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Illinois Construction Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Do we need to pay contractor if he didn't give a quote before purchasing expensive light fixtures?

We hire a contractor to remodel our house before listing for sell. After he finished the work on the contract, our broker suggested us to replace some light fixtures. We agreed to do that. However, the contractor never give us a quote on this. A few days later, our house was under contract and we... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Sep 13, 2023

Worker's Compensation is a highly specialized area of law that concerns itself with work-related injuries. This is not that. Here, your broker requested that certain light fixtures be replaced. You contacted the contractor (who had already remodeled your house and whose work you were... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Is there a minimum bridge clearance for a unposted overpass in the city of Chicago

I hit an unmarked overpass that belong to the railroad with my semi trucking done considerable damage to the trailer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 26, 2023

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you're able to consult with a local attorney, you could look into whether the Chicago Department of Transportation has information on this. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: What is the best legal action to motivate a contractor to complete a project and what are our rights as homeowners?

Currently in the middle of contract for a home addition that was signed December 2021. The project officially began 2/9/22, blueprints were finalized 6/24/22, and permit were pulled 7/29/22. At this point I would say the project is about 40% done. We have paid 90% of the contract. After the... View More

Frederick A. Lurie
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Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Apr 14, 2023

Under Section 5 of the Mechanics Lien Act, the contractor is required to provide you with a sworn statement listing all the subcontractors, their trades and contract amounts before any money is due if you request the information. The statute provides:

"It shall be the duty of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I sue my contractor for poor work after mutually terminating relationship? He refused to finish or fix shoddy work.

Contractor performed stunningly bad work in my 1200 sq ft condo gut job. He did not complete a second bathroom but charged for it. He used the wrong glue, no nails or screws for base moldings and door casings which are now separating from walls.He knowingly installed damaged cabinets, charged me to... View More

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
answered on Dec 25, 2022

This seems to have nothing to do with immigration. You ought to Re-categorize it.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Construction Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: My general contractor is breaching the contract again, how could we handle this?

Business site

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Oct 30, 2022

A properly drafted construction agreement should have termination provisions. Start by reading the contract and be aware of your notice and termination obligations. Any contract case requires that you show offer, acceptance, consideration, duty, breach and damages. Remember that in the case of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: A guy wants to take my old barn down. What can I do to make sure I'm not liable for accidents etc? ILLINOIS

Agreed he could have half the wood.

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jun 20, 2022

Make sure that you have a written agreement. Although I don't see this work as falling under the Home Repair and Remodeling Act, the act requires written contracts for work in excess of $1,000. That should be a tip that a written agreement may be useful here. Have the contractor agree to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Construction relate

Our independent sales person in which we did not have on payroll which we gave a 1099 every year brought a client. she collected 50% deposit under her own name for they job. Then We completed the job and her client paid us the balance direct. Her client paid in full what she told her client to... View More

Frederick A. Lurie
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Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Jun 18, 2022

It sounds like your claim is against your sales rep.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Foreclosure, Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for Illinois on
Q: What Kind of Lawyer do I need?

I bought a home unknowingly there was an open permit pending that the contractor didn't close with the county. Now the County is requesting I close the permit and contractor doesn't have proof of them closing it out. I am unable to schedule inspections due to contractor unable to submit... View More

Frederick A. Lurie
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Frederick A. Lurie
answered on May 13, 2022

You will likely need a code inspection to make sure the work was code compliant.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: I am suing a construction company in small claim court. During discovery, how do I request a list of subcontractors?

I hired a construction company to do a gut rehab in my house. There are construction defects including a need to get the entire house repainted. I am suing in small claim court for the painting now and the case is in Discovery phase. I know the painting was done by non professional painters and... View More

Frederick A. Lurie
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Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Mar 25, 2022

You serve an interrogatory or interrogatories pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 213 and ask the contractor to identify by name, trade, address...etc each subcontractor working on your project. However, you need court permission to utilize discovery in small claims under $10,000.00.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it possible to hire an attorney in the middle of a litigation if I am representing myself currently?

I am looking for an attorney to help me with a mandatory arbitration. I had a terrible experience with a law firm. We parted ways. I would like to find someone experienced in construction law as we are in the middle of our process. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Robert Shipley
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Robert Shipley
answered on Mar 8, 2022

My office handles construction disputes. I would be happy to discuss. I can be reached directly at 312-527-4545.

Thank you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Im being investigated for home repair fraud but I have returned the money presumably before I have been charged Am I gud

I do driveway installation and recently I did work for a elderly lady, I I did not charge her more than I told her, I did everything I told I was going to do and I made sure to ask her if she was satisfied before she paid me. I also told her at any point if she was unhappy with the job to contact... View More

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Dec 30, 2021

That is why is it always essential to enter in a written contact with all terms and conditions spelled out in a clear form. That way, with any misunderstanding you have a written contact signed by both parties.

Now, back to your matter at hand.

In my professional opinion the local...
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2 Answers | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: My builder is not providing accurate accounting for the last draw of my construction loan. He refuses to correct it.

My husband and I have been living in the house since may. The builder states all the invoices are in but at the same time adds a quote in our change order that states he has a right to add invoices that may come in the future. It’s clear he’s overrun his costs and is trying to get us to pay... View More

Robert Shipley
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Robert Shipley
answered on Aug 24, 2021

It is not clear if construction is complete, although I am making that assumption because you are living in the house. If construction is complete, I would presume you have been tendered a final bill, which you have been able to review and either approve by issuing payment or by asking questions as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: I had to have my whole house restored after a fire. It was a botched job what can I do?

I was told I would have like material and clearly cheaper, trimming coming undone, closet doors falling off, shingles on roof are buckled, upstairs bathroom leaking downstairs, clumps of putty where it should be smooth, dry wall is easily damaged.

Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Robert Shipley
answered on Aug 11, 2021

To fully answer your question, the contract would have to be reviewed. On a general basis, a contractor typically provides a warranty and so the issues you have described would likely fall within the warranty. Independent of any warranty, if the contractor did not complete the scope of work or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Wrong size natural gas pipe in kitchen ? Who is responsible ?

Recently we moved into a 2004 8 story condo in IL without an inspection. We noticed that we were getting a very low pressure and after a while an orange flame started to be visible. I contacted the management and board who said that nobody else in the building had similar issue and since it only... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 27, 2021

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for three weeks. You could try asking the City, but it seems unlikely they would become involved in a private dispute involving an HOA where an owner had opportunity for inspection. In terms of public authorities, you could check... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Unlicensed roof subcontractor, hidden from homeowner, did incomplete and unsatisfactory work, is homeowner breaching

contractual agreement if holding out on payment until compensated

for incompetent, incomplete work?

Frederick A. Lurie
PREMIUM
Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Apr 14, 2021

I am not sure what your question is but under Illinois law, it is unlawful to do any roofing work without a license under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: Can I terminate a contract with a General Contractor who appears to be inflating costs and being unethical?

General Contractor is inflating work costs to unreasonable and excessive levels and in many instances, not even showing me costs until that work is done. They are also taking an unreasonably long time to complete the project and very slow to communicate while not being transparent during the... View More

Robert Shipley
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Robert Shipley
answered on Feb 6, 2021

The contract must be reviewed to determine provisions regarding scope of work, time to complete, payment schedule and termination provisions. If work is not being performed correctly or perhaps to code, you will need to have another contractor(s) in the appropriate discipline, inspect your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: I don't have worker comp. I use sub. how can I put the responsibility on sub if anything happens to its laborer?

as a contractor, I do not have worker compensation insurance. I hire people to do the job. how can I protect myself from job site injuries happening to any of the laborers.

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Sep 28, 2020

Easy. You require that any Sub provide proof of WC insurance BEFORE you agree to do business with them and keep a copy on file. This does not mean that you MAY be on the hook if the Sub's WC coverage lapses and someone is injured. It's the best you can do.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Consumer Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: can I sue a prebuilt shed company?

I bought a brand new 10x12 prebuilt shed delivered to my property that leaked from day one. After a few half hearted attempts to fix it among several non returned calls and no shows the owner of the company said he would take it back and refund my money. That was 2 months ago every time I call him... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 17, 2019

First check the terms of the agreement. It could possibly contain provisions that include arbitration as a forum for handling disputes.

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Construction Law, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: are electricity bill is $629.00 and our house is still freezing and the land Lord is a jerk no ceiling in the bathroom

and you can see light through the roof do we have any options my husband is on ssd

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 14, 2019

You are likely entitled to a remedy, but the best course of action is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the location of the apartment, and whether or not it is subject to the RLTO.

In any event, I recommend organizing everything in your possession relevant to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: What legal rights do we have against a Contractor?

We hired a contractor almost 2 years ago to do work within our home, they did the work and within 3 months the same issues came back. We’ve reached out and they do patches, we’ve requested a refund and they said they’d send someone out to do the work. They’re no longer responding to our... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 7, 2019

Your legal rights are dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the precise terms of the contract and the nature of the issues you are having with your home. That being the case, I recommend you organize everything in your possession related to this matter, including the... View More

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