THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2002, BUSINESS, PART C, PAGE 2 Copyright 2002/LOS ANGELES TIMES Homeowners Awarded $7.8 Million Over Defects         A Laguna Niguel Homeowners association was awarded 7.8 million for damages due to construction defects by Shea Homes, the country's second largest residential builder.         The defects alleged in the Orange County's case included leaking roofs, deaks and windows and the accumulation of ground water at the beakers at the Brand complex. Mold was present in 95% of the development, according to the suit.         The association's complaint was filled in July 1999 and the trial began in April.         Construction defect lawsuits have become increasingly common in recent years. Homeowners have been helped by the implementation of "strict liability" laws which say that homes are defective if the builders fail to construct them as well as they should be built.