The foundation of a building is arguably its most critical system. If there are issues with the foundation, the rest of the structure is constantly vulnerable. Proper foundation work involves many critical steps.
The process of laying or repairing the foundation also requires attention to detail to ensure that the foundation meets current standards and is likely to remain intact for many years. Mistakes made by those installing or repairing the foundation of a building can ultimately lead to very costly construction defect claims later.
What foundation issues are common?
Some of the most common foundation issues include improper leveling, inadequate drainage, substandard materials that degrade over time and improper preparation of the site for the foundation. Poor material choices or issues with drainage can lead to the foundation shifting, cracking or tilting.
All of those issues can cause major complications with the edifice above. If one corner of the foundation sinks slightly, for example, the entire structure may become uneven. Shifts in the foundation can also lead to difficulty closing doors.
Repairing a damaged or poorly-installed foundation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Professionals installing, repairing or waterproofing foundations should be fastidious about ensuring that they follow the right procedures.
A lawsuit related to a defective foundation could impact a company’s finances and cause significant damage to its overall reputation. For property owners, holding companies and professionals accountable for substandard work that fails can be equally important to protect the investment made in the property.
Reviewing the nature of the issues with an edifice and the history of work done on the foundation with a skilled legal team can help both property owners and construction professionals evaluate their options. A construction defect lawsuit could easily follow claims of unprofessional foundation work related to collapses, cracks or shifts at a building.