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California Construction Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: If a roofer completes a roof that does not pass inspection and looks bad, do I have the obligation to pay him under cont

The roofer and I have a contract, but if the job fails inspection and looks bad--what is my best legal recourse (under $10,000)

Can I withhold payment?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 2, 2016

It depends on whether there is a written contract, whether he was licensed and insured, and other factors at play. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice nor does it create... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: Should we pay this roofing contractor?

He left our roof wavy and sagging, worse than before. What if it fails inspection?

He was supposed to put 1 layer of shingles. Do we have the legal right to expect

his work to meet state inspection standards?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 1, 2016

One possible remedy may be non-payment, but it depends on the reasonable quality of the work as judged from contractual obligations and objective expectations, as well as whether it passes inspection. Hopefully the contractor will remedy the matter, was licensed, and insured. The best first step is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Can my employer switch me from payroll to 1099 whenever he feels like? Its construction type work and I am not licensed

I had to wait weeks to get paid what was owed and pulled off payroll without notice and eventually was never paid what was owed. I was given bits and pieces and eventually screwed over and never paid. He never took taxes out. Hes a contractor who would pick up different jobs and send me out to do... View More

Andy Chen
Andy Chen
answered on Nov 13, 2016

In general, no. Whether a person is an employee or a 1099 contractor depends on their job description and how much autonomy they have over their work. Unless their job description and tasks have changed, a person cannot be an employee one day and a 1099 contractor the next just because that's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: Problems with neighbors about replacing a shared boundary fence.

I am building a new home and the shared boundary fencing needs to be replaced. The current chain-link fencing is outdated in function and appearance, breaking down, the foundation is broken and eroding, and in some areas do not completely follow the property lines. I have already sent notice to... View More

Richard Samuel Price
Richard Samuel Price
answered on Oct 14, 2016

Under the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013 (Civil Code §841), you've given notice of your intent to replace the fence. The law presumes that the shared border fence benefits both neighbors and each must share in the costs of repair, maintenance or construction. To enforce this requirement,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My house has some rot around windows and on the deck. Is it a legal requirement to fix these, or can I see house as is?

A realtor came out a few yrs ago and told me I would not be able to sell house without repairing the wood issues. I don't know if she meant it would just not sell, or if it was a legal requirement to fix certain things, or if a lender would not lend on properties with these kind of issues.... View More

Richard Samuel Price
Richard Samuel Price
answered on Mar 31, 2016

Since the house is in North Carolina, then North Carolina law applies. Please repost your question under North Carolina law.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Do I have a case? See More Information

I hired a contractor to clean a house. I labeled an item not to be dumped but one of the contractor’s employees took it. The contractor admitted via text he had the item and it was his fault. We made no agreement on how he was to return the item. Three weeks later the contractor left the item in... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 23, 2015

That is called an intervening superceding criminal act, and I believe it might be a defense to you suing the contractor. So, the best thing to do before you file a lawsuit is to go see an attorney about this. The contrator returned the item, but someone then stole it. The contractor is not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: Can selling a home as new construction when permits state addition to existing property be fraud?

construction company who built my house pulled permits as if they were building an addition to the old property that was once on the land. old house was completely gone and in a different spot than new house construction. insurance wants more monthly to cover insurance fees. can this be considered... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 13, 2015

The thing to do is to go see a local real estate attorney about this. Fraud requires that certain elements exist.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: What is the consumers obligation to contractor for payment if he does not provide any written estimates, invoices or .?

What is the consumers contractual obligation to the contractor for payment if he does not provide an an written estimates, invoices, or other paperwork? My contractor did not have an estimate, no contract, no invoice or the other needed paperwork written up for the job. What are the consumers... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Aug 4, 2015

Presumably, there were verbal agreements, and a judge or jury would have to determine what really happened. A local lawyer can advise, including the requirements for mechanic's liens. In many states, mechanic's lien requirements have to be strictly followed.

Please Take Notice:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: I own property (bare land/commercial) with another person. We have owned it for 10 years. I want to sell. They do not

they want to build on it, but they won't buy me out, and i cannot get anyone to buy me out.

can they build on it, if i do not agree?

Mr. Robin Mashal
Mr. Robin Mashal
answered on Dec 24, 2014

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

If you cannot workout your differences with your co-owners, you may have to bring an action for partition. Be sure to consult your own attorney to protect your legal rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: Can a window covering business require a 50% deposit for custom made window coverings?
Mr. Robin Mashal
Mr. Robin Mashal
answered on Dec 24, 2014

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

This is a contractual matter. The window covering business owner can set its contract terms; it would be up to the potential customers to accept these terms, or take their business...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: A commerical property owner asked permission for their hired contractor/workmen to come 10ft onto my property to

erect a "temporary fence" during demolition of their burnt-out building located next to my home. I'm inclined to say "NO!"

Mr. Robin Mashal
Mr. Robin Mashal
answered on Dec 24, 2014

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

It would be your choice to give or refuse permission. You need to consider whether permitting the fence would cause you any damage, and also whether preventing the building of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for California on
Q: Can I sue an unlicensed contractor for $$ already paid despite he has completed the job? He uses someone else license #.

And if this unlicensed contractor files a mechanic's lien on my property for unpaid balance, is it enforceable? And is it fraud on his part for doing so?

Jeannette C.C. Darrow
Jeannette C.C. Darrow
answered on Nov 10, 2013

A homeowner is allowed to sue an unlicensed contractor for money already paid on a job regardless of whether the job was completed, and regardless of whether the work was perfect and you were 100% satisfied with it. By law, the party who contracts with an unlicensed contractor (for a project of... View More

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