Chevy Chase Construction Dispute Attorneys

Lawyers for Mechanic's Liens, Breach of Contract Claims, and Other Construction Disputes in Chevy Chase, MD

Chevy Chase is home to some of the most valuable residential and commercial real estate in the Beltway area. Construction and renovation projects in this community will often involve substantial financial investments. When a contractor fails to deliver what was promised, a payment dispute arises, or a project goes sideways for any other reason, the parties involved will need to determine what steps to take to resolve these issues. The attorneys at Fox & Moghul work with property owners, contractors, developers, and other parties to resolve construction disputes efficiently and effectively.

Our legal team will review the full record of a project, including contracts, change orders, inspection reports, photographs, and financial records, to determine where things went wrong and what remedies are available for our client. We can assist with all phases of a dispute, from initial demand letters and settlement negotiations through formal mediation, arbitration, or litigation. With our experience helping to resolve issues involving real estate litigation successfully, we know how to protect our clients' rights and interests.

Breach of Contract in Construction Projects

During a construction or development project, when one party fails to meet their obligations, they may be held responsible for a breach of contract. Breaches can take many forms, and they may include:

Failure to Complete Work

A contractor who walks off a job before completing work or who fails to meet the deadlines specified in the contract can leave a property owner in a difficult position. The owner may need to find a replacement contractor, and delays can lead to additional financial consequences.

Substandard Work

When work is completed but does not meet the expected quality standards, the contractor may be in breach of the contract. In these types of claims, a contractor may argue that they performed the required work, but an owner may claim that substandard work affected the safety, functionality, or value of the property.

Non-payment

Property owners or developers who fail to make payments as required may be in breach of the contract. Non-payment can lead to serious consequences for contractors and subcontractors who have committed labor and materials to a project, and they may take steps to recover the amounts owed.

Failure to Follow Contract Terms

Construction contracts may include detailed specifications for materials, methods, and standards of work. A contractor who deviates from those specifications by using the wrong materials, skipping required steps, or failing to obtain the proper permits is in breach of the agreement.

Remedies for a Breach of a Construction Contract

When a breach of contract has occurred, several types of relief may be available. The proper remedy will depend on the nature of the breach, the losses or damages that have occurred because of the breach, and the terms included in the contract.

Compensatory Damages

The most common remedy for a breach of a construction contract is a payment that will compensate the non-breaching party for their losses. When a property owner pursues a claim against a contractor, they may seek compensatory damages for the costs to repair or complete defective or unfinished work, losses caused by delays, or issues that affected the value of the property. When a contractor pursues a claim against an owner who has failed to pay for work performed, compensatory damages may address the unpaid balance, the value of work performed under change orders, or other losses.

Consequential Damages

Additional damages may be paid to address losses caused by a breach of contract. A commercial property owner may take steps to address lost profits from a business that could not open on schedule because of delays. Contractors may address losses suffered because of an owner's wrongful termination of a contract. Some construction contracts may contain terms that cap or eliminate consequential damages. Our attorneys can carefully review contracts to determine whether consequential damages may be available.

Liquidated Damages

Some construction contracts may specify the amount of damages that will apply in certain circumstances. In many cases, a contractor may be responsible for damages that will be assessed for each day that a project extends beyond the deadline.

Contact Our Chevy Chase, Maryland Construction Dispute Lawyers

Construction disputes can escalate quickly. Delays or defective work may affect the timeline of a project, resulting in losses for a property owner or real estate developer. Contractors may struggle to pay employees if they do not receive payment for the work they have performed. Taking the right steps to resolve these disputes can help a contractor, developer, or property owner protect their financial interests. At Fox & Moghul, our lawyers understand how to help clients address the legal issues that may arise in these cases. We will work to protect our clients' rights as we take steps to address contract breaches or other types of disputes. Contact our Chevy Chase construction litigation attorneys at 301-409-5316 to set up a consultation.