Bel Air Construction Dispute Attorneys

Lawyers Addressing Delays, Unpaid Work, and Other Disputes in Construction Projects in Bel Air, Maryland

When a construction project runs smoothly from groundbreaking to completion, everyone involved can benefit. However, complications will often arise during projects. Property owners and contractors may need to deal with delays, quality concerns, or other disagreements. These issues can drive up costs and cause damage to business relationships, and in some cases, legal action may need to be taken to reach a resolution.

At Fox & Moghul, our lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience needed to help our clients resolve disputes related to construction projects. We work to address concerns quickly and efficiently, recognizing that ongoing costs are likely to continue to accrue while disagreements go unresolved. We will work closely with clients to understand the facts involved in a dispute, evaluate the terms of construction contracts, and find solutions that will address the issues in dispute while protecting against financial losses.

Our attorneys have been recognized as leaders in the field of real estate law, and we have extensive experience representing clients in litigation involving construction disputes or other related matters. In addition to achieving success for our clients and receiving awards from reputable publications and organizations, we also work to ensure that other attorneys can represent clients effectively in these cases by providing continuing legal education.

Reasons for Construction Delays

There are many reasons why delays can occur over the course of a construction project, including

• Severe or unusual weather conditions that prevent work from proceeding safely
• Shortages of materials or extended lead times from suppliers
• A shortage of available skilled labor to perform work
• Delays in obtaining permits or inspections
• Errors or late revisions to architectural or engineering plans
• Financing issues that limit an owner's ability to fund ongoing work

The effects of delays will rarely be limited to the schedule of a project. An owner may face increased costs related to financing for construction work, or they may lose revenue when a commercial property cannot open or when a residential property cannot be sold or occupied on schedule.

Contractors may face increased labor and material costs the longer a project extends beyond its original timeline. Delays can lead to strained relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. Our attorneys can help clients determine these financial effects of delays and take steps to recover compensation for their damages. We may also determine what other remedies may be available under a construction contract.

When a Contractor May Be Held Responsible for Delays

Determining whether a delay is excusable will require a close look at the language in a construction contract and the facts surrounding the delay. Many construction contracts include a force majeure provision that will excuse a contractor from responsibility in situations where delays are caused by circumstances genuinely outside of their control. For example, delays caused by extreme weather events or broad supply shortages affecting the entire industry may be excusable. However, a contractor may be required to provide written notice of a delay and its cause. If they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for a delay.

When delays have been caused by a contractor's performance, the owner may take steps to hold them responsible. A contractor who does not hire enough workers, fails to coordinate work to ensure that it can be completed on time, does not order materials with enough lead time, or must redo work because of quality problems may be responsible for delays caused by these issues. Our lawyers can review the circumstances surrounding a delay to determine whether it may be excusable or whether an owner may recover damages for losses caused by a contractor's delays.

Addressing Substandard Work in a Construction Project

The quality of the work that is performed can affect a construction project in ways that may range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural or safety concerns. Work that fails to meet the standards specified in a construction contract or does not comply with the applicable building codes can reduce a property's value and create safety hazards. In some cases, these issues may prevent a project from passing inspection or receiving a certificate of occupancy.

A property owner who discovers that substandard work has been performed during a construction project may request that the contractor correct the deficient work directly. They may withhold payment until deficient work has been corrected, or they may hire another contractor to complete the necessary repairs and seek reimbursement from the original contractor for those costs.

In some cases, an owner may need to pursue a breach of contract claim to recover the costs of correcting the work or the diminished value of their property. Our attorneys can help owners understand the options that may be available in a specific situation, and we will work to achieve remedies that will address the harm done by a contractor.

Other Disputes in Construction Projects

Payment disagreements are common in construction projects. An owner may dispute an invoice or claim that they are not required to pay for additional work that was performed without authorization. If a contractor has not been paid for their work, they may be able to place a mechanic's lien on the property where work was performed, or they may pursue a breach of contract claim and take steps to recover the amount owed.

Disputes over change orders can arise when the parties disagree about whether additional work was properly authorized or how it should be priced. Issues related to permits and building code compliance may be discovered after a project has been completed. The parties may encounter disputes related to warranties, and an owner may take steps to ensure that defects will be covered. Our lawyers work with clients to resolve these disputes or other issues that may affect the parties involved in construction projects. We can advise clients on the best steps to take to secure compensation for their losses or address other forms of harm.

Contact Our Bel Air, MD Construction Dispute Lawyers

Disputes related to delays, substandard work, or other issues that may affect construction projects can quickly become costly. To make sure these matters can be resolved correctly, legal representation can be crucial. At Fox & Moghul, we can help clients determine the options available for resolving disputes efficiently and effectively while protecting their financial interests. Contact our Bel Air, Maryland construction project dispute attorneys at 301-409-5316 to set up a consultation.