Q: Do I have any legal options or am I saddled with the burden of trying to get this repaired?
The previous owners paid a contractor $1550 to install 14 footings and leveling jacks in the crawlspace. I have the receipt for the work completed 5/16/2014. The center of my house is sagging into the crawlspace. I went down into the crawlspace to visually inspect. One of the support beams used by a couple of the leveling jacks in my opinion is not structurally safe and should not have been used. Also. the beam has shifted to approximately 20 degree angle. I have been told by two different companies that the work claimed to have been done may not have been possible for $1550. I have gotten two different estimates for repair for $10170 and $22000.
A:
You may have a couple of options based on the facts provided. Your best option would likely be if the previous owners of the home had knowledge of the material defects you describe. If so, they may have violated various Illinois statutes if they did not disclose the defects to you when you purchased the work.
That being the case, I recommend you organize everything in your possession that is relevant to this matter, and consult with an attorney individually. Many of us offer free consultations, so it will not cost you anything out of pocket to obtain the opinion of an experienced professional who can advise as to your options moving forward.
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