Owings Mills Construction Dispute Lawyers

Attorneys Representing Clients in Construction Litigation in Owings Mills, MD

Property owners, developers, or others who invest in construction projects expect the finished results to match what was promised. They will want to make sure a high quality of work is performed while following the plans and budget for a project. They may also need to address concerns about payments, delays, or other matters that may arise during a project. When work falls short of expectations or when other issues lead to financial losses, it will be important to determine what legal options may be available to address these issues.

At Fox & Moghul, our attorneys can help clients determine the best steps to take to resolve issues related to construction projects in Owings Mills. We can look at whether work was performed to acceptable standards, what was required under a construction contract, and what remedies may be available to address financial losses or other damages.

Because of our extensive experience in real estate law, litigation, and related matters, we are recognized as leaders in the legal field. Our team has won numerous awards that recognize the level of service we provide to our clients. We are also known for our knowledge and skills, and through our participation in educational seminars and publications, we pass that knowledge on to others so that they can meet clients' needs as they address concerns involving real estate law and litigation.

Disputes Over the Quality of Work in a Construction Project

A property owner may be dissatisfied with construction work that has been performed for a number of reasons, including:

• Improper Materials: Disputes may arise when a contractor has used materials that do not match the specifications provided in a construction contract or the plans for work. Some materials may be of a lower grade or quality than what the owner paid for, and in some cases, the improper materials may not be discovered until after work has been completed or after structural damage has occurred.
• Poor Workmanship: Claims involving substandard installation, finishing, or construction techniques will often require independent assessments to determine whether work that has been performed meets expected industry standards. Repairs or replacements may be needed to correct work that was of poor quality.
• Failure to Follow Building Codes: Work performed in violation of the applicable building codes in the Owings Mills area can lead to safety concerns. A property owner may face legal exposure based on safety concerns for people who will use a building or property. Work may need to be corrected before the property can pass inspection or be safely occupied.
• Lack of Proper Permits: Construction work performed without obtaining permits can put an owner at risk of fines or orders to stop work. They may have difficulty selling or refinancing the property until the property is brought into compliance.

Owners may need to document specific problems through photographs, inspection reports, and evaluations by independent experts. Our lawyers can help clients gather the proper evidence and negotiate arrangements for repairs or a financial settlement that will address losses or other damages.

Scope of Work and Change Order Disputes

The scope of work defined in a construction contract will explain exactly what the contractor has agreed to do. Disputes can arise when the scope of work is vague or when it is unclear whether certain types of work will be included. A contract that clearly describes the materials that will be used, the specific tasks included in the project, and the standards the work must meet can provide an owner and the contractor with a basis for resolving these disagreements.

Change orders may be used when additional work will be required or when modifications need to be made to the original scope of work. Disputes may arise if a contractor performs work the owner did not authorize or if there are disagreements about the costs of certain changes. The parties may also disagree about whether the change order process was followed correctly.

Documenting change orders in writing and making sure they are approved by both parties before work begins can help prevent disputes over whether extra work was authorized and how much it should cost. Our attorneys can provide guidance on how to resolve disputes related to scope of work or change orders. We will take steps to protect our client's rights while helping to ensure that work will be completed as planned.

Pursuing Breach of Contract Damages

Many construction disputes can be avoided with carefully drafted contracts. Our lawyers can work with clients to review construction contracts and identify provisions that may lead to disputes. We can help clients negotiate changes to contracts to address these gaps, resolve disputes related to contract terms, and make sure work can proceed.

When necessary, our attorneys can help clients address violations of the terms of a contract. A breach of contract claim may allow a client to recover compensation for the damages caused by the other party's failure to meet their obligations. These damages may include the costs of completing work or performing repairs or the difference in value between the work that was promised and the work that was actually delivered. An owner may also be compensated for financial losses caused by unreasonable project delays.

A contractor or subcontractor who has not been paid for completed work may take steps to obtain payment from a property owner. If necessary, a mechanic's lien can be filed, creating a legal claim against the property that will need to be resolved before the property can be sold or refinanced. Our lawyers will provide guidance on which remedies may be available in a specific situation, and we will take steps to help our clients obtain the payments they deserve.

Contact Our Owings Mills, Maryland Construction Dispute Attorneys

When construction disputes involve issues such as defective work, unclear scope of work, unauthorized changes, delays, or breaches of contract, the right steps will need to be taken to address these concerns. At Fox & Moghul, our attorneys can provide the dedicated representation needed to resolve these disputes and obtain compensation for financial losses. Contact our Owings Mills, MD construction project dispute lawyers at 301-409-5316 to schedule a consultation.