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Construction Defect Investigation
When a building problem traces back to how it was designed or built, documenting the defect clearly matters — for repair planning, and for any dispute that follows. A construction defect investigation identifies what went wrong and how it happened. This is more thorough than a standard construction inspection — we compare as-built conditions against plans, codes, and manufacturer requirements.
Common signs
- Problems appearing shortly after construction or renovation
- Water intrusion at multiple similar locations
- Components installed contrary to manufacturer specifications
- Recurring failures despite repairs
- Discrepancies between plans and as-built conditions
Potential causes
- Design errors or omissions
- Installation not matching manufacturer requirements
- Code or standard-of-care deviations
- Incompatible material substitutions
- Inadequate quality control during construction
What we test and document
- Site investigation and documentation
- Comparison against plans, specifications, and manufacturer guidelines
- Material and assembly testing
- Photographic and written documentation suitable for review
What you receive
A written report comparing observed conditions against plans, codes, and manufacturer requirements, documenting the defect and its likely cause.
Investigator vs. contractor
A contractor is often right when the source of a problem is already known. An independent investigation is worth it when the source isn’t clear, a previous repair didn’t work, or you need documentation you can rely on before spending money on repairs.
Common questions
Is this the same as a home inspection?
No — a construction defect investigation examines installation against plans, codes, and manufacturer requirements to determine whether a defect exists.
Can this support a claim against a builder or contractor?
Documentation is prepared to be clear and defensible. Let us know upfront if a dispute or claim is anticipated.
Do you work with attorneys on these investigations?
Yes — field investigation and documentation for construction defect matters, including support for attorneys, is part of what we do.
Local considerations
Rapid multifamily and hillside development across the Central Coast has produced a range of construction defect patterns specific to regional building methods.
