Most property owner-contractor relationships run smoothly. Even so, problems may arise due to delays, by the failure of suppliers to deliver materials, or by disputes between a contractor and his or her subcontractors. What starts as a simple dispute between an owner and a contractor can quickly escalate into a multi-party battle, involving the property owner, the contractor, subcontractors, material suppliers, and others. If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably, you will need expert legal advice to see you through the dispute. There is much at stake.
Experienced Representation in Construction Law Matters
Construction projects are complicated with a great deal of money at stake. Do not put your construction law case in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer that does not fully understand the unique market pressures and legal concerns involved in any case in Las Vegas.
Whether you are filing a mechanic's lien or dealing with foreclosure, the Nevada construction law attorneys at John Peter Lee, Ltd., can provide the experienced and dedicated representation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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The Las Vegas law firm of John Peter Lee, Ltd., helps individuals, construction companies and homeowners associations with the day-to-day legal problems they face. While arbitration is a common and preferred practice for resolving disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner, we will not hesitate to litigate on your behalf.
The longer you wait for legal representation to handle a construction project, the more your costs can increase. Do not try to solve the problem on your own through informal negotiations. Let us represent you in arbitration or courtroom litigation arising out of any construction law dispute.
Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor is something many, if not most, property or building owners will be faced with at some point. While some owners may want to do construction work themselves, for many, do-it-yourself is not a realistic option. Laws in many communities state that a licensed professional must do certain types of work, such as electrical installation. Most property owners will also conclude that they will, in the long run, save time and money by hiring a professional to do the work.
The relationship between a property owner and a contractor can work smoothly if both parties are willing to take the steps needed to do so. It can also be a contentious one. An attorney with experience in construction law, such as the attorneys at the law firm of John Peter Lee, Ltd., will help you do what is necessary to make sure things go according to plan.
What a Contractor Does
A contractor may be compared to the producer of a movie. It is the contractor's job to make sure everyone else does his or her job and to see that the whole project comes together as a whole. The contractor is responsible for taking the idea of what the property owner wants and turning it into reality.
Your dealings will probably be with a general contractor. The general contractor is the one responsible for the overall completion of the project. Some contractors are able to do all of the work necessary to complete a project. Most projects, however, require workers in several different fields. Constructing a small building, for example, may require carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, painters, and many other specialized fields. Most contractors are not able to handle this specialty work themselves. The contractor will then hire subcontractors who deal mostly with the general contractor and not the property owner. It is the general contractor's responsibility to make sure that the subcontractors do their jobs and that the work they do meets the required specifications.
Hiring a Contractor
A contractor is a professional and, just as you would with any other professional you hire, you should proceed carefully before you hire one. Do not hesitate to talk to several different contractors before hiring any one of them. It is important that you be satisfied with the contractor, and confident that he or she will do the work to your satisfaction. Ask for references-most contractors are more than happy to provide you with the names of prior customers who are happy with the work done for them.
As you interview prospective contractors, be wary of the "scam artist." While the vast majority of contractors are honest, there are a number of dishonest operators who should be avoided. You should be able to check with your city or state licensing board to learn if a contractor is licensed. While licensing itself is no guarantee of honesty, the fact that a contractor is operating without a license, probably in violation of the law, should be a cause for alarm. A contractor who is willing to cut corners with legal requirements may also be willing to cut corners on the work he or she does. In addition, you should be able to review the record of complaints filed against a contractor. You should also check the records of lawsuits that may have been filed against the contractor. Lawsuits and complaints are not always an indication that anything is wrong, but a consistent pattern is a warning to dig deeper.
You should also review the bid carefully. Many home improvement disputes come about because the contractor promised more than he or she could deliver. For example, many standard home improvement contracts promise that a job will be completed in ninety days. Those contracts often fail to consider delays caused by the weather, suppliers, or subcontractors. Be sure you understand what the contractor agrees to do, and decide for yourself if the promises are reasonable. An experienced construction law attorney, like the attorneys at John Peter Lee, Ltd., in Las Vegas, Nevada, can help you understand the contract, and can help you through any disputes that may arise.
Conclusion
The relationship you have with a contractor is an important one. It is also a relationship that has the potential to create serious legal problems. A John Peter Lee, Ltd. attorney can help you avoid construction problems, and can help you resolve any issues quickly and effectively.
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