Serious problems after home purchase?

Question

We live in CA and we purchased our home 6 months ago. Now the ceiling in the kitchen is sagging and began leaking. This was caused by an upstairs bathtub that apparently had very thin cracks in it and the material was worn out and brittle water began seeping through. On my inspection report it indicates that the tub was fine and operational. When in actuality if you put enough pressure on this fine cracks they actually seperate. Not to mention a tiny pin hole that was discovered. We really didnt use this bathroom much until recently.

We had a plumber come out and look and he said this seems to have been a problem that has been around for awhile because of the condition of the ceiling in the kitchen in which the sellers had painted right before selling. It has only been 6 months. Is there anyhting we could do about this? Should I call the realtor, the inspection company?

Answer 1

You should contact the seller for not disclosing the problem.

You also can contact the inspection company for not disclosing the problem or finding the problem. Most inspection comapnies have an insurance deductable to ge t a problem fixed.

If neither the seller or the inspection company wants to make good, then contact a realestate  attourney.  If the amount of repairs looks like it is going to be under $5,000 then take plenty of pictures, and file in small claims court against the Seller, Realator, and the inspection company.  (The realtor must disclose any known problems in California or they face liability for the problem. Realtors are known to tell sellers how to hide a problem, with new paint etc... If the seller tells you the realtor told them to paint you have a case.)

Answer 2

I would contact both realtor and inspection company to let them know about the flaws that were found .  One of the two should be held liable and also file a complaint with the State Consumers Affairs, etc.

Answer 3

consult with a lawyer....

they will know exactly how to handle it...

you have to do this quickly, the longer you wait , the less the chance you can do anything legally..

Im almost positive that if the hoem inspector didnt notice this, he may be held accountable...

But...im not sure how things work in California... Each state has different regulations..

Im in chicago, and i know hat if an inspectpor missed something, you have  a case legally...

Consult an attorney, preferable one that specializes in real estate...

hope this helps!

Answer 4

normally a buyer has 2 years to discover latent defects in the home. but you have to prove that the previous homeowner knowingly hid them from you. consult with your realtor and a real estate attorney