Before you meet with a construction attorney, you should spend time preparing for the meeting by organizing the evidence associated with your case, as well as any legal documents that you have filed to date. In addition, you also should come prepared to ask questions that help you decide whether the attorney you have scheduled a meeting with is the best one to represent you during a construction dispute.
In addition to discovering the experience a construction attorney has compiled, you also want to get answers to more technical questions.
Do You Know the Difference Between Construction Law and Construction Defect?
Does the construction attorney understand the difference between construction law and construction defect? Few attorneys that do not specialize in construction law know the answer to this question. Asking this question ensures you hire a construction attorney who specializes in handling cases involving construction disputes.
What is a Mechanic’s Lien?
When you ask the more technical questions during a case evaluation, you are not looking to receive long, drawn-out answers that confuse you. For example, getting an answer to the question, “Can you describe for men what is a mechanic’s lien” should be short and simple.
A mechanic’s lien represents a legal maneuver that provides a general contractor overseeing a construction project with a financial security interest in the property under construction. If a general contractor and/or a supplier do not get paid during a construction project, they file a mechanic’s lien to secure payment. Suppliers and general contractors in California must serve a preliminary notice within 20 days of the first day of providing labor or materials.
What Are the Licensing Law Requirements for California Contractors?
California has established construction licensing laws to ensure contractors possess the required skills, as well as follow local building codes. Licensing laws in California also discourage unlicensed workers from participating in both commercial and residential construction projects. Unlicensed individuals that perform construction work can result in projects that produce significant property damage, as well as lead to workers getting involved in an onsite accident that causes serious injuries.
To qualify for a California construction license, contractors must prove a certain level of experience that includes passing the appropriate test for their specific trades. The construction attorney that you hire helps you determine whether a contractor under consideration to lead your project has earned the proper licenses.
What is a Scope of Work?
Also referred to as a statement of work, a scope of work represents a section in the construction contract that describes in detail the work to be completed by a contractor. A scope of work that is written correctly creates project expectations that include milestones, job duties, and technical specifications. The section in a construction contract that describes the scope of work should clearly define issues such as the process to handle payment disputes, as well as discuss how to address project delays and construction defects.
Alves Radcliffe, LLP — Construction Attorney
If you need assistance with an indemnity clause in your construction contract, call Alves Radcliffe, LLP at 916-333-3375 or send us an email. We have over 25 years of combined experience, and serve clients throughout Greater Sacramento, Northern California, and the San Francisco Bay Area.