What to do if a homebuilder made unauthorized changes which resulting inbuilding department stopping construction?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if a homebuilder made unauthorized changes which resulting inbuilding department stopping construction?

New residential construction builder exchanged floor joist system from blueprint to lesser system and installed it without our approval. Now we are stuck.Can’t continue construction because building department never approved the change. The joists are getting wet (they should not be getting wet if at all possible) and we can’t continue. Not even sure it will support the weight of the first floor (gypcrete). We are so frustrated. We hold the building permit. Says he can’t pay for it. Do we need to speak to a real estate attorney? In Kent County, MI.

Asked on September 12, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Michigan

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Yes, I would speak with an attorney as soon as you can. You have breach of contract issues here and the contract needs to be reviewed and liability assessed as soon as you can do so and before more damage is done.  Is there any way that you can do anything to cover the joists so that you can mitigate - lessen - the damage that is bring done with regard to the joists?  Since you hold the permit you may have some responsibility here and I just want to make sure that you are placed in the best possible light.  You may also need to speak with an engineer or architect regarding the building code in your area in order to be fully informed as to your rights under the circumstances.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption