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Tennessee Construction Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: My contractor hasn’t finished a simple job for 9 months. Can I just fire him or do I have to wait a certain # of days?

It’s a covered porch. Had to redo cement already. Is t building the roofline agreed to. I just want to cut my losses.

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Apr 7, 2022

Your contract would control whether you can fire him. If his lack of performance has materially breached your agreement, then you may have options. Consult counsel to determine your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can substantial completion be reached on new construction if there is not a fully functioning bathroom? Statue or code?

Contractor is claiming substantial completion took place before there was a functioning bathroom in my new house while it was under construction. Contractor’s attorney questioned me extensively in small claims court about all the plumbing fixtures in the house which lead me to believe all... View More

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Dec 1, 2021

Substantial completion means that the owner can use the improvement for the use intended. See TCA 28-3-201. There is a lot of case law on the issue. There are exceptions, such as contract terms, change orders, etc. Consult a lawyer if you need help with your case.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Construction Law and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: I work for a restoration contracting franchise can we bring civil litigation against an insurance carrier that owes us $

1 insurance carrier owes us almost $20k going back to Labor Day 2020. Can we sue for that?

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Jul 22, 2021

If the insurer had agreed to pay for your work as opposed to the insured then the insurer may be liable. If your contract/ agreement is with the insured- and the insurer is supposed to pay the insured- then your customer may have to pursue the insurer and your remedy may be against your customer-... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: If a person was injured due to his own negligence while working on my house am I liable

The painter stacked a ladder on top of a scalpel to get on the roof after my husband advised him not to do so. While my husband was working on getting a ladder, the painter went on the roof and fell off the ladder that was stacked on the scalpel. He is now saying he is going to sue us. Are we... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 10, 2021

A Tennessee attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. As a general matter, workers' comp is meant to cover such accidents. That does not mean someone would still not try to sue. It could be difficult to give a quick yes or no answer to your question based on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Contracts and Consumer Law for Tennessee on
Q: Where can I get help with a construction business that has sent me a bill of charges more than I was told to do the job?

I am a 62 year old senior living in the state of TN between Knoxville and Athens, TN. I've been sent a bill charging more than double the time the serviceman/men spent actually doing the job. Also, they're charging me more than double what I could have spent on parts and more than 4... View More

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Dec 16, 2020

I would suggest you communicate in writing as well as orally your dispute to the contractor asking for an explanation of all charges. There may be an explanation - and the Contractor hasn't provided you with enough information. On the other hand there could be a mistake and you have been... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: What does “petition for modification of permanent parenting plan” mean?

This is for a construction company not custody

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 13, 2020

Either the plaintiff is mixed up as to the respondent or you have misread something. Parenting Plans do not have anything to do with Construction Contracts or Business. The petitioner may be noticing you about a possible change to a wage garnishment, but again it should not include the Company... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: I was going 85 in a 45 in a construction zone no workers were present. What should I do?

He didn’t put me down for reckless. He said the ticket he wrote was the equivalent of distracted driving

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 1, 2020

Go to Court in a respectful manner. It will probably help to hire an attorney to represent you. If there is a way to lower the number of points against your MVR, he should be able to find it. Do not just pay it in the mail, as there should be a way to lessen the severity or even dismiss it.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: Does Tennessee law require new residential construction to contain water runoff or make provisions for such?

I live in a private community subdivision and a certain builder has been constructing new spec homes without any provisions for containment or diversion of water runoff but the obligitary silt fence. Considerable runoff from these new construction sites has been flooding and damaging existing next... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 24, 2020

Unless the affected property owners sue in Chancery for an Injunction and possible Damages, there is no deterrent to the builder. Such a suit is expensive and you will probably need an Expert Witness. And you could easily lose. This is always a problem with subdivisions with such small lots.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Child Support, Constitutional Law and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: What does violation of conditions of community supervision mean
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Apr 8, 2020

It is like Violation of Probation. It means that you have violated the terms of your agreement. Depending on your agreement, the jurisdiction, the DA and the Judge, many things could happen. If it is your first time, nothing may happen. You could get a fine. You could be in a situation where... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: I paid a contactor to put new roof on. Leaks worse. His insurance says won't pay for bad workmanship. What now?

Insurance says WILL pay for internal damage due to the poor workmanship. Contractor has been saying he is at fault and will fix, but it's been 11 months and I still have tarps on my roof.

Paul E. Tennison
Paul E. Tennison
answered on Mar 27, 2020

You could sue the contractor. He breached the contract by performing a job that failed to achieve the desired result of a repaired roof. I recommend you consult with an experienced attorney and examine your options in detail. You may be better off if you act quickly. The statute of limitations is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Products Liability and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: How much of a down payment can you ask for when building storage sheds?

What kind of contract should be written up?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 3, 2019

Basically that is up for negotiation. Some contracts say they pay for materials up front, some say a percentage of the total contract. Ask around. The contract is for the performance of services. If you are getting into that line of work you might want to invest in an attorney drawing up the forms... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is there compensation for non property owners who are inches off construction that very adversely effects their property

Eminent domain does not apply, but state of Tn will be constructing a road and wall that will block 2/3rds of access to my business

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Aug 28, 2019

Need more facts. Are you asking whether you need to establish an easement for your business? Consult local counsel to discuss your particular situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: I had siding installed on my house. Is the leftover material mine as i have a use for it.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 26, 2019

The most practical approach would be to send the contractor an email asking them if they want the siding left over from the job. If they tell you it's yours, you don't have to worry about future disputes over using material that they might have planned to come back and pick up. Good luck... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for Tennessee on
Q: is a new development liable for damage they cause to my property? flooding from raised elevation?
Paul E. Tennison
Paul E. Tennison
answered on Jul 24, 2019

Depending on more facts, yes they could be. I recommend you consult with an experienced construction law attorney to determine what your legal options are in this situation. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Consumer Law for Tennessee on
Q: had siding installed on my house. Is the leftover material mine as i have a use for it.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 15, 2019

While it's possible to legally analyze this from the standpoint of whether the material was abandoned, what did the contract say about leftover material, etc., it could be more simple and practical to look at it as a matter of common courtesy. Send the contractor an email, and if they reply... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Construction Law and Consumer Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I fight the law that charges me for sewer even though I am not hooked up to sewer

Utility District Law of 1937, Tennessee, Ann. §§ 7-82-101,

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 1, 2019

You can hire an attorney to file a Declaratory Judgment Action against the County and State. It would probably be a Fifth Amendment based issue, but has little likelihood of success. The expense alone would exceed the the Sewer Charges for several years.

1 Answer | Asked in Agricultural Law, Construction Law and Environmental for Tennessee on
Q: Where would I find a law describing how I would get a permit to build a green way and other trails in my community?

I would like to build various trails on unused land that can not be accessed by roads and are owned by the government. Where would I look and how would I obtain a permit to build this in my community?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 25, 2019

A starting point could be to contact the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. They have a Knoxville Environmental Field Office.

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: Me and a construction company are in one county, they damaged my car in a second county. In which county do I file suit?

Their negligence caused damage to my car and they are refusing to pay, despite me having abundant evidence. I live in Knox County and the company is also based in Knox County, but the construction and the damage was done in Anderson county. Do I need to file suit in Knox or Anderson county?

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Feb 27, 2019

You can sue the Defendant either where the accident occurred or in the County where the Defendant is located.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: What exactly does misrepresentation of home improvement mean. Whsts been misrepresented?

My husband and i own a small construction business. He was recently charged with " misrepresentation of home improvement" but nothing was ever misrepresented and the charge doesnt specify whst he is being accused of misrepresenting. He is not a general contractor but that is specified... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 23, 2019

This sounds like something on which you should consult with a Tennessee attorney. I do not practice in Tennessee but your question remains open for 4 weeks. As a general matter, misrepresentation occurs when someone enters into a contract or transaction based upon statements or conduct made by the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Tennessee on
Q: I’m a contractor in Tennessee, when clients cancel after the 3 day ‘cool off’, is it legal to charge a cancellation fee?

I’ve had a few that cancel after the 3 day cancellation period, after we’re ordered materials but before they’ve been delivered to the job site. Due to the lost time for paperwork and the design process, is it legal to charge a cancellation fee? If so what is the limit to this fee?

Frank J. Steiner
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answered on Nov 14, 2018

It depends on the wording of the contract.

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