Why is It Important to Have a Construction Attorney On Board?

Preparing for a construction project requires keen attention to detail. You have to devise a realistic budget that covers what you want done to improve the appearance of your property. Then, the time arrives for you to hire a general contractor who manages every step of the construction project. You must ensure that you comply with all zoning ordinances, as well as any restrictions put in place by your homeowner’s association. One step that you might neglect to check off your to-do list is to have a construction attorney on board.

At Alves Radcliffe, we help homeowners and other types of property owners avoid costly litigation by addressing legal issues before they spiral out of control. Let’s see why it is important to have a construction attorney on board before the start of your construction project.

Review Proposed Contract

One of the most important roles of a construction attorney is to prevent legal issues from arising during your construction project. The most effective way to accomplish this goal involves conducting an extensive review of the construction contract. Your construction attorney determines whether the proposed construction contract is valid, as well as suggests provisions that you should add to the legally binding document.

A construction attorney also finds a way to end all contract disputes.

Construction Defects

One or more construction defects can decrease the value of your home. From the addition of poorly aligned siding to a new roof that does not keep out rain, you might have to confront the general contractor about construction defects. Having a construction attorney on board helps you resolve disputes concerning one or more construction defects.

An unethical contractor might try to take advantage of your lack of construction industry knowledge.

Unwarranted Project Delays

You can expect at least one delay during your home construction project. The issue is not whether you have to deal with a delay or two. Instead, the question involves deciding whether the delay is valid. Weather disrupts home construction projects, from torrid heatwaves to severe thunderstorms. Having a construction attorney on board helps you define what constitutes a valid weather delay, as well as how long the general contractor can wait to start work again.

Address a Mechanic’s Lien

If a construction dispute arises, the smart thing for you to do is withhold payment until your construction attorney helps you resolve the dispute. However, the general contractor might fight back against withheld revenue by filing a mechanic’s lien, which is a legal document requesting payment for the general contractor’s services up to a certain point. Having a construction attorney on board ensures you pay for the services provided as listed in the construction contract.

Put a Construction Attorney in Retainer

​Having a construction attorney on board before the start of your project requires you to put a lawyer on retainer. A retainer fee is a type of compensation that pays a construction attorney for future services. Whether a contractor wrongly abandons a project or uses shoddy materials to remodel your home, having a construction attorney on retainer ensures you receive immediate legal support when you need it.