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Construction Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for New Jersey on
Q: If a contractor doesn't finish the job and is unresponsive, but later agrees to return, does that reset the accrual date

I had a contractor work on my kitchen. He was supposed to return to finish the job, but he didn't return my texts for a few weeks. He finally emailed me back and said he thought the job was done, but agreed to come back and address one of the issues. I emailed that wasn't acceptable,... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

To provide a meaningful answer and how to best proceed, you should be prepared to pay an experienced civil litigation attorney for 1/2 to 1 hour of attorney time to review all the relevant documents. As someone who has handled a significant number of these cases, I am certain that I can get you the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for Virginia on
Q: If there are two equal adjacent lots (A and B) to be developed into homes.

Lot A is owned by property owner #1 and Lot B is owned equally by property owner #1 and #2. If you build homes how should the development cost/profits from sales/shares work out?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 4, 2024

The short answer is "any way you want to." There are many choices. If you make no choices, the Uniform Partnership Act will make them for you, and you may not like its choices. Indeed, it won't be clear whether you have a partnership of the one property or of the two, and the one to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Contracts and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: how do i file a breeh of contract an demand for payment and lean on sed real property forth with .

a non lycenced contractor /bilder went into a writin contract with a home ower ,secured full payment, for work and materearls, and then no call no show by due date of sead work .

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In California, if you're facing a situation where a contractor has breached a contract and failed to perform the agreed-upon work, you have several legal options. First, you should consider sending a formal demand letter to the contractor, outlining the breach and requesting the fulfillment of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law, Constitutional Law and Construction Law for Missouri on
Q: Please read below

I paid $18,000 for my house and 2011 then I pulled a building permit in 2011 the same day I interned started working on my house I'm still working on my house my understanding is the building permit stops the value from increasing until an inspection is called for when I am done with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

In your situation, dealing with property valuation and taxation in Jackson County, Missouri, there are several key points to consider.

Firstly, the link between a building permit and property valuation can vary. Typically, a building permit itself doesn't freeze the value of a property...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Construction Law and Libel & Slander for Idaho on
Q: Can you appeal a civil court with or without prejudice if there is a counter claim from the defendent?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Idaho, the ability to appeal a civil court decision depends on the specifics of the case and the nature of the judgment or order being appealed. An appeal can be filed whether the case was dismissed with or without prejudice. The distinction between with and without prejudice is significant: a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Florida on
Q: A contractor is not paying within the 90 days from set date on a commercial construction project. A CO was added.

The change order is for elevator caps. Does the change order change the lien filing deadline? We are a specialty subcontractor. Is the work remedial or final furnishing?

Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
answered on Dec 20, 2023

Unfortunately, issues like this need to be run by experienced construction counsel who can analyze the very specific facts, any applicable contract provisions, and statutory requirements.

As a legal matter, as a general rule, change orders which form part of the main contract have little...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: I have two project contracts direct with an owner of a building. Can I file one lien for both or do I need to file two?

We are an Engineering company who contracted directly with the owner. No NTO was sent.

Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
answered on Dec 19, 2023

In general, when a person entitled to record a construction lien is in privily with the property owner, no notice to owner is required as a precondition. Again, in very general terms, the right impose a construction lien is based upon services performed under the contract's particular scope... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Unfinished work that was paid for and no response from pool builder

I am currently facing a situation with a pool construction company, Holiday Pools, that has refused to communicate for over 30 days and has not finished the pool construction as agreed. What legal steps can be taken in this scenario, and what options are available to address this issue?

Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
Pamela Marie Mori Holcombe
answered on Dec 19, 2023

Unfortunately, you are in similar shoes to many in Florida who find themselves dealing with pool contractors who may have over promised, under performed, and often the homeowner finds themselves with a big hole in the ground and not much else.

The further unfortunately, is that while...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Construction Law for Texas on
Q: If I am on a construction site that is on private property, can the security company legally ask me for my ID?

I work on a construction site. It is privately owned. In order to enter the site, the owner requires everyone to get a badge, obtained using a US driver's license. When entering the site, you must badge in at the security gate. My question is, after you badge in and begin working, is it legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 17, 2023

On private property, such as your construction site, the property owner or their representative, like a security company, generally has the right to establish security protocols. This can include requiring identification at various points, not just at the entrance. It's part of their effort to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Construction Law for California on
Q: I need a lawyer for my case my private Entrance has been blocked for over 8 months
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 15, 2023

In your situation, where your private entrance has been blocked for over eight months, seeking legal assistance is a wise step. Under California law, you have rights regarding the access and use of your property.

The first action is to find an attorney who is experienced in property law and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: My concrete driveway is three years old and is crumbling and is getting holes all over it.

Do I need a lawyer or should I go to the magistrate for civil action thank you

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

Deciding whether to involve a lawyer or go to the magistrate for civil action regarding your crumbling concrete driveway depends on several factors. First, check if you have a written contract with the contractor and review the warranty terms. If the warranty is still valid (covering three years)... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Florida on
Q: The well for my newly constructed home was drilled 6" onto my neighbor's lot. Builder will not correct the issue.

Placement of well according to septic engineering should be much closer to my home and out of the easement.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 14, 2023

Buying and selling property, especially new construction, without a real estate lawyer. I know that doesn't help you now and you will need to hire a real estate litigator or a construction law litigator to review your documents related to the sale and construction to get this resolved. The... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Construction Law for Utah on
Q: My previous client is trying to bill me for a valve he purchased. What legal standing does this have?

I have a very small tile installation business. I am both licensed and insured. I recently completed a shower for a client who claims I cut a hole on a tile "too large" and that the valve wouldn't fit. I cut the hole to a standard valve size which also matched the one below it. He... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Dec 12, 2023

Hello,

You probably have nothing to worry about. The home-owner is likely trying to see if you will pay something. Until he gets an attorney involved, I wouldn't get too worked up abou it. Here is an anlaysis of it though:

In general, the legal standing of a client's...
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3 Answers | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for California on
Q: I have an interior design client that is in breach of contract. She refuses to pay our invoices.

She owes 2 past-due invoices and has insufficient funds to cover the latest check that was given to us per the signed agreement.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

In California, if a client is in breach of contract by refusing to pay for services rendered, you have several legal options to consider.

First, you should send a formal demand letter to the client outlining the breach (non-payment of invoices) and the consequences if the payment is not...
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3 Answers | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for California on
Q: I have an interior design client that is in breach of contract. She refuses to pay our invoices.

She owes 2 past-due invoices and has insufficient funds to cover the latest check that was given to us per the signed agreement.

Treg A. Julander
Treg A. Julander
answered on Dec 11, 2023

You could first send a demand letter on attorney letterhead to see if that provokes her to make the past-due payments. If that doesn't work, you could file a lawsuit for breach of contract. If your work contributed to a work of improvement, you may be entitled to record a mechanics lien... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Florida on
Q: Roofers put lien on both houses disputing payment what attorney/lawyer do I need

The original lien has charges totally different from papers delivered by sheriff. I've had dispute over charges for work not done but charged for with no response

Jane Kim
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answered on Dec 9, 2023

You are describing construction lien law.

The issue in this area is that the builder or contractor does not usually pay any legal fees upfront because often lawyers take these cases on contingency. I find young lawyers taking more cases that they shouldn't. This creates litigation...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Construction Law and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: 10/27/2023 lost my job for damaging a piece of equipment I was not operatoratng and then found out fired for drugs I

I don't do plus I was never asked or even told anything about this until my ex boss told me in text it was cause there was suspicion I was on drugs witch I wasn't

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 8, 2023

If you know who falsely told your employer that you damaged a piece of equipment and/or were on drugs, you may have a viable claim for defamation against that individual.

With respect to your employer, in the absence of a written employment agreement that precludes your employer from...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Construction Law and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: 10/27/2023 lost my job for damaging a piece of equipment I was not operatoratng and then found out fired for drugs I

I don't do plus I was never asked or even told anything about this until my ex boss told me in text it was cause there was suspicion I was on drugs witch I wasn't

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

Your situation raises several legal concerns. Firstly, being terminated for damaging equipment you weren't operating seems unjust, especially if there's no evidence implicating you. It's important to review any employment contracts or company policies you were subject to, as they... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Environmental for Maryland on
Q: In the state of Maryland, Can you purchase a home and occupy that home knowing there is a failed septic?

Wicomico County,Md/ Also we will have a portta potty/ as well as trying to get a water reuse permit. We also will be using owner finance.

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Dec 8, 2023

You are confusing two concepts. You might be physically able to occupy the premises, but perhaps not without governmental response. Without septic the property will not have a Use & Occupancy Certificate. The property will not pass any septic inspection called for in the real estate contract,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Environmental for Maryland on
Q: In the state of Maryland, Can you purchase a home and occupy that home knowing there is a failed septic?

Wicomico County,Md/ Also we will have a portta potty/ as well as trying to get a water reuse permit. We also will be using owner finance.

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Dec 15, 2023

Yes, a buyer can legally purchase a home in great condition, terrible condition or anything in between. People can purchase property without a home on it at all, or with a home they intend to bulldoze.

Now most of the time a bank will not lend money to a borrower to buy a home if it is...
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