Mold growth inside residential properties and even commercial facilities is more common than many people realize. The combination of moisture and darkness creates the ideal environment for mold growth. Mold can grow inside walls for months before people notice, and remediation can become costly.
Occasionally, property owners may blame outside parties for internal mold development. Clients who previously hired a construction company may want to hold that business accountable by pursuing a construction defect lawsuit — particularly when mold begins growing shortly after the completion of a new construction project or a significant renovation. Is mold growth that occurs shortly after a construction project indicative of defective workmanship?
Improper practices can increase mold risks
Spores are present almost everywhere, and it only takes a little moisture to help those spores develop into potentially dangerous mold. Construction professionals generally need to take steps to minimize the risk of mold growth during construction work.
Careful management of materials is part of that process. Additionally, construction companies and professionals need to ensure that they install windows and doors carefully.
Issues with plumbing or with the roof could also lead to claims that construction errors were to blame for the development of mold inside a property. If there were deviations from best practices and those errors influenced the growth of mold, property owners may have grounds to file a construction defect claim.
Both frustrated property owners and construction professionals may need help evaluating the situation when a dispute about mold and construction defects arises. Working with an attorney can help people understand their options and respond appropriately to mold issues after the completion of a construction project.
