Risk of Defects Increases as Contractors Expand Into New Markets

October 26, 2012

In the last few years the tough economy has caused many businesses to change how they work. In some cases, these changes can lead to innovation in the marketplace; in others it can lead to an increased risk of potential injuries and faulty products.

Unfortunately, some contractors are falling into the latter category. Many contractors are attempting to stay afloat financially by taking on jobs in new markets. Professionals within the construction industry state that contractors are often tempted to expand their market by going one of three different directions:
-Expanding into a new geographic location
-Beginning work on new types of projects
-Cutting costs and offering a lower initial bid

Although many contractors are able to expand their businesses successfully, others may attempt one of these new directions before they are thoroughly prepared. In these situations, construction accidents or construction defects may result.

How Construction Defects Occur

Some contractors are branching out into new regions and even different states. Building codes can vary greatly from state to state, and a contractor from Utah may not be familiar with the codes enforced in Colorado. These codes are designed to ensure the home, commercial building or other structure is built safely. As a result, the building may not meet the area's requirements and could have a number of construction defects.

In addition, the lack of demand has caused some contractors to branch out and take on projects they may not be familiar with. Their workers may not be fully trained to take on these new types of projects. Some contractors are even shifting to work on projects that are outside of their normal operations, like moving from constructing buildings to roads.

In addition to changing their physical location and project types, some contractors are attempting to win bids by lowering their prices. Unfortunately, this can result in a lack of a financial cushion for any unknowns that could develop during the project.

Without this cushion, the contractor may not have enough funds to finish the project if problems arise, or may cut important corners and ultimately produce a product that is not as safe for the consumer.

Remedies If Unsafe Contractor Work Leads To Injury

The failure to construct a project properly can lead to a wide range of construction defects.

These defects can include compromised structural integrity of a building, electrical and mechanical problems as well as water intrusion issues. If water intrusion becomes a problem, it may appear as only a slight annoyance at first. However, after time passes, water intrusion can lead to the development of dangerous forms of mold throughout the structure.

Typically, deficiencies connected to water and structural issues are related to contractors not following building codes. Contractors that have been working in a particular field for many years are often more familiar with these codes, while those who are just starting out may not be aware of all the building codes in a certain region or on a particular project.

These defects can lead to a variety of problems for the property or home owner, from the cost of repair to personal injuries. These defects can begin small and lead to larger problems in the future.

If the defect is the result of a contractor's negligence, like failure to follow building codes, compensation is likely available to help cover the cost of repairs. Contact an experienced construction law attorney to discuss your legal options.

Article provided by Elkus & Sisson, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.constructiondefectslawfirm.com/