Skilled Construction Dispute Lawyers Standing Up For Property Owners
When property owners encounter problems with contractors, having reliable legal support can make a big difference. At Brown & Brown, Attorneys at Law, we protect the interests of property owners in construction disputes in Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding communities. Our experienced California construction defect lawyers for property owners are here to provide you with the dependable representation you need.
Advocating For You In Contractor Disputes
Disputes between property owners and contractors can be over a wide range of issues, including:
- Cost increases
- Project delays
- Breach of home improvement contract
- Poor workmanship claims
- Warranty and punch list issues
- Incomplete or abandoned projects
- Water intrusion and mold
- Structural defects
- Deposit and progress payments
Such conflicts have the potential to greatly impact your financial health, your property’s value and your long-term goals. Our contractor dispute attorneys stand up for the best interests of property owners in all types of defect and construction cases.
Helping You Understand Your Contract
When disputes arise, the terms of your construction contract can significantly impact your rights as a property owner. Our lawyers can meticulously look through your agreement to help you understand your options and determine appropriate next steps.
We can also help you when you are initially forming an agreement with a contractor. Turn to us for contract review and negotiation services focused on ensuring the resulting construction agreement properly protects your rights.
Understanding Patent And Latent Defects
Property owners may have the right to sue for construction-related issues that arise years later. A leak five years after a major construction project could still warrant a construction defect lawsuit.
Property owners taking legal action need to determine if the defect is latent or patent. A patent defect typically involves a visible issue, such as broken windows or cracking drywall, caused by issues with the property or the work previously performed. If you discover a patent defect, you may have up to three years to take legal action.
Latent defects are harder to notice, as they are hidden. Structural instability, mold hidden inside walls and issues with the foundation may only come to light when they cause visible property issues. There is a 10-year statute of repose that typically applies to latent defects. You have longer to sue a contractor or construction firm for these costly issues.
How The Right To Repair Act Affects Your Claim
Under California Senate Bill 800 (2002), also known as the California Right to Repair Act, you typically cannot take immediate legal action after discovering a defect. Instead, you must allow the other party an opportunity to remedy the situation.
Your lawyer can provide the contractor or business with prelitigation notice. The SB 800 process requires that you give the party at fault notice of the construction defect and allow them to correct the matter.
Professionals must acknowledge the complaint within 14 days and have 14 days to inspect the property. They then have 30 days after the inspection to repair the issue or pay another party to perform repairs. If they do not repair the property, typically within 120 days, then the property owner can proceed with litigation.
Addressing Permit Issues, Building Code Violations And Failed Inspections
Those in Rancho Cucamonga, California, accused of performing construction work without permits face substantial fines. Local authorities could compel the demolition of the structure in some cases. Owners may face challenges selling or insuring the property.
Similar issues could arise if the property fails the post-construction inspection or local authorities discover building code violations. Remedying the issue may require correcting the work or paying for fines and repair work. Coordinating with local building authorities before, during and after a project is part of what construction professionals handle for their clients.
Addressing the issue can be costly. The construction company or contractor may ultimately be liable for failing to follow the right procedures, secure all necessary permits, comply with the building code and ensure the property passes all mandatory inspections.
Seeking The Solutions You Need
When it comes to construction and renovation disputes, achieving a viable long-term resolution is critical for property owners. We understand this and are ready to help. Whether you are seeking out-of-court settlement options or need advocacy at trial, our team is here for you.
Reach Out To Our Trusted Team Today
Let us help you protect your home and your goals for it when contractor disputes arise. Set up a free consultation today by calling us at 1-800-349-8418 or reaching out online.