Defective installation is one of the most common causes of property damage and safety hazards in California homes today. As homeowners increasingly invest in solar panels, HVAC systems, and complex electrical upgrades, the number of installation-related failures continues to rise.
At KAASS LAW, we’ve seen a surge in claims related to poor workmanship and substandard installations. These issues may not be visible at first, but they often result in significant property damage, health risks, or even fire hazards. This blog highlights the key risks, legal rights, and solutions available when facing a defective installation in your home.
California leads the nation in solar panel installations, but not every job is done right. This can ruin a roof, cause leaks, or even create fire risks.
Here are a few signs of solar panel installation failure:
Water damage or roof sagging
Exposed or overheating wires
Poor energy output
Panels detaching from the roof
Often, these issues arise when contractors use low-grade equipment or fail to properly seal roof penetrations. In some cases, installers bypass electrical codes to cut costs or speed up the job. That’s when legal action may be necessary.
If your home has suffered due to negligent solar work, KAASS LAW is here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and recover your losses.
When HVAC systems are poorly installed, homeowners often suffer both financially and physically. A defective installation of a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit can lead to:
Mold growth from improper drainage
Unstable temperatures due to poor airflow
Frequent system breakdowns
Health risks from air contamination
Most HVAC problems stem from incorrect duct sizing, poor ventilation design, or improper refrigerant levels. These are all contractor errors, not user mistakes.
Because many homeowners don’t realize HVAC issues until months later, it’s important to document performance problems as soon as they arise. Our team at KAASS LAW can assess whether faulty installation is at the root of the issue and guide you on the next steps.
Electrical work is one area where defective installation can have life-threatening consequences. Faulty wiring, improperly grounded circuits, or code violations can lead to:
Electric shocks
Circuit overloads
Power outages
House fires
These risks aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. If you’ve recently had electrical work completed and are experiencing flickering lights, overheating outlets, or strange smells, you may be dealing with a serious issue.
Our attorneys work with forensic electricians to identify where and how the defective installation occurred and pursue claims against negligent contractors.
California’s Right to Repair Act (SB 800) gives homeowners the right to pursue legal claims when a defective installation causes property damage or safety hazards. This law applies to all new construction and remodels.
Before filing a lawsuit, you must notify the contractor and allow them an opportunity to inspect and correct the problem. However, many contractors deny responsibility or make minimal efforts to fix the issue.
That’s where KAASS LAW comes in. We’ll help you:
Send a proper legal notice to the responsible parties
Document the defect and its consequences
Negotiate or litigate for full compensation
For more details about your rights and how to address construction-related problems, visit the California Contractors State License Board
In many cases, homeowners don’t immediately realize that something was installed incorrectly. Here are signs that may point to a defective installation:
Skyrocketing energy bills after new systems are installed
Visible leaks or warped surfaces near recent construction
Inconsistent room temperatures
Circuit breakers that frequently trip
Noise, odor, or poor system performance
If any of these problems occur soon after a project is completed, don’t ignore them. Save all invoices, contracts, and communication with your contractor, and contact an attorney to evaluate your case.
At KAASS LAW, we treat each defective installation case with the urgency it deserves. We coordinate with licensed inspectors and engineers to confirm whether improper installation occurred and identify which party is at fault—contractors, subcontractors, or manufacturers.
We help clients file claims involving:
Residential solar panel damage
HVAC system failures
Electrical safety hazards
Roof or foundation issues due to poor workmanship
Our experienced legal team pursues financial compensation for:
Repair costs
Diminished home value
Alternative housing during repairs
Emotional and physical distress
Visit our personal injury page if the installation defect caused injury, or our business litigation section if you’re a contractor facing unjustified claims.
Although homeowners can’t control every aspect of construction, you can reduce your risk of defective installation by:
Hiring licensed and insured contractors only
Asking for references and past project photos
Getting multiple quotes and comparing the scopes of work
Demanding permits and inspections for major systems
Keeping detailed records and taking photos during construction
Even with all precautions, some problems slip through. That’s why it’s important to know your legal options and have a team like KAASS LAW ready to advocate for you.
If you’re dealing with a defective installation involving solar panels, HVAC, or electrical work, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. California law sets time limits on construction defect claims, so early action is essential.
At KAASS LAW, we combine technical knowledge with legal experience to help homeowners like you recover from costly mistakes made by negligent contractors.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your investment.
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