Legal & Insurance

Construction Defect Investigation

Independent investigation of defective construction: foundations, framing, drainage, concrete and site work. Typical US fees run $1,500 to $25,000, and most projects take 2 to 12 weeks.

Typical US fee$1,500 to $25,000

Typical timeline2 to 12 weeks

Permit drawingsAs needed

What the work involves

When a new home, building or site improvement performs poorly, an engineer investigates whether design or construction departed from plans, codes and industry standards. Work includes document review, inspection, measurements, destructive testing where needed, and a report on causes and repair costs. Reports support warranty claims, negotiations, and litigation, and many states have right-to-repair statutes that set notice steps before suit.

When you need it

Cracking, settlement or water problems in new construction
Builder disputes the cause of a problem
HOA transition study before taking control from a developer
Warranty claim deadline approaching

What you receive

Investigation report
Code and plan compliance review
Repair scope and cost estimate
Expert testimony if needed

What drives the cost

Estimate. Single-home investigations are at the low end; multi-building HOA claims cost more. Hourly rates for experts follow SEAK survey ranges.

Frequently asked questions

How much does construction Defect Investigation cost?

Across the US, construction Defect Investigation usually costs $1,500 to $25,000. Estimate. Single-home investigations are at the low end; multi-building HOA claims cost more. Hourly rates for experts follow SEAK survey ranges.

How long does construction Defect Investigation take?

Plan on 2 to 12 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Is a permit required for construction Defect Investigation?

Often not on its own, but the findings frequently lead to work that does need a permit. We tell you which parts of the follow-up work your local building department will review, and can prepare those drawings too.

Will I also need a structural engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, construction Defect Investigation can also involve a structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, building envelope consultant or cost estimator. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide construction Defect Investigation for?

Most of our clients for this service are homeowners, attorneys, business owners and insurers. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

What is a right-to-repair law?

Many states require homeowners to give the builder notice and an opportunity to inspect and repair before filing a defect lawsuit. Deadlines and steps vary by state.

How long do I have to bring a claim?

Statutes of limitation and repose vary by state. Consult an attorney promptly.

Does the engineer need to open walls?

Sometimes. Limited destructive testing may be needed to confirm hidden conditions.

What is an HOA transition study?

An evaluation of common elements before the developer turns control over to the owners, to identify defects while warranty and claim rights exist. It is usually commissioned by the owner-controlled board.