Hidden defects in construction: how to avoid them?

Corrective work may be necessary, which will negatively impact not only the profitability of the project, but also the clients' confidence in the company responsible for the construction.

It is therefore essential to prevent these hidden defects, particularly through the use of digital tools. Platforms thus help general contractors, real estate developers and project managers to obtain the best possible construction quality.

Anatomy of a hidden defect: classification, origin and responsibility

Construction defects can be divided into several categories:

• Structural defects: These are problems related to the load-bearing capacity of the structure, such as cracks in the foundations, poorly made assemblies or inadequate materials. These problems can lead to serious risks to the stability of the building.
• Installation defects: This concerns electrical, plumbing, drainage and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) installations. Poorly executed installations that can lead to failures, leaks and increased fire risks.
• Material defects: This targets the use of poor quality materials that do not meet construction standards. This could include poor quality concrete, rusty reinforcement or leaky windows and doors.

The origin of these defects is varied, ranging from simple design or calculation errors in the documentation to real failures in execution, otherwise known as the "human factor". For example, poor concrete pouring or poor installation of reinforcement can weaken the structure of the building.

When purchasing real estate, the buyer has a number of rights under the warranty for physical defects in the property. The seller is liable to the buyer for the condition of the property. If the buyer was aware of the defect at the time of entering into the contract, the seller is not liable. On the other hand, if the hidden defect was discovered after the conclusion of the contract, the seller is liable for it and is required to repair it or reduce the price of the property. The warranty for defects thus protects the buyer against the practices of a dishonest seller.

On the importance of inspection…

Hidden defects, such as roof leaks or other structural defects, are those that are difficult to detect during a visual inspection of the property. Early detection of hidden defects in construction is crucial both to ensure the continuity of construction work and to minimize the cost of future repairs. Regular inspections and the use of technology can help detect potential problems early, while they are still relatively easy to repair.

Regular inspections and construction supervision are the foundation of effective quality management in the construction industry. Construction supervision includes checking the quality of materials used, inspecting execution techniques and compliance with the design, which ensures compliance with construction standards. Using experienced inspectors to systematically check the quality of execution and compliance with the design allows for rapid response to any irregularities.

New technologies play a key role in the construction defect detection process. The use of advanced project management software allows for quick and accurate data analysis and tracking of construction progress. This allows issues to be flagged and resolved immediately, preventing problems and maintaining optimal construction quality.

…to the need for training and communication

Training and supervising talent is essential to maintaining high quality standards in construction. General contracting companies must ensure that all employees are properly trained and aware of the requirements placed on them. Regular training and supervision of workers helps prevent errors due to ignorance or negligence.

Digital platforms support the employee training and supervision process by providing them with access to up-to-date procedures and quality standards.

Maintaining accurate documentation and regular communication with the builder and subcontractors is essential to effectively prevent hidden defects. Proper documentation allows for rapid response to any issues that arise during the project and for all parties to be informed of changes in real time. It is this instantaneous exchange of information that is crucial – without it, teams operate in an uncoordinated manner, making each other’s work more difficult.

Users can quickly upload reports, photos, and notes, ensuring transparency and consistency of information. Automatic notifications and updates keep all teams informed, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and delays.

Effective quality management on a construction project is essential to avoid hidden defects and ensure the durability and safety of the structure. Careful analysis of designs, rigorous selection of materials, regular inspections, proper training of personnel and detailed record keeping are fundamental elements of this process. The use of a cutting-edge digital platform supports these activities, enabling accurate progress tracking and rapid response to issues – and thereby preventing hidden defects.

Tribune by Álvaro Vega, Regional Manager France, Spain, Italy and Latin America, PlanRadar (LinkedIn).