"60018207\">Construction Defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60018207\"> Claim<\/span> Reviewed by an Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Owning a home is a big responsibility. There are always ongoing maintenance concerns and high costs. The last thing you\u00a0need to\u00a0worry about is a <span data-term-id=\"60018199\">construction defect<\/span> caused by someone else\u2019s mistake.<\/p>\n<p>If you believe someone\u2019s carelessness caused a defect in your home,\u00a0you may want to file\u00a0a claim with their insurance company and\u00a0a court of law.\u00a0A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">construction law attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help you get started by giving\u00a0valuable <span data-term-id=\"60018223\">legal advice<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        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20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n         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               <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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This FindLaw.com article explains the legal claims homeowners can bring for construction defects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369097,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","_cf_multicollab_revision_bundle":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369107","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369107"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":413697,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369107\/revisions\/413697"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369107"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369107"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}