Silver Spring Construction Dispute Lawyers

Attorneys Providing Representation in Construction Contract Disputes and Litigation in Silver Spring, MD

Construction projects involve large investments of time, money, and resources. For property owners and developers who are involved in large-scale projects or contractors who are completing work, disputes can arise during any stage of a project. When one party fails to meet their obligations, the consequences can ripple through every aspect of the work, delaying timelines, inflating costs, and damaging professional relationships. At Fox & Moghul, our attorneys work with clients in Silver Spring to address and resolve construction disputes.

Our team understands the legal issues that can arise during construction disputes. We can address the laws, regulations, and contractual obligations that may affect these cases. Due to our comprehensive knowledge of real estate law and our experience representing clients in litigation, we have received numerous awards, and our team members serve as educators for other legal professionals. Our team can provide the clear guidance and effective representation needed to ensure that disputes can be resolved correctly.

What Qualifies as a Breach of a Construction Contract?

A construction contract will define the responsibilities of each party, as well as the scope of work, the materials to be used, the project timeline, the payment terms, and other key terms. When one party fails to meet their responsibilities and does not have a valid legal reason for doing so, a breach of contract has occurred. Some of the most common issues that can lead to construction contract disputes include:

Defective Workmanship

The quality of the work performed may be a factor in a construction dispute. The completed work may not meet the standards outlined in the contract or the requirements under the applicable building codes. Examples of substandard work may include:

• Faulty Foundation Work: Poor concrete mixing, inadequate reinforcement, or improper grading may lead to structural instability.
• Substandard Framing: Errors in the structural framing of a building may compromise its integrity.
• Plumbing and Electrical Issues: Improper installation of systems can create safety risks.
• Roofing Failures: Use of inferior materials or improper installation techniques can result in leaks or other problems.

Failure to Complete the Project

A contractor who abandons a project before it has been completed or who fails to finish within the time frame specified in the contract may be in breach of the contract. When delays are caused by a contractor rather than by external factors like severe weather, the contractor may be held responsible for the losses the owner experienced while the work was unfinished.

Use of Improper Materials

Construction contracts will typically detail the types of materials that should be used. Substituting lower-quality materials without the owner's written consent may be considered a breach of contract. This issue may not be discovered until years after a project is complete, after materials fail or a building inspection reveals code violations.

Nonpayment or Underpayment

Some contract breaches may involve property owners or general contractors who fail to make required payments to contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers. In these cases, a contractor or supplier may take steps to place a mechanic's lien on the property.

Unauthorized Scope Changes

A construction contract will usually include provisions detailing how changes to the original scope of work will be handled. When changes are made without following a contract's change order process, disputes may arise. Disagreements over what was and was not included in the original contract may need to be resolved through litigation.

How Construction Disputes Affect the Parties Involved

When a construction dispute arises, a property owner may be left with incomplete work or an unsafe property. Contractors may struggle financially when payments are withheld. Subcontractors and suppliers may go unpaid even when they have fulfilled their obligations. Some disputes may delay projects long enough to affect neighboring properties or jeopardize financing arrangements.

For property owners, a prolonged dispute may also affect their ability to obtain a certificate of occupancy, secure insurance coverage, or sell the property. For contractors and developers, unresolved disputes can damage their professional reputations and result in the loss of future business opportunities. Our lawyers understand the ways our clients are affected by these disputes, and we work to resolve legal issues effectively while helping them protect their financial interests.

Contact Our Silver Spring, Maryland Construction Dispute Attorneys

Construction disputes can be difficult to resolve. The stakes in these cases can be high, and the legal issues that will need to be addressed may be complex. Whether you are a property owner, developer, contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, the attorneys at Fox & Moghul can help you determine the best ways to resolve contract disputes. We will fully review the details of your situation, explain your legal options, and work with you to address financial losses, property defects, or other issues that may affect you both now and in the future. Contact our Silver Spring construction contract dispute lawyers at 301-409-5316 to set up a consultation.