Stucco Defects in Florida Home Building
Even if you purchased a home in a prestigious, exclusive community, you are not immune from having to deal with stucco defects. It is a statewide issue in Florida, as it is one of the primary building materials used on a majority of the homes. This was especially true during Florida’s boom phase in new home construction, from about 2005 to 2010. Stucco was used as a layer of cement to keep moisture out of the home. When applied correctly, stucco can save plenty of headaches in preventing water damage in your home. However, if the builder rushes the job and does not allow the stucco to dry completely, or applies the stucco too thinly, cracks can soon begin to appear. As cracks in the stucco widen, they allow more water to penetrate, which can cause excessive damage to the home. Additionally, since many Florida homes are built with wood frame construction, they can be seriously damaged by water leakage, meaning cracks in stucco can affect the structural integrity of the house.
Find Out Whether Stucco Cracks Have Caused Water Damage
The very first step in dealing with cracks in your home’s stucco is to find out whether you have water damage in your home. Water damage can accumulate for years without any evidence of water infiltration. It is a common misconception that you will always be able to smell mold or mildew from very advanced water damage.
If you notice cracks in your stucco, it is best to have a water intrusion expert test for water intrusion. You should receive a written report on the status of any moisture problem in your home. If there is evidence of water intrusion, you should contact a construction law attorney to speak about how you can have the stucco defects repaired. Keep careful records of your communication with the builder and show them to your attorney.
Contact an Experienced Construction Attorney
Contacting a construction law attorney for assistance in resolving the construction defect does not necessarily mean that you will have to file a lawsuit. Rather, an construction law attorney can put pressure on the builder and work directly with your homeowners insurance provider in an effort to get your problem resolved as quickly and effectively as possible. Often times, just the threat of litigation from a construction law attorney will be the final push that a reluctant builder needs to address your issue.
At the Robertson Firm, the attorneys have real experience in construction litigation. Our Managing Partner, Peter Robertson, is a board certified civil trial law and construction law attorney. Mr. Robertson has been a State of Florida licensed General Contractor for over thirty years, giving him expert knowledge of proper construction methods to handle water intrusion and stucco cracking. We can help you navigate the process of taking care of your most valued asset, your home, so that it can take care of you and your family for years to come.
Preserving Your Rights Against the Home Builder
If you start to notice cracks in the stucco of your home, time is of the essence in preserving your rights. Given the severity of the damage that can occur from stucco defects, it is imperative to act quickly. In Florida, there is a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a claim for a stucco defect. Delaying the decision to address the issue could cause you to lose your right to pursue a claim due to Florida’s Statute of Limitations and Statute of Repose. Contact The Robertson Firm today!