| Modifying or building a home can be an exciting | | | | in addition to any warranty, you may also take |
| process. Choosing materials and then watching | | | | legal action if a defect is discovered. The statute |
| your creation come to life can be especially | | | | of limitations for filing a claim is two to three |
| rewarding. However, unfortunately, disputes with | | | | years from the moment you realize there has |
| contractors are fairly common and can result in | | | | been a manufacturing or building defect. |
| work not being completed on time or at all. At | | | | - South Carolina Tort Reform Act of 2005: First, |
| times like these, you need the help of an | | | | this law shortens the statute of repose from |
| attorney who is knowledgeable in construction | | | | thirteen years to eight years. Additionally, your |
| laws. | | | | construction accident lawyers can inform you that |
| Your rights as a homeowner | | | | the act issued a change in joint and several liability |
| Before hiring a contractor you should take a | | | | laws. This means that in order for a defendant to |
| moment to review your rights. Additionally, to | | | | pay 100 percent of damages, he or she must be |
| avoid having your rights violated at any time, you | | | | at least 50 percent responsible. |
| should research contractors before hiring. Avoid | | | | - South Carolina Notice and Opportunity to Cure |
| hiring inexperienced individuals or anyone who | | | | Construction Dwelling and Defects Act: This act |
| does not appear to be credible. Instead, find a | | | | gives you the right to send a contractor a written |
| contractor who has a good reputation. | | | | notice before you decide to take legal action. |
| Below are some of your rights as a homeowner: | | | | Construction accident lawyers can assist you in |
| - Warranty: Under South Carolina laws, new | | | | drafting this notice. The contractor then has 30 |
| houses are usually covered by a builder warranty | | | | days to inspect the claim, offer a settlement, or |
| for at least one year. This is designed to protect | | | | correct the defect. If you and the contractor are |
| the homeowner from any problems with | | | | unable to settle the dispute after 90 days, you |
| construction or materials. Builders are required to | | | | may then file a civil action. |
| fix any problems covered under this warranty. Be | | | | Nowadays many homeowners find themselves |
| aware however, that there are several different | | | | dealing with contractors who have poor work |
| types of warranties including full warranties, limited | | | | ethics, use shoddy materials, or fail to meet |
| liability general warranties, and highly limited | | | | deadlines. If you are facing a contractor dispute, |
| warranties. | | | | do not hesitate in contacting construction accident |
| - Statute of limitations: According to South | | | | lawyers as soon as possible. |
| Carolina construction laws that cover Charleston, | | | | |