Annapolis, MD Construction Dispute Attorneys

Lawyers for Construction Delays or Other Contract Disputes in Annapolis, Maryland

Real estate development projects in Annapolis will involve complex permitting processes, building codes, and other laws and regulations. Construction contracts can play a key role in a project's success. When a party has violated the terms of a contract, the consequences can affect every other party involved in a project. The attorneys at Fox & Moghul work with property owners, developers, and other parties to address construction and real estate development disputes. We fight to protect our clients' legal rights while ensuring that disputes can be resolved so that projects can be successful.

In a construction project, what may begin as a disagreement over the quality of work can quickly expand to include payment disputes, schedule conflicts, and competing claims by multiple parties. Our legal team will fully review contracts and other project records to make sure we understand the issues being addressed in a dispute and the options for resolution. Whether using negotiations or mediation to settle disputes or representing clients during arbitration or litigation, we can help our clients protect their interests.

Types of Disputes in Construction and Real Estate Development Projects

Construction projects will involve a web of contractual obligations and financial concerns. Because the stakes are high, disputes will need to be resolved quickly and effectively. They may involve issues such as:

Failure to Meet Contractual Requirements

A construction contract defines the obligations that will apply to each party, including the scope of work, the materials to be used, the schedule for completion, and the terms of payment. When one party fails to meet their obligations, another party may need to address this breach of contract. A breach may involve a contractor who performs substandard work or abandons the project, an owner who withholds payment without a proper legal basis, an architect whose plans contain errors, or a subcontractor who fails to perform the work assigned to them.

Payment Disputes

When an owner withholds a payment to a contractor, a general contractor does not pay subcontractors, or a supplier goes unpaid for materials they have delivered, the party that did not receive payment may need to decide whether to complete work as required, or they may take steps to recover the money owed. Payment disputes may begin with legitimate disagreements over the quality of work performed or the date when work was completed, but they can quickly affect others involved in a project, making it important to resolve them quickly and efficiently.

Disputes Over Scope of Work and Change Orders

Issues such as conditions on a construction site, code requirements, changes to an owner's plans, or unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to the scope of a project. When those changes are not properly documented through change orders, disputes about payment or the types of work to be performed may arise. The parties may disagree about whether certain types of work fall within the original scope of a project or whether additional payments will be required for extra work.

Defective Work and Materials

Defects can occur during construction projects due to work that was not performed correctly. Poor workmanship, the use of the wrong materials, errors in design plans, or manufacturing defects may all affect the outcome of a project. These disputes may be addressed if they are discovered during construction, and they may halt the progress of a project. In some cases, defects may not be discovered until after a project is complete, and a property owner may need to determine who will be responsible for performing repairs or any other additional work that may be needed.

Construction Delays

Delays are some of the most serious issues that can affect a construction project. If the timeline for a project is extended, the costs for contractors may be higher, and the owner may face financing issues, or they may be unable to begin generating revenue.

Delays Caused by Contractors

Issues such as inadequate staffing, scheduling problems, difficulty procuring materials, or mismanagement of subcontractors may lead to delays. In these cases, an owner may file a claim for damages against the contractor. A construction contract may detail liquidated damages that will be paid for days or weeks beyond the planned completion date.

Delays Caused by Owners

An owner may be responsible for holding up the work on a project because they did not provide design plans on time, did not ensure that materials were purchased and delivered, requested changes that disrupted work, or did not provide approvals when required. In these cases, a contractor may request additional time to complete a project, and they may be compensated for costs incurred due to delays and change orders.

Excusable Delays

Some delays may occur due to circumstances that are beyond anyone's control. Severe weather or natural disasters may prevent work from being performed, supply chain disruptions may affect the availability of materials, or other issues may lead to reasonable delays. These issues may be addressed by force majeure clauses in construction contracts, and a contractor may be given additional time to complete work. However, if a contractor does not provide written notice of a delay and document how it has affected a project, they may be liable for delays.

Contact Our Annapolis Construction Dispute Lawyers

Construction and real estate development disputes will often involve multiple parties. At Fox & Moghul, we work with property owners and developers to address delays, defective work, or other issues that may affect a project or cause financial losses. We can also help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers understand their options for recovering payments they are owed and resolving other types of disputes. Contact our Annapolis, MD construction contract dispute attorneys at 301-409-5316 to schedule a consultation.