When concrete cracks, slabs move, or framing fails in a newer building, carriers blame soil, earthquakes, or normal settling. AMPR Consulting proves the structural defects behind it, fronts the testing costs, and coordinates the engineers and counsel.
Post-Tension Slab Cracks and Settlement Often Point to Structural Defects
In AMPR’s Los Angeles matters, structural problems usually surface inside larger water intrusion claims. Water reaches concrete, steel, and framing, and what started as a leak becomes a structural repair. Other times the cause is in the concrete or the soil from day one.
The structural defects AMPR documents most:
Structural Defects
- Podium and garage slabs: Cracking, water migration, and efflorescence through the slab.
- Post-tension tendons: Corrosion at tendon ends where water reaches the anchor pockets.
- Rebar placement: Reinforcement and cover that don’t match the design, leading to rebar corrosion and concrete spalling.
- Framing: Over-driven or missing shear wall nailing, and missing hold-downs and straps.
- Balconies and cantilevers: Framing rot from failed waterproofing, now surfacing in California’s mandatory balcony inspections.
- Settlement: Stair-step and diagonal cracking where the soils report recommendations weren’t followed. This is more common on garden-style complexes than on podium buildings.
Three Carrier Arguments Against Structural Claims and How AMPR Counters Them
Structural claims look different outside California. In Texas, expansive clay soils make slab and foundation movement the dominant structural claim. The Residential Construction Liability Act (Texas Property Code Chapter 27) requires pre-suit notice and an inspection opportunity on homes and condominium units.
Florida’s Chapter 558 also requires pre-suit notice, and its statute of repose dropped to seven years in 2023. Post-Surfside milestone inspections are also surfacing concrete spalling and rebar corrosion in coastal condos.
Many structural claims start as water intrusion construction defect claims. AMPR is not a law firm. AMPR builds the technical record and coordinates with counsel, who make the policy arguments.
“It was the earthquake.” AMPR counters with crack patterns that don’t match seismic damage and USGS records showing no qualifying event.
“Earth movement is excluded. This is normal settlement.” Some earth movement endorsements even sweep in improperly compacted soil, so the exact wording matters. AMPR counters with compaction and inspection records showing the soils recommendations weren’t followed, and repeated level surveys showing a built-in condition rather than ongoing movement.
“Only the defective work is damaged.” AMPR shows that water from an envelope defect drove the rot or corrosion, which documents the structural damage as resulting damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Defect Claims
The carrier says it’s normal settlement. Is the claim over?
No. Settlement only works as a defense if the soil was prepared the way the geotechnical report required. AMPR checks the compaction and inspection records first. See how to fight a denied construction defect claim.
How do we know if the cracks are structural or cosmetic?
Width, pattern, and change over time tell the story. Stair-step cracks, diagonal cracks at corners, and cracks that keep growing call for an engineer, not a patch. Learn how to tell a construction defect from wear and tear.
Our garage slab is spalling and showing rust stains. Is that a defect?
Often, yes. Rust staining and spalling on a newer slab usually mean water is reaching rebar or post-tension tendons, through shallow cover or a failed membrane above. See what is a construction defect for where the line falls.
The carrier already sent an engineer. Do we need our own?
Yes. The carrier’s engineer works for the carrier. AMPR brings in a California-licensed structural engineer whose independent findings can be tested against the carrier’s report. Here’s what to look for in a construction defect consultant.
Our balcony inspection found framing rot. Is that a construction defect?
It can be, when failed waterproofing caused the rot. Apartment owners can start with SB 721 owner exposure and builder recovery, and condo boards with who pays for SB 326 repairs.
How long do we have to bring a structural claim?
California generally sets a 10-year outer limit for latent construction defects, but your attorney should confirm the deadline that applies to your building. Learn why the discovery date determines how long you have to act.
What does it cost, and how long does it take?
The first conversation costs nothing, and engagement terms are discussed openly at that stage. Timing depends on the building, the number of carriers, and how quickly testing can be scheduled, and many matters resolve without a lawsuit. AMPR typically handles claims with $1 million to $40 million in defect damage. Here’s what a construction defect investigation involves.
Do we need to sue the builder?
Often, no. Many of AMPR’s matters resolve through mediation before any lawsuit. Filing first usually triggers cross-complaints and years of discovery, which is what hiring an attorney before a consultant costs you.
Does this apply to HOAs, insurers, and contractors?
Yes. Boards can get HOA construction defect support when structural repairs threaten a special assessment. Insurance professionals get engineering that separates earth movement from construction cause. Contractor defect claims benefit from as-built testing that pins the failure to the right trade. Owners and developers of newer multifamily buildings bring AMPR most of its structural work.
Your Structural Claim Needs Evidence Before It Needs an Argument
Complete the form with your building’s location, completion date, and where the carrier stands. AMPR will review the claim and outline the testing needed to prove it.
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