{"id":369115,"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\/types-of-construction-defects.html"},"modified":"2026-09-16T10:59:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T15:59:03","slug":"types-of-construction-defects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/types-of-construction-defects.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Construction Defects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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\">Types of 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 16, 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><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction defects<\/span> can involve <span data-term-id=\"60034666\">design errors<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60034681\">faulty materials<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60034653\">improper installation<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60034656\">structural defects<\/span>, and more.<\/li>\n<li>Some defects are patent, which means they are obvious immediately. Other defects can be latent, meaning they only become apparent over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Property owners, especially homeowners, must be wary of <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defect<\/span> cases. <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction defects<\/span> include improperly manufactured materials and <span data-term-id=\"60034645\">poor workmanship<\/span>. They also include a failure to follow real estate construction codes.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction defects<\/span> lead to a wide range of issues that can lower a building\u2019s quality, safety, and value. Often, these defects need fast intervention to prevent further damage. Owners who discover a defect can speak with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate attorney<\/a> about their options for recovery.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Property Defects Occur<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Any deficiency in a building project can be considered a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defects-basics.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defect<\/span><\/a>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Defective architectural designs<\/li>\n<li>Lack of planning or supervision<\/li>\n<li>Lack of a proper\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-inspections-before-you-buy.html\">inspection<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Improper construction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most common <span data-term-id=\"60034644\">types of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span> occur when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There is a failure to construct a building in a reasonably workmanlike manner.<\/li>\n<li>The structure fails to perform in the buyer\u2019s intended manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60034660\">Common <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction Defects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some of the most common and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-faqs.html\">high-cost <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span><\/a> occur in the following areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60034648\">Structural integrity<\/span>, including\u200b\u00a0concrete, <span data-term-id=\"60034677\">stucco<\/span>, masonry and division, carpentry, and unstable foundations<\/li>\n<li>Mechanical problems<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60034679\">Electrical issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60034647\">Water intrusion<\/span> (which can result in property damage and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/mold-prevention-and-control-tips.html\">toxic mold exposure<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Thermal and moisture protection<\/li>\n<li>Doors, windows, and glass seals<\/li>\n<li>Finishing defects, especially in new homes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These kinds of defects generally arise in one of four different ways described below.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60034659\">Categories of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction Defects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally, courts categorize <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span> in one of four categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#design\"><span data-term-id=\"60034654\">Design deficiencies<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#material\"><span data-term-id=\"60034657\">Material deficiencies<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#construction\"><span data-term-id=\"60034661\">Construction deficiencies<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#subsurface\"><span data-term-id=\"60034668\">Subsurface deficiencies<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each category of defect is caused by a different general kind of problem. Below is a description of each.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60034654\"><a id=\"design\"><\/a>Design Deficiencies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60034663\">Design professionals<\/span> include architects and engineers. These professionals design buildings and systems. But even professionals don\u2019t always work as specified, which can result in a defect.<\/p>\n<p>Typical\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/defects-in-design.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60034654\">design deficiencies<\/span><\/a>\u00a0relate to building outside of the specified building codes. Improperly designed roofs are an example of a <span data-term-id=\"60034655\">design defect<\/span>. They can result in <span data-term-id=\"60034674\">water penetration<\/span>, intrusion, <span data-term-id=\"60034650\">poor drainage<\/span>, or <span data-term-id=\"60034670\">inadequate structural support<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60034657\"><a id=\"material\"><\/a>Material Deficiencies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Using\u00a0inferior building materials\u00a0can cause significant problems. <span data-term-id=\"60034649\">Material defects<\/span> include windows that leak or inferior concrete that cracks under pressure. Inferior products can fail to perform and function adequately, even when properly installed.<\/p>\n<p>Common manufacturer problems with building materials can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Deteriorating <span data-term-id=\"60034676\">flashing<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Building paper or waterproofing membranes that are not <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/building-code.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">up to code<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Inferior asphalt roofing shingles<\/li>\n<li>Inferior drywall that is not approved for use in wet or damp areas (this is especially true in bathrooms and laundry rooms)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"60034657\">material deficiency<\/span> may be a <span data-term-id=\"60034651\">patent defect<\/span> if it is easily discovered. Unlike a <span data-term-id=\"60034652\">latent defect<\/span>, it\u2019s easy to discover by the naked eye.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60034661\"><a id=\"construction\"><\/a>Construction Deficiencies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Poor quality workmanship can result in many defects. Many <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span> are not up to code. They may also be covered up by a contractor during the construction process.<\/p>\n<p>A common example is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/toxic-mold.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60034647\">water intrusion<\/span><\/a> through some parts of the building structure. A construction project may have vulnerable windows, doors, or roof openings. Any <span data-term-id=\"60034647\">water intrusion<\/span> can create an environment for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/toxic-mold-legal-claims.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60034671\">mold growth<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Other <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cracks in the foundation<\/li>\n<li>Dry rot in lumber<\/li>\n<li>Electrical and mechanical problems<\/li>\n<li>Plumbing leaks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In these situations, construction companies and their <span data-term-id=\"60034646\">subcontractors<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/legal-liability-for-construction-defects.html\">may be liable<\/a>. You may be able to sue them for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/breach-of-contract-and-lawsuits.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60034669\">breach of contract<\/span> or warranty<\/a>. Other causes of action (claims) may be available depending on your specific circumstances.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60034668\"><a id=\"subsurface\"><\/a>Subsurface Deficiencies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Expansive soil conditions are typical in many parts of the country. Some houses are built on hills. Others are built on shifting soil or areas where providing a stable foundation is difficult. A lack of a solid foundation may result in cracked foundations and other damage to the building.<\/p>\n<p>Suppose subsurface conditions are not properly compacted and prepared for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/water-damage-and-neighbor-disputes.html\">adequate drainage<\/a>. Here, a property may experience:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Improper settling to the ground (subsidence)<\/li>\n<li>Structure moving or shifting<\/li>\n<li>Flooding and <span data-term-id=\"60034667\">water damage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60034668\">Subsurface deficiencies<\/span> can be latent in nature. That means they won\u2019t be obvious to the naked eye unless a thorough inspection or a long amount of time has passed. Eventually, when a home starts sinking, the problem becomes obvious.<\/p>\n<h2>Discovering a Defect in Your New or Renovated Home<\/h2>\n<p>If you realize there\u2019s a serious problem in the home you bought or remodeled, you\u2019ll likely wonder about the following questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What caused the defect? How long ago did it appear?<\/li>\n<li>How much will the defect cost me in property damage and repairs?<\/li>\n<li>Which contractor or company is at fault for the damage?<\/li>\n<li>How should I fix the problem with my home? Should I hire a new company to fix it?<\/li>\n<li>Can I get the builder or manufacturer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-claims-overview.html\">pay for repairs or replacement costs<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Has the defect caused a <span data-term-id=\"60034678\">safety hazard<\/span> that risks illness or injury?<\/li>\n<li>Do I need to get a lawyer to help?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Homeowners may have legal options to address <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span>. But state laws limit when and how property owners can seek relief. Making a mistake in the process could leave a homeowner burdened with the damage themselves. That\u2019s why the first step is to learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-defect-laws-by-state.html\">laws in your state<\/a> and get a consultation with a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h2>Have Questions About the Different <span data-term-id=\"60034644\">Types of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction Defects<\/span>? Ask a Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction defects<\/span> can result in serious\u00a0financial complications. They can pose difficulties\u00a0and property damage under real estate law. <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">Construction defects<\/span> can also go unnoticed for a long period of time. Delayed discovery of the problem can make <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defect<\/span> disputes complicated to manage.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid facing <span data-term-id=\"60034658\">construction litigation<\/span> without a real estate attorney. It\u2019s a good idea to consult with a local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defects<\/span> attorney<\/a> who can give you legal advice. They are experienced in real estate litigation and <span data-term-id=\"60034643\">construction defect<\/span> law. Their law offices can help you with an effective <span data-term-id=\"60034662\">construction defect<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60034662\"> claim<\/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        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/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 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          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                      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rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn more about construction defects, subsurface deficiencies, construction deficiencies, material deficiencies, and design deficiencies at 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