Construction Law

Four Tips to Help Contractors Avoid Litigation

Litigation is one of the most common complications for contractors. Whether the fault of the contractor or customer, there are numerous ways disputes can arise, and lead to litigation and lawsuits. Not only can the costs of litigation cause major problems for contractors, but it can ruin the reputation of their company. As your Tampa contractor attorneys, we’ve provided a few tips to help reduce the risks of litigation. As always, it’s best to consult with your construction attorney when dealing with disputes.

1. Document Everything

Make sure to document everything. Documenting delays is something every contractor should practice. There is always the potential for delays because of unforeseen circumstances, and documenting that you’ve notified your client of any delays will benefit you in the long run. As a contractor, if you run into any disagreement or dispute with your client, keep a detailed record. Write down what the dispute was, and when and how it was resolved. If you and your client have set up a payment schedule, document when each payment is due, and what agreed upon action will take place if the payment is late. If you have employees or subcontractors working on the job, make sure they know to document their work and any disputes they may have while on the job.

2. Review Plans

Be sure to take the time to go over all of the plans for your upcoming project with your client. Making sure you are on the same page with the client can help to prevent many problems. Keep detailed records of the work you performed, any supplies you purchased and anything important that occurred during the job.

3. Have A Written Contract

No matter how big or small the job, always have a written contract. Make sure to add any extras that the client wants, especially if they want to add anything after the contract is signed. In this case, it’s best to write up an addendum to the contract and have both parties sign it. When beginning a job, every contractor should have a set date by which they are committed to have each step done.

4. Consult With Your Contractor Attorney

Always consult with your Tampa contractor lawyer. As a contractor, you should always have a skilled and experienced construction attorney on hand. Your attorney should be able to help you navigate disputes when they arise, and avoid disputes altogether when possible.

To speak with an experienced Tampa contractor attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.