Houston Construction Defect Lawyers
Your new home, or your recently renovated space, was supposed to be a dream. Instead, it’s turning into a nightmare. Maybe the roof leaks every time it rains, the foundation is cracking, or the electrical system keeps tripping. You bought into a promise of quality, and now you’re left with worry and unexpected repairs.
When a builder or contractor’s negligence jeopardizes your home and your future, you need Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. We help Houston homeowners and property owners stand up for their rights and get the problems fixed. Learn more.
Our office is conveniently located at 9301 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77074. You’ll find us just west of the Sam Houston Tollway, near the intersection of the Southwest Freeway (US-59) and Bissonnet Street. We are close to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and The Fountains shopping center, making us easy to find whether you are coming from Sugar Land, Westchase, or other parts of Houston.
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When Your Building Has a Problem
A construction defect is more than just a minor inconvenience. It’s a flaw in the design, materials, or workmanship of a building that reduces its value, compromises its safety, or prevents it from serving its intended purpose. These issues can show up right away, or they can hide for years, causing damage you don’t even know about until it’s too late.
In Houston, we see several common construction defects:
- Water Intrusion: Leaky roofs, windows, or doors often lead to water damage, mold, and rot. Houston’s humidity only makes these problems worse.
- Foundation Issues: Shifting or cracking foundations can cause cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors that don’t close right. Houston’s expansive clay soils are a big reason this happens.
- Structural Problems: Things like inadequate support beams, bowing walls, or sagging floors can put the entire building at risk.
- Electrical and Plumbing Defects: Faulty wiring, constantly tripping breakers, low water pressure, or persistent leaks are not just annoying; they can be dangerous.
- HVAC System Failures: An improperly installed or defective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can make living in your home unbearable in Houston summers and winters and add to increased energy bills.
- Material Defects: Sometimes, the materials used themselves are faulty, leading to premature deterioration, such as crumbling concrete or defective stucco.
- Drainage Issues: Poor drainage can lead to standing water, foundation problems, and landscape damage.
These defects don’t just cost money to fix; they steal your peace of mind. They can make your property unsafe, lower its value, and create constant stress. You do not have to live with a property that isn’t built right.
Texas Law is On Your Side
Texas law provides homeowners with protections when construction defects arise. The Texas Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA) is a key piece of legislation that outlines the process for homeowners to pursue claims against contractors for defects in residential construction. The RCLA encourages communication and settlement between you and the builder before a lawsuit begins.
Before you can file a lawsuit, you must send a written notice to the builder. This notice needs to describe the problems clearly. Include photos or inspection reports to show what is wrong. Then, the builder gets a chance to look at your property and offer a way to fix things. They might offer to do repairs, replace something, or pay you money. This step is meant to help everyone find a fair solution without needing to go to court.
The Clock is Ticking
It’s important to act quickly. In Texas, there are deadlines for when you can file a construction defect claim. The rules can be a bit complicated, especially with recent changes to the RCLA for contracts signed after September 1, 2023. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer as soon as you suspect a problem.
What to Do When You Find a Defect
Finding a serious problem with your property can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to approach it:
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the defects. Keep records of all communications with your builder, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
- Get an Inspection: Consider hiring an independent inspector or engineer to assess the damage and provide a professional report. This report will be critical evidence.
- Do Not Make Repairs Immediately: While it’s tempting to fix the problem right away, making extensive repairs before documenting the issue and notifying the builder can hurt your claim. You need to give the builder an opportunity to inspect the damage.
- Contact a Lawyer: The legal process for construction defect claims can be complex. A Houston lawyer who knows Texas construction law can guide you through each step, ensure you meet all deadlines, and help you understand your options.
How Our Houston Construction Defect Lawyers Can Help
When you’re dealing with a construction defect, you don’t need more complications. You need clear answers and a firm hand to help you get what’s fair. We handle these cases with a direct, no-nonsense approach, focusing on getting you the results you need.
When you contact Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we’ll review your situation, the defect, your contract, and the relevant laws to see what your options are. Our attorneys will handle all communications with the builder, ensuring your notice is proper and that you meet all RCLA requirements. Our local presence means that we have a network of engineers, inspectors, and other construction professionals who can provide expert opinions and strengthen your case.
We work to reach a fair settlement outside of court. Our goal is to get the builder to fix the problems or pay for the damages.
Call at (713) 981-0600 or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about your legal options.