Builder & Contractor Warranty Disputes In Ohio: Your Rights After A Bad Renovation

The idea of hiring a contractor is supposed to improve your home, not give you leaks in the ceilings, tile damage, incomplete jobs, or repairs that cost even more money to fix. Unfortunately, homeowners in the State of Ohio are experiencing failed renovation jobs every day. And if the contractor doesn’t come back, doesn’t accept responsibility, or says the damage “isn’t covered,” it can leave you feeling stuck.

The best part is that Ohio homeowners have legal rights, such as warranties, regardless of whether they can get cooperation from their contractors. Knowing your legal rights can help you take matters into your own hands before it gets any worse. 

Common problems that lead to warranty disputes 

Contractor and builder warranty disputes can arise out of the following scenarios:

• The work looks good in the beginning, but there are issues down the road, possibly weeks later
• The materials that were used were either cheaper or of a different kind than that which was promised
• The contractor says the damage is “normal wear and tear”
• The project does not pass inspection or is not compliant with building codes
• The contractor stops responding after the final payment has been made

Examples include improper roof construction, leaks in plumbing behind walls, uneven flooring, electrical problems, and structural damage due to improper construction. 

What is a “warranty” when it comes to home renovations? 

An Ohio warranty dispute could potentially be more than a dispute over a written warranty contract. There are typically two types of warranties that can be involved: 

• Express warranties – These are written or explicitly stated guarantees. They can be written into the contract or proposal and may involve workmanship for a given period of time (for example, “one-year labor warranty”). 

• Implied warranty – Even in the absence of any warranty in the contract, Ohio law may impose an implied warranty that the work will be done in a workmanlike fashion and will be reasonably fit for purpose. This means that you shouldn’t have to settle for substandard construction work, regardless of whether or not the contractor has placed a warranty in writing. 

What if the contractor says it’s not covered? 

Contractors usually attempt to escape liability by saying:

• You approved the materials
• That’s a manufacturer’s problem
• You caused the damage after we left

These claims can sometimes be valid. Other times, they are simply a reason not to have to pay for repairs. An important question is whether there was defective work, improper installation, or misrepresentation during the course of the work that caused the problem. 

Steps Ohio homeowners should take immediately 

If you believe or suspect your contractor provided faulty work, it’s important to do the following: 

• Document everything – Take photographs and videos as soon as you realize there is a problem. Make copies of the contract, invoices, and written communications. 

• Demand repairs in writing – Email or send a letter about the problem and ask the contractor to resolve it. Do not make significant repairs immediately. Fixing the damage could destroy evidence. In situations where urgent repair is required, it’s important to document the evidence. 

Talk to a Dayton, OH, Contractor Dispute Lawyer Today 

Kohl & Cook Law Firm LLC represents the interests of Dayton residents who have had a dispute with a contractor. Call our Dayton contractor dispute lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.