Huntington Beach Construction Law Attorney

Huntington Beach Construction Law Lawyer

Any project, especially a large one, requires carefully worded contracts, among other precautions. Even with those steps in place, disputes over missed deadlines and breached agreements can potentially lead to costly litigation. With help from a Huntington Beach construction law attorney, you can navigate those legal disagreements with confidence and a focus on protecting your rights and business interests.

What Sets Our Firm Apart

The team of construction law attorneys at Engels-Janzen knows what it takes to handle construction law disputes with precision and a focus on prioritizing your interests. When we take on a case, we understand that resolving disputes efficiently while protecting your rights and interests is a top priority.

Setting our firm apart is our team of dedicated construction law attorneys who navigate the complexities of construction disputes with precision while ensuring every case is handled in full compliance with California’s laws and industry regulations. When you partner with our law firm, you gain an unwavering ally who takes the time to learn your goals before executing a strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.

Services We Offer

The construction law attorneys at Engels-Janzen provide skilled contract negotiations and drafting for a wide range of construction agreements in Huntington Beach. Our focus on creating clear contracts ensures that they are enforceable and set your projects up for success. We can help your company in the following areas:

• Integrated project delivery and CM-at-risk contracts. We implement collaborative delivery methods to promote efficiency and keep projects on budget.
• Owner-contractor agreements. Our services can protect owners’ rights through detailed agreements that set expectations for compliance, performance, and materials.
• Design-build contracts. We can draft design-build agreements that streamline collaboration and reduce risk associated with the design and construction phases.
• Subcontractor agreements. Our work ensures that subcontractor contracts clearly outline the scope of work and deadlines, which can reduce potential disputes down the line.
• Prime/general contractor agreements. Our legal team can draft, review, and negotiate important contracts between general contractors and owners that outline timelines, payment terms, and more.

We also assist clients with breach of payment disputes, mechanic’s lien filings and enforcement, stop payment notice cases, and other related construction law matters.

Understanding California’s Construction Laws and Regulations

California’s construction laws establish the framework for how building projects are planned, approved, and completed. The goal of these laws is to protect property owners, contractors, and the public.

These enforceable rules cover everything from permitting and zoning to safety standards and dispute resolution. In Huntington Beach, which is home to upscale neighborhoods like Huntington Harbour, Downtown Huntington Beach, and Goldenwest, these regulations guide both residential and commercial development.

From 2019 to 2023, California authorized approximately 650,000 new housing units, which is far short of Governor Newsom’s 3.5 million target. In Huntington Beach, about 55.8% of households are owner-occupied, while the remainder are rentals, and the median household value is $1.05 million.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Law Attorney

Whether you are a contractor, project manager, or property owner, the decision to hire a construction law attorney can prevent disputes that lead to litigation. If you are already in a construction dispute, having a Huntington Beach construction lawyer can greatly improve your chances of avoiding liability in the disagreement.

Lawyers understand construction laws and how to help clients navigate construction law cases efficiently. Whether your case resolves from negotiations, litigation, or another strategy, your attorney can play an invaluable role in protecting your rights and securing a favorable outcome.

FAQs

Can I Negotiate the Terms of My Contract?

Yes. You are not obligated to sign a contract that is unfair or unrealistic. If a written agreement is one-sided and unfavorable to you or your company, you can hire an attorney who understands construction contracts to negotiate the terms of the contract before you sign anything. Remember, once an agreement is signed, it is enforceable in court.

Can Contractors Be Held Liable for Low-Quality Work?

Any party who is hired to do work in construction can potentially be held liable for the quality of their work. Very minor defects may be addressed with repairs, but more serious issues, like sub-quality work over a large scale or failure to have deliverables ready on time as required, could leave contractors facing financial liabilities.

Is California a Construction Defect State?

Yes. California recognizes construction defect claims under its Right to Repair Act (Civil Code §§ 895–945.5), which sets standards for residential construction and outlines pre-litigation procedures. Homeowners can pursue remedies for issues like structural flaws, water intrusion, or code violations, provided they follow the Act’s notice, inspection, and repair opportunity requirements before filing suit.

What Is an Example of a Construction Defect in Huntington Beach?

A construction defect can involve features like patio doors, decks, or entry doors that fail to properly prevent water intrusion. Other examples include issues with foundations or roofs, as well as cracks in load-bearing components that compromise safety. Defects may also stem from substandard work on plumbing, sewer, or electrical systems.

How Can an Attorney Help Me with My Construction Law Case?

An attorney can play a critical role in your construction law case by representing your interests and protecting your rights. Attorneys understand applicable state laws, how to compel other parties to comply with the terms of contracts, and how to defend you against accusations that you breached a written or verbal agreement.

Work With a Huntington Beach Firm That Knows Construction Law

Construction project disputes can quickly escalate and lead to costly litigation. While that cannot always be prevented, having legal representation early on can help reduce the chances of a prolonged dispute. The team of construction law attorneys at Engels-Janzen represents both contractors and property owners. We handle residential and commercial projects with a keen attention to detail and focus on securing a favorable outcome for your case.

We are proud to serve the people of Huntington Beach. No matter the basis of your current case, we can take quick action that protects your financial and business interests. Contact our office today to learn how we can help.