Residential construction projects typically involve hiring a general contractor that in turn manages several subcontractors that specialize in different trades. From planning a schedule to ordering a wide variety of materials, general contractors have a lot on their plates managing projects that are valued at tens of thousands of dollars. With the inclusion of fees, permits, business contracts, and insurance policies, a construction project can take a wrong turn on any given day.
Are you looking for a construction attorney near Sacramento, CA? The capital city of California is home to dozens of construction attorneys. What criteria should you consider before you hire a construction attorney to handle your dispute?
Knowledge
Construction law covers several types of disputes, including negligence, breach of contract, missed deadlines, and changes to the original scope of work. The lawyer that you hire should have a thorough understanding of the type of dispute you are embroiled in with a general contractor. California construction statutes often change, which means the construction attorney that you hire must stay on top of the changes to maintain knowledge of your legal issues.
Construction Law Experience
Knowledge is just one part of the equation for hiring the most qualified construction attorney. You also should consider working with a lawyer who has extensive experience handling construction disputes. Recent law school graduates with in-depth knowledge come across as a cost-effective option for legal representation, but you might hire an inexperienced attorney who takes unnecessary risks in addressing your construction dispute.
Willing to Negotiate a Settlement
Taking a general contractor to court often ends up being a costly and time-consuming process. The alternative to litigation is to negotiate a favorable settlement. Your construction attorney submits an initial offer for compensation, which the other party can accept or reject. If the other party rejects the initial offer, you might receive a counteroffer or a letter stating the other party’s intention to move to the trial phase of the litigation process.
Responsive Communicator
Accessibility represents an important trait for any attorney to possess, but especially a construction attorney because disputes can change direction quickly. You should receive responses to questions and any legal issues raised within the same business day, whether a response is delivered by text, phone, or email. If you need to speak with your construction attorney after business hours, leave a message and a responsive lawyer should get back to you the first thing the following day.
Superior Problem-Solving Skills
One of the most important skills for your lawyer to possess concerns the ability to solve complex problems. Although litigation is an option to resolve construction disputes, it should be the option of last resort. Before getting involved in the litigation process, your construction attorney should try to resolve the legal dispute. For example, let’s assume a general contractor changed the scope of the work. Your construction attorney can try to find out why the general contractor changed the scope of the work, and then determine whether the changes represent a breach of contract.
The Bottom Line: Hiring a Construction Attorney is Worth It
With construction projects generating around $1 trillion of revenue each year, disputes among property owners and general contractors are bound to happen. If you are embroiled in a construction dispute, be proactive and hire the best construction attorney in Sacramento, CA. The best construction attorneys help you establish every project requirement, as well as educate you concerning the codes, laws, and regulations that play an important role in the completion of your project.