Construction defects can be obvious, such as B. a large crack on the wall. However, large cracks can also be misleading, and many of the worst flaws are invisible to the naked eye. If you are considering investing in a building, or if you currently own one, you need to contact a reputable building advisor and have the building inspected.
Knowing the shortcomings can help you work out a value for the property and budget for repairs.
Time limits
The most important thing, especially when buying a new home, is that there are time restrictions on when you can make a claim. That said, if you haven't already done an inspection prior to purchasing, you should get it done as soon as possible. It is worth checking with your state laws to check the exact deadlines. For new houses, the period is between 12 and 24 months from completion. If you do not report a bug during this period, you will not be able to claim the builder.
Guarantees
However, it should be noted that this deviates from a guarantee. Every guarantee granted must be specific to the protection it offers. These elements are protected against defects during the entire guarantee period. Of course, if you claim a guarantee, you still want to have a building inspection carried out. The report helps your claim.
Most buildings have automatic guarantees that the building is fit for purpose, has been constructed from new materials, and has been completed in accordance with the latest laws and regulations. A legal guarantee should be valid for at least 7 years so that you can rest assured. However, some newer contracts only require the warranty to be valid for 2 years. Check the details before buying.
Types of defects
As mentioned earlier, a crack in the wall can appear to be a serious defect, but that doesn't mean that it actually is. You will need a professional assessment to determine the severity of the defect. You can use the report to support your warranty claim. Serious shortcomings usually consist in the fact that certain parts of the building cannot be used due to faulty design, poor workmanship or poor quality materials. This is also the case if the building is likely to collapse.
Damage to important elements such as structural components, insufficient water tightness or poor fire protection equipment should also be covered by the guarantee. In order to adequately protect your home, you need to take a survey and report any bugs. A copy of the report can then be sent to the building to ensure the necessary repairs are made.
Final limit
There is a 10-year ban on building claims. If no claim has been made within ten years, a new claim cannot be made, even if it relates to issues identified within the ten years. This is to prevent developers from being sued in the future if it's difficult to determine whether it's a design flaw, negligence, or just plain wear and tear.
