Defective Windows and Doors

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At Kagan Law PLLC, we represent Florida homeowners who have discovered that their dream home suffers from costly and dangerous construction defects. One of the most common and damaging issues we encounter in new Florida construction involves improperly installed or defective windows and doors. These construction defects can lead to significant water intrusion, toxic mold growth, and uncomfortably hot homes with skyrocketing energy bills due to poor energy efficiency.

If you're facing these issues in your new home, you are not alone, and you have legal rights.

The Hidden Dangers of Faulty Windows and Doors

You paid for a brand-new home, expecting quality craftsmanship. However, when builders or subcontractors cut corners during installation or use faulty products, the results can be disastrous for homeowners.

Water Intrusion and Leaks 💧

The primary function of windows and doors is to keep the elements out. When they fail, your home is left vulnerable.

Improper Flashing & Sealing: The most frequent cause of leaks is the failure to properly integrate the window or door unit into the home's water-resistive barrier. Missing or incorrectly applied flashing and sealants create direct pathways for rainwater to enter your walls.

Signs of Water Leaks: Be vigilant for telltale signs like water stains on walls or ceilings near windows, peeling or bubbling paint, swollen drywall, or a musty odor after it rains.

Toxic Mold Growth 🤢

Where there is moisture, mold is sure to follow, especially in Florida's humid climate. Water that becomes trapped in your wall cavities from a leaking window or door creates the perfect breeding ground for toxic mold.

Mold not only causes significant property damage but also poses a serious health risk to your family, potentially causing respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other chronic health problems. Mold remediation can be an invasive and extremely expensive process.

A Hot Home & High Energy Bills 🥵

Are you constantly fighting your thermostat? Do some rooms feel impossible to cool? Your windows and doors may be the culprit.

Poor Insulation: Improperly installed units create gaps and cracks that compromise your home's thermal envelope. This allows hot, humid Florida air to infiltrate your home and cool, conditioned air to escape.

Failed Seals: A broken seal in a double-pane (insulated glass unit) window allows the insulating gas to escape, drastically reducing its energy efficiency. You may notice fogging or condensation between the panes of glass.

Your HVAC system is forced to work overtime to compensate, leading to excessive wear and tear and significantly higher monthly electricity bills.

Holding Negligent Builders Accountable

Florida law provides homeowners with remedies when they discover construction defects. The builder, developer, and even subcontractors may be held liable for the damages caused by their negligence. Kagan Law PLLC can help you navigate the complex legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for:

Cost of Repairs and Replacement

Mold Remediation

Damage to Your Personal Property

Diminished Value of Your Home

Other Related Financial Losses

Don't let a builder's mistake ruin your investment and compromise your family's health.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are the first signs of a defective window or door installation?

The earliest signs are often subtle. Look for paint bubbling or peeling near the window frame, discoloration on drywall or baseboards, warped wood flooring, or condensation between glass panes. A musty smell, especially after rain, is also a major red flag.

How long do I have to file a construction defect claim in Florida?

Florida has a strict Statute of Limitations for construction defect claims. Generally, you must bring a lawsuit within four years of when the defect was discovered or should have been discovered. There is also a "statute of repose" that typically bars any claim made more than ten years after the construction is completed, regardless of when the defect was found. It's critical to act quickly.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

Typically, you can seek compensation to cover the full cost of repairing the defective work and any resulting damage. This includes the cost of materials and labor for window/door replacement, drywall repair, painting, flooring replacement, and professional mold remediation.

Do I have to pay for a consultation?

No. Kagan Law PLLC offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We can help you understand your legal options and determine the best path forward.

Contact us

If you suspect your new home has defective windows or doors causing water leaks, mold, or high energy bills, contact Kagan Law PLLC immediately. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of Florida homeowners.

Call us at (954) 300-1068 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your FREE consultation.