What it looks like
- Water damage from plumbing, roofing, or an unprotected opening
- Damage to floors, walls, or fixtures outside the work area
- Broken irrigation, landscaping, driveways, or utilities
- Damage to a neighbor's property caused by the work
- Personal belongings damaged or missing
What Nevada law says
A contractor who damages property through carelessness can be liable for the cost to repair or replace it. Claims for damage to personal property generally must be filed within three years, and other deadlines of two to six years can apply depending on the claim (NRS 11.190, 11.220). Some deadlines run from when the damage was discovered.
When defective work on a home causes physical damage, the claim may fall under NRS Chapter 40, which allows recovery of the reasonable cost of repairs, the cost of temporary housing needed during repairs, loss of use, and damage to other property, after the required notice and repair process (NRS 40.655).
The facts that matter
These are the questions that decide whether there is a practical path to recovery.
- What was damaged and what caused it
- Whether the cause was the contractor, a subcontractor, or something else
- Whether you reported it promptly and limited further damage
- Whether the contractor carries liability insurance
- The cost to repair or replace
Proof to gather
- Photographs and video taken immediately
- Repair estimates and receipts for emergency work
- Your written notice to the contractor
- The contractor's certificate of insurance, if you have it
- A report identifying the cause
See our guide to documenting a contractor dispute.
Options that usually fit
Case review and demand letter
A fixed-fee review of your file and a formal demand, when the breach and the amount are clear.
Construction defect claims (Chapter 40)
The required process for defects in a new home, addition, or alteration.
Bond and Recovery Fund claims
Two sources of recovery that do not depend on the contractor's ability to pay.
Small claims and Justice Court
Usually the best route for disputes under about $7,500. You do not need a lawyer.
Civil litigation
For larger disputes with strong facts, when earlier steps have not resolved the matter.
Common questions
Should I file a claim with my own homeowner's insurance?
Often that is the fastest way to get repairs paid, and your insurer may then pursue the contractor. It can affect your deductible and premiums, so weigh it against the size of the loss.
Do I have to let the contractor fix the damage they caused?
You should take reasonable steps to prevent further damage right away. Beyond that, some claims require giving the contractor notice and an opportunity to repair. Document everything before any repair is made.
This page is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every dispute turns on its own facts and documents.