Construction Defects After a Remodel
Remodeling Should Improve Your Home, Not Destroy Its Value
When you hire a contractor to renovate your home, whether it’s a kitchen update, bathroom remodel, or major addition, you expect the work to be professional, up to code, and completed with care. But unfortunately, poor workmanship, code violations, and cut corners are all too common in remodeling jobs across Texas.
At Fertitta & Givens, we help homeowners take legal action when contractors cause serious construction issues during or after a remodel. We represent clients throughout Houston, Galveston, League City, Texas City, and beyond, and we know how to hold contractors accountable for defective work.
Our award-winning lawyers represent homeowners across Texas in all types of residential construction defect claims. To discuss your options, call (346) 258-5803 for a FREE consultation.
What Remodeling Defects Might Look Like
Construction issues after a remodel can take many forms. You may notice obvious problems right away, or defects may surface months later. Common signs of remodeling-related defects include:
- Leaks or moisture problems around new windows, showers, or additions
- Cracked tile or buckling floors due to improper underlayment
- Electrical hazards from unlicensed or rushed wiring jobs
- Mismatched materials or shortcuts that don’t comply with plans
- Water damage from unsealed penetrations or improper drainage
- Unstable additions that settle unevenly or separate from the main home
- HVAC or plumbing failures due to improper installation
Not all remodeling issues are immediately visible. Problems may only appear after the first heavy rain, cold snap, or when appliances and systems are put to the test.
Remodelers Owe You a Legal Duty
Whether you hired a general contractor, specialty trade, or design-build firm, they owe you a duty to perform work:
- In a good and workmanlike manner
- According to building codes and industry standards
- Consistent with any written contracts or design plans
When they fail to meet these obligations and their work causes harm, they may be legally responsible for the resulting damage. In some cases, subcontractors, inspectors, or architects may also share liability.
Legal Claims After a Defective Remodel
Homeowners may have multiple claims available after discovering remodeling-related defects, including:
- RCLA claims – Under the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act, homeowners must provide written notice of defects and allow the contractor an opportunity to inspect and offer a fix before filing suit. This step is mandatory, and we guide clients through every part of the process.
- Breach of contract – If the remodeler failed to meet the terms of your agreement—such as failing to follow plans, omitting promised work, or missing deadlines—you may have a claim for breach. These claims focus on the specific promises made in your written or verbal contract.
- Negligence – If a contractor or subcontractor performed the work carelessly, used improper methods, or lacked the necessary skill or licenses, you may have a negligence claim. These cases don’t always require a contract and focus on whether the work was done below acceptable standards.
- Fraud or misrepresentation – If your contractor lied about being licensed, pulled permits they never actually obtained, or misled you about materials or workmanship, you may be able to sue for fraud. This includes not just false statements but also concealment of critical facts.
- Warranty violations – If the remodeler provided a written warranty or if the work is covered by implied warranties under Texas law, you may have a valid claim if the work fails to perform as expected. Even if the contractor refuses to return your calls, warranty rights may still apply.
We help clients understand which legal avenues make sense for their situation—and we work to build strong, evidence-based claims to hold negligent remodelers accountable.
How Fertitta & Givens Can Help
- We investigate defects and work with experts to determine the scope and cause.
- We prepare and send legally required notice letters under Texas law.
- We help you pursue compensation for repairs, diminished value, and related costs.
- We handle negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and lawsuits as needed.
Our goal is to help you fix what’s broken and hold the responsible parties accountable.
FAQ: Construction Defects After a Remodel
Can I Sue My Contractor for Poor Workmanship?
Yes. If their work falls below acceptable standards and caused damage, you may have legal grounds to recover costs.
What If the Problem Was Caused by a Subcontractor?
Contractors are generally responsible for the tradespeople they hire. We’ll investigate and help identify all liable parties.
Do I Have to Let the Contractor Fix It First?
Under Texas law (RCLA), the contractor typically gets an opportunity to inspect and offer repairs. We guide you through this process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Texas generally allows up to 10 years to file most construction defect claims, but the timeline may vary depending on your case.
If your remodel went wrong and left your home in worse condition than before, we want to help. At Fertitta & Givens, we fight for homeowners across Texas who trusted contractors and were let down.
Call (346) 258-5803 or contact us online today to schedule a FREE consultation.
