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Construction damage occurs when building activities, heavy equipment, or structural work unintentionally affect nearby properties. Even when done correctly, construction can create vibrations, pressure changes, or structural shifts that lead to cracks, leaks, and long-term instability. Because this type of damage often develops slowly and invisibly, many property owners don’t realize what caused it until the problems become serious.
From a contractor’s mistake to heavy equipment accidents, these losses can leave you with expensive repairs and disputes about who should pay.”
Equipment like jackhammers, excavators, and compactors create powerful vibrations that can: Crack walls, tiles, or ceilings Shift foundations Loosen fasteners and structural joints Even construction several houses away can cause damage if the soil is sensitive or the building is older.
Demolition creates shockwaves strong enough to cause: Broken windows Detached drywall Roofing displacement Chimney or brick damage Nearby buildings are especially vulnerable.
Digging near a property changes the soil’s stability. This can trigger: Foundation settling Driveway or walkway sinking Cracks in basements or slabs Water intrusion through weakened walls If the soil loses support, the structure above begins to shift.
Construction can redirect rainwater or groundwater. Poor site preparation may cause: Water pooling near foundations Basement leaks Erosion and soil weakening Water issues often start after construction and quickly lead to mold or structural deterioration.
Sometimes the damage is caused directly by contractors, such as: Drilling through electrical or plumbing lines Damaging roofing while installing equipment Breaking walls, tiles, or fixtures Leaving openings that allow pests or water inside These mistakes can create expensive hidden problems later.
High-rise construction, pile driving, or deep foundation work can create air and ground pressure changes that crack older homes or shift structures nearby.
Construction vibrations or soil movement can shift foundations, weaken support beams, and misalign walls without showing obvious signs at first. What starts as a tiny crack can become a major structural problem over time.
Once construction weakens a building, floors may begin to slope, tiles loosen, and cracks continue spreading. This slow evolution makes construction damage easy to overlook until repairs become expensive.
Nearby construction can rupture underground pipes, damage wiring, or disturb gas lines. These hidden breaks can cause: Flooding Mold growth Electrical hazards Dangerous gas leaks These risks make the situation far more serious than surface cracks or cosmetic issues.
Damaged foundations, walls, or exterior seals allow moisture to enter. Over time, this leads to mold, rot, and compromised indoor air quality — turning a structural problem into a health hazard.
Construction damage can spark disputes between homeowners, contractors, builders, and insurance companies. Each party may try to deny responsibility, leaving property owners stuck in long, complicated claims unless they have professional representation.
Insurance companies often argue that construction damage was caused by: “Wear and tear” “Normal settling” “Pre-existing conditions” These labels are used to avoid paying for what is actually new, construction-related damage.
Because construction damage is often subtle or hidden, insurers may demand: Engineering reports Soil or structural evaluations Photos showing before/after conditions Without a public adjuster assisting you, this process becomes frustrating and overwhelming.
Many policies cover only “sudden and accidental” losses. Insurers may argue that cracks or shifting occurred slowly — even when construction work caused it — to reduce or deny coverage.
Insurance adjusters often price repairs based on cosmetic fixes rather than full restoration. This means they might: Pay to patch cracks, but not fix foundation movement Repaint walls, but not address the cause Replace tiles, but not stabilize the underlying floor This leaves homeowners with expensive long-term problems.
Insurers may request repeated documents, send multiple inspectors, or “reopen investigations” to stall payment — hoping the homeowner gives up or accepts a low offer.
He inspects and document both visible and hidden construction-related damage.
Photos, detailed estimates, and reports to prove your full loss.
He analyzes your coverage and how it applies to construction-related incidents.
He fights to make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
“Construction should improve your property — not leave you worse off. Jerry Kotler’s job as your public adjuster is to hold the insurance company accountable, make sure your damages are fully recognized, and secure the settlement you need to restore your home or business properly.”
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