Every new construction project includes a complex set of legal requirements. Construction law affects the interrelation and interaction of owners, designers, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and other participants and stakeholders involved in building projects. If you are in the business of erecting or renovating commercial or residential buildings, then you should retain the services of a construction lawyer such as the ones found at dicksonlegal.com.
The Issues a Construction Lawyer Can Help You Resolve
Some of the issues that come up during a new build can be predicted; others cannot. The higher up you are in the hierarchy of the project the more difficulties you will need to manage and contain. Here are some of the most common matters that construction lawyers deal with:
- General Contractor Disputes
Costs, schedules, designs, and results are all things that should be agreed before a new build gets underway. The failure to meet deadlines and expectations happens all the time, as do gross errors and mistakes. In these instances, it is better to have your lawyer work with the legal team of the vendor you hired to renegotiate the contract if necessary.
- Subcontractor Disputes
Your primary contractor may have hired a number of subcontractors to get the job done on time and on budget. In fact, it is virtually impossible to do without subcontractors in modern construction. Most subcontractors are highly sensitive to extra costs and unpaid work. It is important to have your legal team monitor pay and work disputes between contractors and sub-contractors and get involved if necessary.
- Forming a Construction Company in Washington State
A lawyer can help you form your own construction company. The formation of such an enterprise is a legal act, and you will need to submit the proper paperwork to make it happen.
- Environmental Laws
Washington has some of the toughest environmental laws in the country. You must ensure that your building is in complete accordance with the regulations of the state. A lawyer can help you with such verification.
- Design Defects
There should be no question as to the safety of your building. If you detect design flaws, errors, shortcomings, and other defects, you should hold the builders to account. Such defects are often the result of shortcuts, the use of the wrong material, the employment of inexperienced and unqualified people, and other attempts to save money. The moment you discover such a breach of contract you should turn the matter over to your lawyer.
- Lien claims
If the government has put a lien on your building, a construction lawyer can open a channel of communication and negotiation with them. Such liens are often legacy claims—that is, left over debt from a previous owner or occupant. A construction lawyer will know how to get this sorted.
Protecting Your Interests
As a construction entrepreneur, the last thing you want is to spend your time on legal issues. You should keep your mind and attention on growing and expanding your business while experienced construction lawyers look after your legal interests.