Homeownership often involves a fight against entropy and natural forces. Properties may decline in condition over time unless homeowners are proactive about maintenance and repairs. For example, even a small amount of water incursion due to compromised home systems or...
When you want to purchase a property, it’s crucial to identify issues that might affect its transferability or ownership. An example of such problems is title defects. If the title of the property has a defect, someone may challenge your ownership. You may have to go...
An easement is a legal right for one party to use another party’s land for a purpose that’s clearly defined. The easement is attached to the land, but it doesn’t transfer any form of ownership to the party that’s allowed to use the land. Easements are common in both...
Construction projects are often creative ideas that the client pays the contractor to bring to life. The project’s goals and deliverables are known as the scope of the project. When the client starts to make changes to the project, there’s a chance that scope creep...
Payment delays, contract disputes and change order disagreements can lead to serious financial challenges when subcontractors find themselves shortchanged in construction matters. Fortunately, while subcontractors may feel they have little power against general...
Construction defect claims often arise immediately after the completion of a project. Clients may take issue with a material substitution or with the appearance of the final project. They initiate construction defect litigation to hold the company accountable....
Trees can help contribute to property value. They provide shade to reduce heat during hot days, make a yard more attractive and may even be a source of food in some cases. Unfortunately, trees can also be a hazard. If they become infested with pests or die due to...
The first land deed in Texas dates back to the early 18th century. Specifically, the Spanish government began issuing land grants in Texas around 1716. In those early days, a deed often used geographic details to identify property lines. Still, using geographic...
Imagine discovering someone else is trying to claim ownership of your land simply because they’ve been using it without your permission. It may sound unfair, but it’s actually a legal reality under Texas adverse possession laws. According to the law, a person who...
Unlike surface water which is owned by the state, groundwater in Texas belongs to landowners who have the right to pump water from beneath their property. However, this right isn't unlimited. Texas has established several important regulations and restrictions to...
