To sue or not to sue? That is the question. Misled on home purchase

Hi all, My wife and I are having a delimma right now whether to file a civil suit against the developer of our building.  We purchased our unit about 14 months ago and at the time the developer had not disclosed structural problems prior to closing.   We have proof both email correspondence with other unit owners about the problem along with witnesses knew something was wrong with unit’s piping.  Prior to closing, we noticed water damage on the ceiling and noted it on the punchlist that the developer determine the source of the leak and fix it.  This agreed upon and approved by his attorney.  A few months rolled by and our ceiling started to take on multiple water leaks.  After speaking with the building management who repaired the ceiling on behalf of the developer prior to closing, apparently the developer did not solve the problem and simply patched up the holes and painted over them.  Apparently at the same time, other units in the building were having the same problem and the developer already knew of the source of the issue.  However, he chose to cover ours up and not tell us until after we closed. Fast forward 1 year and multiple email correspondence (written proof), he simply has avoided us.  We cannot run our heat due to this issue as the pipes it passes through is a source of the leak.  We cannot afford going on a lengthly trial as our funds have been depleted.  Winter months are here and not sure what to do.  We’ve had experts come in to take a look and they need $$$ to open up the ceiling to investigate. Should we proceed with contacting lawyers to start filing a suit?  If so, any recommendations?   Also, there’s small claims court which allows up to $5k for damages.  Thing is our expenses will probably be more than that amount.  Thoughts anyone? Appreciate advice in advance!

flipnbrooklyn

in Lawyers and legal service 12 years and 7 months ago

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cate | 12 years and 7 months ago

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Maybe I misunderstand you, but it seems the first thing you need to do is open up the ceiling to see exactly what is causing the leak. Perhaps it is easily fixed. Perhaps not. Opening up the ceiling should take any handyman about five minutes with a Sawzall. You can do it yourself. Protect the floor with a plastic drop cloth or something similar.