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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Colorado on
Q: Door install still not finished and I have not paid fully. Can I never pay?

Door & Window install has been a bit of a nightmare. They have been terrible at communication. I paid a deposit on the job (~$2k) and still owe them the rest (~$4.5k). There are multiple issues with the door install that have not been fixed. They started in May 2023. Last I heard was maybe 2... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

You make a fair point - if a contractor does not complete the work properly or to your reasonable satisfaction, they should not necessarily be entitled to full payment. Legally, you have a few options:

1) Set a deadline/ultimatum for them to fix the outstanding issues by a set date in a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: How do I file a disgorgement suit against an unlicensed contractor? What forms do I need?

CSLB already completed their investigation and confirmed that he is unlicensed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

To file a disgorgement suit against an unlicensed contractor in California, you'll need to start by preparing a complaint that outlines your case. This complaint should include the details of the contractor's unlicensed status, the work performed, and the amount paid to the contractor.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: have LLC construction activitiesBut don't have contractor license I did a job for h ,owner now she want her money back

I did construction job ,I don't have license. Now the owner wants her money back or small clim crt.

The job done under LLC name ,

Can she sue me or she can sue the LLC?

Which better: give her money back face to face ?or go to court? Please help

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

Under California law, performing construction work without a contractor's license can lead to serious legal consequences. If you completed a job without a license, the client has the right to request a refund, even if they were initially satisfied with the work.

The legal liability in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Ohio on
Q: I am a subcontractor and owner wrote a check that said final and if I cash such check I cannot file a lien. However

I Did not cash the check filed mechanics lien and civil suit for breach of contract. Can I cash the check now? Considering I have a civil suit for what the owner owes me

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Jan 13, 2024

Ohio law over the years has gone back and forth on the effect of cashing a check marked "paid in full". In 1996, R.C. 1303.40 established that cashing a check marked paid in full will extinguish the debt. Even though you have a pending lawsuit, you should not cash the check.

2 Answers | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: I am a General contractor Valid Lisc. How long does a home owner have to notify me of the deects on the home?

They owned the property. Califoenia property

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In California, the statute of limitations for construction defects generally provides homeowners with ten years to file a lawsuit for latent defects, which are defects that are not immediately apparent. This ten-year period typically begins from the date of substantial completion of the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Texas on
Q: Am I responsible for a Change Order AFTER the project has been completed?

I had a fire suppression system (fire sprinklers) install at my business.

We had a signed contract describing the work done and the agreed amount. Just prior to the start of the project the city required them to change where they would connect to the city waterline. I was aware they would... View More

Simone Nisbett
Simone Nisbett
answered on Jan 16, 2024

In order to give you a proper analysis on your options, it would be necessary to have an attorney review your particular contract. Each contract for building projects is different, but a good one should usually contain several clauses explaining liability for change orders, when/how to dispute... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: No contract with our GC ,fired him, never agreed to his percentage take. He wants 30K, if we don’t pay can he place Lien

It has been well over 20 days, no contract was signed and he made some egregious mistakes and never stuck to project due dates that cost us 40k. We paid him 45k before our barn was completed, even after he told us it would be around 25k. He never finished the barn (only trim and doors left) but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In California, a contractor can file a mechanics lien for work done on a property, even if there was no formal contract. However, there are specific time frames and conditions that must be met. For residential projects, the contractor typically has 60 days from completion of the work to record a... View More

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 Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for New York on
Q: We 2years back got new furnace and removed cental air. Couple months ago electriction found a 220 line live exposed.

Line was from central air that was removed.. Has since been capped.

Can action be taken against installer?

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Jan 10, 2024

Request the repair cost from the original installer. If you never contacted him to fix it after discovery, that will be his first defense, but not necessarily successful. If he refuses, take him to small claims court. You will need the repairing electrician as a live witness.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Missouri on
Q: Buying a new construction home from a builder in Missouri. I point out mistakes they tell me they will fix it but don't

I have pointed out a small handful of poor workmanship on the construction of my new residential property. During the pre-drywall walkthrough I was told by the foreman that the things I pointed out would be fixed. When I did my next walkthrough the new foreman told me they would not be fixed and... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jan 2, 2024

You should contact an attorney to review your contract and as a first step try to negotiate with the seller. Through Justia, we are not able to solicit or recommend any attorneys. You'll need to contact an attorney directly. Look for someone with contract and real estate experience.

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 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 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: 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 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 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 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

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