By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Civil Litigation | Shin Law Office
Hidden Construction Defects in Tysons Corner High-Rises: What Owners Need to Know
I’ve worked with numerous property owners and condo associations in Northern Virginia.
And one pattern I see again and again, especially in places like Tysons Corner, is this:
People buy into a new high-rise building expecting luxury, quality, and peace of mind…
Then, a few months (or a year) later, problems begin to appear.
Leaky windows.
Cracked concrete.
Faulty wiring.
HVAC systems that don’t work right.
By the time they call me, they’ve already spent thousands trying to fix it, or they’re fighting with the builder who’s suddenly gone quiet.
So, What’s a Latent Defect?
A latent defect is a construction problem that isn’t obvious when you buy or move in.
It’s hidden behind walls, under floors, or built into the structure itself.
You don’t typically see it during inspections, and it often takes time to appear.
In Tysons Corner high-rises, I’ve seen latent defects like:
- Water leaks through windows or roofs
- Cracked parking decks or walkways
- Elevators with constant issues
- Bad electrical or plumbing work
- HVAC units that weren’t installed properly
These aren’t just minor problems.
In a large building, they add up fast, and they’re expensive.
Who’s Responsible?
This is where I come in.
Usually, the developer, builder, or subcontractor can be held accountable.
However, Virginia law provides us with a limited window of opportunity to act.
You typically have:
- 5 years from when you discover the problem (statute of limitations), and
- No more than 5 years after the construction is finished (statute of repose), even if you find the issue later.
So, if you wait too long—or ignore the early warning signs—you might lose your chance to recover anything.
What I Tell My Clients in Tysons Corner
If you own or manage a high-rise unit and you’re starting to notice serious issues, here’s my advice:
- Please don’t ignore it. If something looks wrong, it probably is.
- Keep records. Take photos, save repair invoices, and log your conversations.
- Hire an independent inspector. Don’t rely on the builder’s opinion.
- Talk to a lawyer. That’s me. I’ll tell you if you have a case—and how to move forward.
In many cases, I help owners build a strong claim, negotiate repairs, or even file a lawsuit if necessary.
Sometimes it’s one owner. Other times, it’s the whole building.
Bottom Line
You paid for a high-end property. You shouldn’t be stuck with low-end problems.
I’ve seen what happens when owners wait too long or try to handle it on their own.
It gets more expensive.
More stressful.
And harder to fix.
If you’re in Tysons Corner and your building is showing signs of trouble, don’t just live with it.
Call me. Let’s protect your rights before your options disappear.
Call Shin Law Office at 571-445-6565 or book online today!
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
