Construction law covers a wide variety of topics including, regulating and licensing contractors, inspection of construction projects, and settling construction disputes should they arise. Construction law will govern any significant work done on a residence. A homeowner considering using a contractor to add an extension to their home, remodel the kitchen, or any other major construction project, should consult a construction attorney in order to fully understand their rights and obligations before they sign a construction agreement.
Signing the Construction Agreement
Often, construction law will greatly influence the construction agreement, so it is extremely important for both the homeowner and the contractor to understand the laws and regulations. A construction agreement will bind the parties to the obligations in the document. A construction agreement should detail important terms such as price, target completion date, detailed description of the work to be done, any warranties the contractor makes on the quality of the work, and, if possible, a method for resolving any construction disputes that arise. A homeowner should make every effort to ensure the construction agreement protects what is important to them; if homeowners are on a strict time line then they should set penalties for delays or if they are nervous about potential defects in the construction then they should insist the contractor provide warranties for the end result. A construction agreement can protect a homeowner's investment in their new construction, and should be taken seriously.
Using a Construction Attorney
In addition to the importance of understanding a construction agreement, it is not uncommon that a construction dispute will arise. A construction attorney can help a homeowner resolve a construction dispute without requiring a court hearing, or defend a homeowner in court if a settlement is not reached. Any homeowner contemplating major construction on their property should speak with a construction attorney.