Columbia, MD Construction Disputes Lawyers

Attorneys Addressing Construction Project Delays, Change Order Disputes, and Other Issues in Columbia, Maryland

During commercial or residential real estate construction projects, mixed-use developments, or other types of projects, disagreements may arise between the parties who are involved. A property owner may not be happy with the quality of work performed, or a contractor may need to address a developer's failure to pay for work. Delayed timelines or disputes related to the terms of a construction contract can affect the completion of a project. Determining how to resolve these issues is not always easy, but the lawyers at Fox & Moghul can provide the legal help needed to help property owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and materials suppliers protect their rights.

The issues that can lead to conflicts, the language of contracts, and the financial stakes involved may be different from project to project. Our attorneys work closely with clients to identify the issues that need to be addressed and develop strategies for success during real estate litigation. We have the experience needed to help clients resolve these issues successfully, and our team has been recognized with numerous awards due to the quality of our legal services.

Types of Disputes That May Arise During Construction Projects

Defective Work

A contractor who does not perform work that meets the expected standards of quality may be liable for the costs of repairs, issues that lowered the value of the property, and other losses that property owners have experienced. Defects may be found after the completion of a project, but in some cases, they may remain hidden for months or years before structural problems, water leaks, electrical system failures, or code violations are discovered.

Property owners who identify defects will need to document the conditions thoroughly, provide written notice to the contractor, and give the contractor the opportunity to fix the problem. A three-year statute of limitations will usually apply for contract claims related to defects, although this deadline may be extended if defective work is not discovered until a later date.

Payment Disputes

A property owner may withhold payment to a contractor based on claims of defective or incomplete work. General contractors may fail to pay subcontractors as they address disputes with owners. Subcontractors and suppliers may be left waiting for payments that have been withheld for reasons that are unrelated to the quality of their work.

Mechanic's liens may be used to address non-payment for work. A contractor, subcontractor, or supplier may place a lien on the property where work was performed, and the lien will need to be resolved before the property can be sold or transferred. Specific requirements must be met when filing mechanic's liens. Our attorneys can assist with establishing liens, or we can help property owners resolve liens and remove encumbrances from their properties.

Construction Delays

When a project falls behind schedule, the financial consequences can be significant. Owners may lose rental income or face penalties related to leases or development agreements. Contractors may face increased labor and equipment costs when work lasts longer than expected.

Disputes may arise over whether delays were caused by a contractor, the owner, or external factors that were outside either party's control. Contractors who cause delays may be required to pay liquidated damages for each day a project is late. Owners who are responsible for delays may be required to pay additional compensation to a contractor.

Scope of Work and Change Order Disputes

Changes to the scope of work are common during construction projects. The question of how those changes will be authorized, how they may affect the timeline of a project, and how a contractor will be paid for additional work can lead to disputes. When an owner asks for additional work without executing a written change order, the contractor may struggle to obtain payment for that work.

Subcontractor and Supplier Disputes

Disputes between general contractors and subcontractors or suppliers could disrupt a project. Common issues include disagreements over the scope of work, charges assessed by a general contractor for defective work or damage to a property by a subcontractor, or payment disputes. When a subcontractor is terminated during a project, disputes may arise over the value of the work they completed and the costs of completing the remaining work with a new subcontractor.

Design Professional Disputes

Architects, engineers, and other design professionals may play a central role in construction projects. When design plans contain errors or omissions that result in defective construction, increased costs, or delays, questions may arise about whether the design professional, the contractor, or the owner is responsible.

Contact Our Columbia Construction Dispute Attorneys

When disputes arise during or after a construction project, they will often involve multiple parties. Property owners and developers will be looking to protect their interests and address any losses that have occurred, while contractors may need to take steps to obtain payment for their work. Legal representation can be crucial in these cases. At Fox & Moghul, we provide guidance for clients, helping them understand the best steps they can take to resolve disputes successfully. Contact our Columbia, MD construction contract dispute lawyers at 301-409-5316 to schedule a consultation today.