Condos not up to code, owners sue

When people buy homes in California or elsewhere, either standalone structures or condos in high-rise buildings, they trust the structures are free and clear of any defects and are up to code. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as contractors and subcontractors sometimes cut corners to reduce costs and/or complete the project on time. When a homeowner discovers problems with the construction of his or her residence, the owner can bring legal claims against the developers and others responsible. A recent case outside the United States is a good example of what can happen when construction professionals do not catch mistakes until it is too late. 

The lawsuit 

A luxury high-rise condo outside the country has had its share of problems since it was built. Now, a group of condo owners are suing the developers, contractors and other professionals involved in the tower’s design and construction are pursuing litigation as a result. According to claims brought by the condo owners, the structure was not built to code and contains dangerous defects that have resulted in property damage as well as damage to the strata of the building. 

The property in question is called The Ultra, a modern and supposed state-of-the-art condo town in Surrey, British Columbia. The tower contains 360 units, with the most expensive selling for more than $1.5 million. Two years after discovering the building was not up to code, a group of condo owners are finally bringing suit against a wide range of defendants, claiming they should have caught the defects and ensured the tower was up to code before allowing tenants to buy property and move in.  

The legal battle 

So far, none of the allegations of wrongdoing and negligence have been proven in a court of law. However, the report did state that two engineers involved in the project were suspended in 2019 after the problems with the tower were made public. Only time will tell how this case plays out, but anyone who purchased property in California only to find it contained construction defects or other issues has the right to pursue legal claims against those involved in the design and construction of the structure.