Despite the towering cranes and heavy bulldozers, the construction industry can get surprisingly small and detailed when it comes to the legal fine print. In fact, construction litigation is a field riddled with cases and claims brought between contractors and owners. Here are a few of the most common disputes between these parties.

What Are the Most Common Disputes in Construction Litigation?

1. Construction Defects

Some of the most common disputes on a construction site are based on inaccurate or subpar work. In most cases, the owner of the property suggests the work doesn’t meet their specifications and the contractor disagrees. To resolve the dispute, the contractor must allow the owner to call for elimination of the defect, as well as its repair or replacement. At the end of the project, the contractor will have a claim against the owner if it’s found they originally met the agreed-upon construction plans.

2. Change Orders

Construction projects are often subject to unforeseen challenges, whether regarding the terrain, the materials, or the weather. If the owner makes a change order to ask for extra work, the contractor may claim the work is out of their scope, the price of the extra work is not reasonable, or they don’t have enough time to complete it. A dispute may also form if the owner denies the price or timeline extension. At the end of the project, the owner and contractor must come to a financial resolution for the work that took place, often with the help of a construction litigation team.

3. Project Access

To complete the project, the contractor and their subcontractors must be able to access the worksite as-needed, and the owner is responsible for allowing them such access. This may be as simple as giving them a key, but it could also entail permits or easements. If the building that’s to be renovated is currently occupied, the contractor could claim the owner failed to provide access. A similar dispute could be brought if the owner failed to provide the promised equipment.

If you’re dealing with a construction litigation dispute, get in touch with Daniel H. Craven, P.C. of Gulf Shores, AL. He is proud to serve property owners and businesses throughout Baldwin County with 24/7 legal advice. With a background in engineering, this experienced attorney can offer unparalleled insight into matters of construction and real estate, but he also works on criminal law and DUI defense cases. To learn more about his wide-ranging skills, visit the website, or call (251) 968-8170 to schedule a consultation today.