Most construction disputes are caused by one party breaking the agreed-upon contractual obligations. A contract is what parties agree to during a project. If something doesn’t go as planned, the “wronged” party can claim for breach of contract.
To know if you have the right to file a claim for this, you should know some of the most common causes of contract disputes. Here are three:
1. Construction quality
Construction quality is important for several reasons. If construction isn’t up to the set standard, the building will pose a threat to everyone who uses it. If an owner finds problems with the finished structure, or if it does not pass inspections, the fault will be placed on the contractor.
2. Delays in the construction project
Delays in a construction project are some of the biggest causes of stress on any job site. They can be caused by safety, weather, noise, labor, materials, permits and more. While the contractor isn’t usually to blame for delays, some agreements require a completion date. If the contractor doesn’t meet this date, they may incur penalties. If a delay is something besides a natural disaster, such as permit acquisition or material delivery, the contractor may be faulted and a claim filed against them for breach of contract.
3. Nonpayment
When a project is completed and the owner fails to pay, the contractors on the job can file a claim for nonpayment. In these cases, a mechanic’s lien is usually filed and attached to the title or deed of the property. They aren’t cleared until the contractor is paid in full.
Protecting your rights
If a contract is not followed and someone in the agreement is wronged, they have the legal right to file a claim against the other party. Knowing what rights you have will help you act when necessary.
