When you hire someone to build a commercial building in Arizona, you want to believe that you will get a safe, reliable structure that meets all the local building codes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Once the building is finished, you might discover construction defects that threaten you and your employees’ safety. And once that happens, you’ll be trying to figure out how to pay to get it fixed.
What is a construction defect?
In commercial litigation, a construction defect is a flaw in the design or craftsmanship that could pose a safety hazard. There are two types of construction defects: patent defects and latent defects. A patent defect is a defect that’s immediately obvious whereas a latent defect is a subtler defect that might not be noticed right away. Either way, a construction defect could potentially make your new building unusable.
Some construction defects involve the building’s structure, which can pose serious threats to your safety. Other defects aren’t necessarily dangerous but make the building look cheap and unattractive. For example, you might have wood trim that was installed improperly. When it comes to aesthetic issues, you’ll have to prove in court that the defect poses a safety hazard and isn’t merely a conflict in personal taste.
When should you hire an attorney?
Before you call an attorney, it’s important to determine if you’re dealing with mediocre craftsmanship or a real threat to your safety. If your building is practically unusable, it may be time to hire an attorney. Your attorney could assess the situation and figure out where you should go from here. He or she might end up helping you file a lawsuit so you can receive financial compensation for your building’s issues. An attorney could also help you prove that the construction company was negligent.