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Illinois Construction Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Is an owner allowed to sue me, if the contractor skipped out on the job? I'm just a sub-contractor.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 16, 2018

I do not practice in Illinois, but your question hasn't been picked up in four weeks. It could depend on the way in which the contract was drafted.

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: What's unique about a construction mortgage?
Frederick A. Lurie
PREMIUM
Frederick A. Lurie
answered on Oct 31, 2018

Construction loans are designed to be short term, only for the duration of the construction project. The loan funds are usually disbursed in installments as the project progresses. There is typically a construction escrow set up at a title company which disburses the funds to contractors and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Who's liable for a construction site injury if the injured person wasn't wearing a hard hat or proper footwear?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 17, 2018

I do not practice in Illinois, but your question hasn’t been picked up in four weeks. Based on the limited facts here, an attorney would have more questions. Here are just a few: In what capacity was the person on the site? What was she or he doing that resulted in the injury? What actions, if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: A contractor took my deposit over 10k and never performed work, will not provide refund, said he no longer wants to talk

The contractor verbally promised a 10% discount and build date within 60-90 days if I signed a contract and provided down payment that day. I agreed and signed a contract. The contract did not list the build date. After multiple calls and text messages over the course of 8 months (the contractor... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Sep 20, 2018

You have a couple of options, but the best option is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the terms of the contract, and details about the contractor's company. That being the case, I recommend you organize everything in your possession regarding this message,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Are there any lawyers near Westchester, IL who deal with the Home "Wreckers" Law?

My wife has been having an extramarital affair with a coworker turned friend who is a lesbian for over a year I just found out. The individual had a partner whom works with them. She is still friends with the individual, but has returned to her husband. Meanwhile, this lesbian friend set her sites... View More

Jeremy Wang
Jeremy Wang
answered on Sep 1, 2018

There are plenty of family law attorneys you can contact in your area.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: What action can I take against a general contractor who did not get the permits he promised me for our home remodel?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 20, 2018

Your options are dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the terms of the contract with your GC and the representations your GC made regarding obtaining the requisite permits. That being the case, I recommend organizing everything in your possession regarding this matter,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: If my contractor sues a sub-contractor do I have to be involved in any way?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Mar 11, 2018

It depends on specific facts that are not provided here. Assuming you are a homeowner who hired the contractor suing the subcontractor, you will more than likely be called as a witness for depositions and/or trial.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Are construction contracts regulated?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Feb 23, 2018

Yes, they are, but the specific requirements depend on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the location and nature of the work being performed. That being the case, I recommend organizing the contract and anything else you believe is relevant to this matter, and consulting with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Need assistance with a bad roofing company

Had a new roof installed last October, since January, we have had to place numerous bowls around the house due to leaking. The roofing company has come out several times with no satisfying results for the problem, We have provided him with video and photos of the leaking and his last response via... View More

David Arena
David Arena
answered on Nov 14, 2017

The contractor has a responsibility to correct any defects in the instillation. If you provide the contractor with notice and a commercially reasonable time to cure and the contractor fails to do so, you can have the work done by a different contractor. You then have a claim against the original... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Can my contractor bill me for significantly more than his original estimate? He was way off!
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Sep 7, 2017

The answer to your question depends on a number of factors that are not provided here, such as the terms of your contract, the location of the work, and the type of work performed. If the bill is significantly higher than the initial quote, it is likely in your best interest to consult with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for Illinois on
Q: We own a house and the water company digged up our driveway without warning, we can't even park in it. what can we do?

Our house is older on a main street in town. The person called and asked if they can come in and track a water line we said sure they drilled small hole and filled, but today they came out after me and wife left for work no warning and completely tore up 3/4 of our driveway as well as messed up... View More

Ray Choudhry
Ray Choudhry
answered on Aug 16, 2017

Usually the cities provide the water.

Is it a private water company.

There are rules as to what can be done if the water lines have a problem.

If it is the city, check with them as to what they plan to do.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Should I be concerned if a lien is filed against my property?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 8, 2017

Yes, if you ever intend on selling the property. I would recommend consulting with an attorney familiar with liens to evaluate the lien, as it may have been filed improperly and thus invalid.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Contractor quotes $2,500 verbal, hits gas line, job still not done 3 mo. Later sends me bill, for 4,066. How to dispute

Gas still is off, yard was dug up for months, itemized bill was 2,666 in labor alone and the day they came out for the initial quote was 337.00 dollars. Hours are wrong for labor, electricians did not call before they dug and hit line, they have electricians doing labor work and charging me 112.00... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jul 27, 2017

I would recommend organizing all information that is relevant to this situation, including pictures and communications with the contractor, and consulting with an attorney individually. A knowledgeable attorney will review the details surrounding this situation, and will advise you as to your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Do contractors need special licenses to build on commercial property or is it the same for both commercial and

residential?

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jun 7, 2017

It is possible a contractor will need special licenses and/or permits for work on a commercial property, but it depends on a variety of factors, such as the nature and location of the work.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: I live in a sub-division in a condo with HOAs. Do they have a right to reject my chosen contractor, even if he's willing

to build within their specs and requirements?

Drew R. Ball
Drew R. Ball
answered on May 16, 2017

You would need to review your HOA' Decs. and Bylaws to determine whether or not their conduct is appropriate.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: The contractor who constructed my deck seems to have used faulty material. Can I sue them, or do I have to sue the

company that sold the material to them?

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on May 1, 2017

You can certainly sue both of them, but your chances of winning and recovering is a different story. I would recommend organizing all information related to this situation, and consulting with an attorney individually. Your chances of prevailing and recovering in a lawsuit will be substantially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Can i break a contract with a contractor after he has done something illegal?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Apr 3, 2017

It is possible, but an attorney would need more information in order to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your situation, as it depends on the specific illegal act that was performed by the contractor. I would recommend organizing all information relevant to this situation, and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Is the "Home Repair and Remodeling Act" in Illinois still in effect?

I'm looking into starting up a small carpentry business. Just want to make sure I know what exactly needs to be done to prevent any Issues that may arise, as best as I can.

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Feb 20, 2017

Yes, it is certainly still in effect, and is the source for a great deal of litigation in Illinois. If you are contemplating starting a carpentry business, I would highly recommend you consult with an attorney prior to doing so, as it will save you a great deal of time, stress, and money in the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: I paid my contractor eight grand for a job that was done horribly

- what's the next step? Do I have to try to work it out amicably before I can sue him?

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Feb 5, 2017

You certainly do not have to try to work it out amicably, but it may be in your best interest to attempt to resolve the matter prior to filing suit, as there are costs associated with filing suit that will likely never be reimbursed. In any event, I would recommend organizing all information... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: My contractor is billing me for more than the estimate - what can I do?
Mazyar M. Hedayat
Mazyar M. Hedayat
answered on Jan 13, 2017

Your contractor may not bill you for more than his Estimate without seeking your permission in writing. Such written permission is known as a Change Order and must include an estimate of costs, a description of the work to be done, an estimate of the additional labor, material, resources, and time... View More

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