Partial closures at Granby Library to address mold, construction defects

February 15, 2013 (Press-News.org) Partial closures at Granby Library to address mold, construction defects

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Just six years after it was built, the Granby Library has been forced to undergo a series of partial closings in recent months due to problems with mold, rust, condensation and water damage. The damage, which has been linked to construction defects in the library's fire-sprinkler system, was discovered after pipes in the building's ceiling cavity froze on two occasions, first in February 2011 and again in January 2012.

Along with mold removal, the necessary repairs include replacing the ceiling tongue and groove, installing new insulation, and moving the sprinkler system from the ceiling cavity into the interior of the library. The project will cost an estimated $400,000, and is expected to be complete in early 2013. After an inspection determined that the mold did not pose a health threat to library staff or visitors, library officials opted to keep certain areas of the library open for use while the building is repaired.

In an effort to offset the cost of the repairs, the library district filed a lawsuit in June 2012 against the construction company, architect and several subcontractors involved in the design and construction of the library building. The lawsuit contends that the defendants failed to account for protecting the sprinkler system when designing and constructing the building.

As required by Colorado law, the library district notified the defendants before filing the lawsuit and gave them the opportunity to submit offers to repair the defects, Sky-Hi News reported. However, an attorney for the library says they received a response from only one of the six firms listed in the complaint.

Dealing with residential construction defects

Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial and emotional investments that a person makes in his or her lifetime, and the discovery of a major construction defect after the sale can be both devastating and financially crippling. While some construction defects are repairable, major defects such as widespread toxic mold contamination or serious foundation problems can be so severe that the entire building must be torn down.

Fortunately, homeowners who encounter construction defects in their homes can often receive compensation from the architect, builders or other construction professionals responsible for the defects. Before filing a construction defect lawsuit, state law requires Colorado homeowners to notify construction professionals of any defects and allow them the opportunity to make repairs. The notice must be filed with the court at least 75 days prior to filing a lawsuit. In many cases, this process allows disputes to be settled without going to court.

Upon discovering a construction defect in Colorado, it is important to contact an attorney and take action quickly in order to preserve the right to seek recovery in court. The statute of limitations on construction defects in Colorado is generally just two years from the date that a homeowner discovers or should have discovered the existence of a defect. To learn more about the legal remedies that may be available for construction defects in Colorado, contact an experienced construction lawyer.