Atlanta Luxury Home Construction Defects Attorneys

We represent property owners and businesses in Georgia construction defect claims, from design and material flaws to complex disputes involving contractors, developers, and insurers.

At Thrift McLemore, we understand that defects in luxury home construction can have a devastating impact on property value, repair costs, and occupant safety. High-end residences in Atlanta often involve complex designs and premium materials, making them especially vulnerable to errors in installation, coordination, or craftsmanship. When these issues prevent a home from performing as intended or meeting required standards, significant financial losses can follow. Our Georgia construction defect attorneys have extensive experience evaluating luxury home defect claims, determining responsibility among involved parties, and pursuing results that protect our clients’ substantial investments.

What Is a Luxury Home Construction Defect?

A construction defect generally exists when a project fails to comply with accepted industry standards. Defects typically fall into three primary classifications. Design-related flaws originate in architectural or engineering plans, such as miscalculated load requirements or improper drainage or roof design. Material-related issues arise when substandard, damaged, or defective products are used, including faulty piping, compromised lumber, or defective roofing components. Workmanship defects result from improper installation or poor craftsmanship and are the most frequently encountered, including incorrectly installed hardwood flooring. Defects may also be categorized as patent or latent, depending on whether the issue is readily observable during inspection or remains hidden until later discovery.

Common Luxury Home Defects

While the standard of care that is used to define a construction defect is not fundamentally different with a luxury home, both the homeowner and the contractor typically have more at stake. The materials used in a luxury home are usually more expensive and frequently require more skill to install. In practical terms, this means that if a contractor lacks the necessary experience, workmanship defects are likely to occur.

Not surprisingly, the most common construction defect we see with luxury homes involves incorrect installation of materials. Hardwood floors, granite countertops, high-end electronics, and elaborate swimming pools that are frequently found in luxury homes all require specialized materials and an experienced contractor to install properly. We often see contractors looking to make more money on a luxury home project who are ill-equipped to do so.

Understanding Diminution of Value

When a construction defect does occur in a luxury home, the defect often causes a “diminution of value.” A key component when calculating damages, a diminution in value refers to an overall reduction in the home’s worth that impacts the resale value. By way of illustration, we had a client who had a construction defect that required the installation of a sump pump to get sewage out of the basement. The need for a sump pump lowered the value of the home, given that buyers do not want a home that requires the use of a sump pump because it is an additional potential source of problems and money in the future.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses in a Luxury Home Construction Defect Case

When a luxury home is involved, expert witnesses may be required to successfully pursue a construction defect claim. At Thrift McLemore, our experience and resources have enabled us to maintain a thoroughly vetted roster of expert witnesses in a wide variety of construction-related disciplines, including HVAC, geo-engineers, home automation, structural engineers, and general contractors. Not only are we confident in their ability to handle luxury home construction defect cases, but they are also experienced in estimating realistic repair costs.

Will My Luxury Home Construction Defect Case Go to Trial?

At Thrift McLemore, our goal is to negotiate a favorable settlement for your construction defect case without the need for time-consuming and costly litigation. If we are able to reach an agreement, the terms of that agreement will likely include a non-disclosure and a non-disparagement clause. In short, these prohibit all parties from discussing the terms of the agreement and from making disparaging comments about the other party or parties post-settlement. If a favorable settlement agreement is not forthcoming, the team at Thrift McLemore will aggressively advocate on your behalf in court.