Building a dream home or renovating a cherished space is an exciting experience for property owners. When the project is in the skilled hands of a principled contractor, you will probably get the desired results.
However, unscrupulous individuals can infiltrate any industry, including construction, and may turn your experience into a costly nightmare. How?
Cutting corners in hard-to-notice places
Corner-cutting can happen in several ways. For example, running over budget may cause a desperate contractor to take a few shortcuts and make up the difference. Most contractors are honest and dedicated. However, an unethical few may even prioritize profit over quality, willfully performing substandard work.
Here are common areas where corner-cutting occurs:
- Using inexperienced or unqualified construction workers
- Swapping selected materials for cheap alternatives
- Installing undersized or inadequate systems (plumbing, septic, etc.)
- Skimping on insulation and other materials
- Omitting critical construction process steps
- Substituting luxury add-ons with low-quality items
As you can see, there are many ways the unscrupulous could compromise the quality and value of your home.
You have rights in Massachusetts
Cutting corners is a leading cause of construction defects, but Massachusetts law protects against unfair and deceptive business practices. Here are two beneficial steps to take if you suspect corner-cutting in your construction project.
Gather evidence: Collect all documents related to your construction project, especially those that involve the contractor. Examples of additional paperwork that may strengthen your claim include:
- Contracts and warranties
- Inspection reports
- Payment records
- Project photos and video
Learn your options: Get experienced legal guidance. This will help you determine if you have a strong claim and of help you work to hold the responsible parties to account for your losses.
