A recent article concerning Gov. Jared Polis' visit to Durango said, “Porter-Norton also called on Polis to push for changes that would limit developers’ liability for construction defects, which can drive up the prices of otherwise relatively affordable condos.”
I was a bit shocked when I read this. Here’s why.
My wife and I are going through what a “construction defect” actually means. For the last three winters, our three-year-old house has had a sagging and leaking roof because of a construction defect. Our insurance company will not cover construction defects of any kind. We are now stuck with a $22,000 bill to replace our roof – or we watch it collapse into our living room this winter.
We came from Florida, where codes and inspections are very stringent. We were dismayed by the lack of such here in La Plata County. Colorado already has too few codes concerning new construction – particularly roof construction – and little inspection to assure buyers that the house they’re buying is of sound construction.
Allowing builders to slip construction defects into people’s houses is a terrible idea that will cost unsuspecting home buyers and apartment dwellers nothing but headaches – and a lot of hard-earned money.
I know we are in desperate need of affordable housing here in Durango. But allowing defects to be built into homes and apartments is a disaster looking for a place to happen.
Please, don’t do this.
Danny Burns
Durango
