Construction Defects Course

Lesson 1 • Categories of Construction Defects

Covers the four primary defect categories: design, material, construction, and subsurface. Enables students to sort real cases into the correct classification.

Lesson 2 • Defining Construction Defects

Introduces the legal and technical definitions of a construction defect. Sets the conceptual baseline for all subsequent defect analysis in the course.

Lesson 3 • Stakeholders and Their Responsibilities

Maps the roles of owners, designers, contractors, and subcontractors in defect causation and liability. Clarifies accountability chains used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Notice and Pre-Litigation Requirements

Explains mandatory notice periods, right-to-repair statutes, and pre-suit inspection rights. Prepares students to meet procedural prerequisites before filing a claim.

Lesson 2 • Legal Theories of Liability

Covers negligence, breach of contract, strict liability, and fraud as bases for defect claims. Connects each theory to the stakeholder roles introduced in Chapter 1.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Code Compliance

Connects building code violations to defect liability and explains the role of inspections. Reinforces how regulatory noncompliance creates legal exposure.

Lesson 4 • Statutes of Limitation and Repose

Distinguishes statutes of limitation from statutes of repose and explains discovery rules. Students learn how timing affects claim viability.

Lesson 1 • Visual Inspection Techniques

Teaches systematic visual survey methods for exterior, interior, and structural elements. Visual findings form the foundation of every defect investigation.

Lesson 2 • Writing the Investigation Report

Guides students through structuring findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a defensible report. Clear reporting translates technical findings into actionable legal and repair guidance.

Lesson 3 • Planning the Defect Investigation

Covers scope definition, team assembly, and safety protocols before site entry. A structured plan prevents evidence loss and ensures legal admissibility.

Lesson 4 • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing

Compares invasive sampling with non-destructive evaluation tools such as moisture meters and thermal imaging. Selecting the right method balances evidence quality with property impact.

Lesson 1 • Structural Framing Defects

Identifies defects in wood, steel, and concrete framing including improper connections and undersized members. Framing defects directly affect structural integrity and life safety.

Lesson 2 • Exterior Cladding and Fenestration Defects

Examines failures in stucco, siding, windows, and curtain walls that allow moisture infiltration. Cladding defects are a primary source of mold and interior damage claims.

Lesson 3 • Foundation and Soil-Related Defects

Covers settlement, heave, and bearing failure caused by inadequate soil preparation or design. Foundation defects often trigger cascading damage throughout a structure.

Lesson 4 • Waterproofing and Below-Grade Defects

Covers failures in below-grade waterproofing, drainage boards, and slab-on-grade systems. Below-grade defects are often hidden and expensive to remediate.

Lesson 1 • Electrical System Defects

Identifies wiring errors, panel deficiencies, and grounding failures that create safety and code violations. Electrical defects carry significant life-safety and liability consequences.

Lesson 2 • Plumbing System Defects

Examines pipe material failures, improper slope, and inadequate pressure as sources of plumbing defects. Plumbing failures frequently cause water damage and mold growth.

Lesson 3 • Fire Protection System Defects

Covers sprinkler installation errors, alarm system failures, and passive fire-resistance defects. Fire protection defects create acute life-safety liability for all responsible parties.

Lesson 1 • Repair Method Selection

Compares repair-in-place, partial replacement, and full replacement strategies for each defect type. Method selection balances cost, durability, and legal defensibility.

Lesson 2 • Translating Findings into Repair Scope

Converts investigation report findings into a defined scope of work for each defect. A precise scope prevents scope creep and supports accurate cost estimation.

Lesson 3 • Documenting Completed Repairs

Establishes standards for as-built records, photographic logs, and warranty documentation after repair. Complete repair documentation protects all parties from future claims.

Lesson 4 • Contractor Selection and Oversight

Covers bid solicitation, contractor qualification, and construction oversight during defect repairs. Proper oversight ensures repairs meet the agreed scope and quality standard.

Lesson 1 • Settlement Negotiation and Valuation

Covers damage valuation models, negotiation tactics, and structured settlement documentation. Settlement skills reduce litigation costs and deliver faster resolution for all parties.

Lesson 2 • Preparing Expert Reports for Litigation

Builds on Chapter 3 report writing to meet litigation-specific disclosure and format requirements. Litigation reports must withstand opposing expert scrutiny and cross-examination.

Lesson 3 • Expert Witness Roles and Standards

Defines the qualifications, duties, and ethical obligations of a construction defect expert witness. Expert credibility directly affects case outcomes in arbitration and trial.

Lesson 4 • Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Compares mediation, arbitration, and dispute review boards as alternatives to litigation. Understanding ADR options enables strategic selection of the most efficient resolution path.

Lesson 1 • Warranty Programs and Post-Occupancy

Structures contractor and manufacturer warranty programs and post-occupancy inspection schedules. Proactive warranty management reduces claim frequency and repair costs.

Lesson 2 • Building a Quality Management System

Guides students in drafting a project-specific quality management plan integrating all prevention tools. A documented QMS demonstrates due diligence and reduces legal exposure.

Lesson 3 • Construction-Phase Quality Control

Covers inspection plans, hold points, and non-conformance reporting during active construction. Field quality control catches defects before they are concealed by subsequent work.

Lesson 4 • Building Commissioning and Closeout

Explains commissioning as a systematic verification of building systems before occupancy. Commissioning identifies latent defects that would otherwise surface as warranty claims.