Austin Construction And Real Estate Law Blog

When you bought your home, you probably had plans for how you hoped to enjoy your property in the future. Perhaps you wanted to fence in the backyard so your dog could run, or maybe you hoped to put in a pool so your family could enjoy long summer days together. Your plans for the future and enjoyment of your property can come to a halt when you live next door to a neighbor who is a pain in the neck. 

If you live next door to a neighbor who is a nuisance, you may think that there is nothing you can do except move or ignore it. However, behavior that was once annoying or aggravating may eventually step over the line, and you may be able to do something about it. When involved in any type of neighbor dispute or real estate issue, it can be helpful to take steps to learn about your legal options.

Whether you fell into the construction trade after a summer job or you always loved using your hands to build, you now have the privilege of contributing to construction projects in Texas, either commercial or residential. Owning your own general contracting business has many positive elements, including the enormous gratification of completing a challenging project to the satisfaction of the project owner.

Unfortunately, you may also face conflicts and disputes with a project owner, particularly if the owner accuses you of using substandard materials for the project. Facing litigation for defects in your construction can be ruinous to the financial well-being of your business as well as your construction company's reputation. If you do face claims of using defective products, you may be able to share the liability with your supplier.

When you subcontract to work on a construction project, you take a risk, especially if you have never worked for the contractor before or the contractor's reputation for payment is sketchy. There is always the chance that the owner of the construction project will not pay or that the contractor will not pass along to you what you deserve for the work you completed.

This is where a mechanic's lien can come in handy. A mechanic's lien, or contractor's lien, is an option Texas law provides to ensure contractors and subcontractors receive fair pay for their work. Employing such a lien is complex, but since the success of your business depends on you getting paid, it may be worth it to learn how you can benefit from filing one.

Even the smallest amount of water where it does not belong can cause untold harm. While water can bring immediate damage, it also seeps into hidden places in a home, car or shed where it may cause long-term issues such as mold and rot.

When you alter your landscape or construct an addition or new building on your property, you have to be aware of the way your projects may create changes in storm runoff and other water drainage. If your neighbors do not have the same consideration, you may be struggling with unexpected damage from water diverted to your property.