Common Causes of Construction Litigation
The disputes that most often end up in court — and how to avoid them.
What causes most construction litigation?
Most construction disputes trace back to a handful of recurring issues: nonpayment, delays, defective work, and disagreements over changes to the scope. When the money, the schedule, or the quality goes sideways and the contract does not clearly resolve it, the parties end up in court or arbitration.
The usual sources of disputes
- Payment — nonpayment and the mechanics liens that follow;
- Delay — who is responsible for a blown schedule and its costs;
- Defects — defective design, materials, or workmanship; and/or
- Change orders — extra work performed without clear written authorization.
How good contracts prevent them
Most of these disputes are avoidable with clear contracts — defined scope, payment and change-order procedures, schedule and delay provisions, and dispute-resolution terms. The time to prevent construction litigation is when the contract is drafted, not when the project is halfway built.
How Nochumson P.C. helps
Nochumson P.C. drafts construction contracts to head off disputes and litigates construction claims when they arise. Contact us about a construction dispute.
Related articles:
- Construction Defect Claims in Pennsylvania
- Mechanics' Liens in Pennsylvania
- The Real Estate Development Process in Philadelphia
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