Legal Question in Construction Law in Illinois

new home construction

We had a new home built and we took possession on April 1, 2006. WE have had so many things go wrong due to builder's sub-contractors messing up--electrical, plumbing, structural, paint, wood re-finishing, etc. Even though the builder has ''fixed'' most everything our warranty ended at one year. Our basement flooded after the initial 1 yr warranty and the builder made the remark ''Yeah, these sump pumps don't seem to last more than a year.'' My husband and I were astounded. The builder would accept no responsibility for the sump pump failure. As the basement was unfinished, we used it for storage of things we would eventually put there when we refinished the basement. We lost over $40,000.00 in possessions. Our insurance would only cover $10,000.00. As we have documented all the things that the builder did wrong, pictures, letters, etc... Do we have recourse in suing him for our lost possessions? You can't believe the stress we have gone through for over 2 years with this builder. Thank you. I don't know if we have the correct law--construction law? thanks


Asked on 6/10/08, 9:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patrick Tracy Patrick J. Tracy, Esq, P.E.,

Re: new home construction

You may have recourse against the builder. Contact a good reputable professional civil engineer who can evaluate your home and look for construction defects. He can testify for you as an expert witness against the builder. The law requires that you have a short period of time, I don't remember the exact length, I believe that it is about 3 years to bring these claims. After the inspection, if there are serious defects, such as improperly laid sewer lines or the like, you may have a case against the builder.

If so, hire an attorney to go after him.

Good luck!

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Answered on 6/11/08, 6:00 am


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