Huntington Beach Construction Dispute & Litigation Lawyer

Huntington Beach Construction Dispute & Litigation Attorney

Contract disputes and the threat of litigation are an unfortunate reality in the construction industry. Whether heated disagreements arise from missed deadlines or quality concerns, you need prompt representation from a Huntington Beach construction dispute and litigation lawyer who knows how to get results. Taking decisive action can reduce your liabilities and position you for a favorable outcome to your construction dispute.

Trusted Construction Dispute and Litigation Services in Huntington Beach

At Engels-Janzen, we recognize that litigation often becomes necessary when negotiations collapse or a party refuses to meet contractual obligations. Our approach to construction disputes in court is proactive, focusing on close collaboration with our clients and pursuing efficient strategies that, whenever possible, keep projects moving forward.

With decades of combined legal experience and insight from a former construction contractor, our team of construction dispute lawyers offers both legal acumen and practical industry knowledge. Partnering with our firm means having a dedicated advocate who prioritizes your objectives and works tirelessly to secure a favorable resolution.

Services We Offer in Huntington Beach

At Engels-Janzen, our lawyers bring decades of combined experience handling construction disputes for contractors, homeowners, property owners, and other workers in the construction industry. Our litigation and dispute resolution services can help you in the following areas: 

• Construction defect litigation. When disputes arise over issues like water intrusion, structural failures, and material defects, we can step in to protect your rights and interests.
• Right to Repair Act. Property owners and contractors should understand the pre-litigation process outlined in SB 800.
• Commercial claims. Our team handles disputes related to commercial projects and residential builds. Whichever side of the issue you are on, we can provide comprehensive legal services tailored to your needs.
• Breach of contract and payment disputes. Breach of contract disputes can quickly become heated. We can handle negotiations or represent you in litigation when a disagreement arises over payment terms, performance obligations, or deliverables that were or were not completed as requested.
• Termination disputes. When contractors or owners end work prematurely, protecting your contractual and financial rights can become a top priority. Our construction law attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling termination disputes.

Understanding Construction Disputes in Huntington Beach

Construction disputes can arise when disagreements over contracts, workmanship, and other issues cannot be resolved informally. In Huntington Beach neighborhoods like Huntington Harbour, Downtown Huntington Beach, and Bolsa Chica, these disputes often involve claims of defective work or missed deadlines.

Questions about timely and accurate payments are also potential disruptors of projects that can lead to litigation. In California, there are 245,000 active licensed contractors as of December 2024, and an unclear contractor contract can quickly lead to questions about responsibilities.

From 2019 to 2023, California authorized about 650,000 new housing units, which can place pressure on contractors to complete projects quickly. In Huntington Beach, around 55.8% of households are owner-occupied. When upgrades are not completed on time or with the intended results, homeowners can hold contractors or builders financially liable.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Dispute and Litigation Lawyer

When disagreements escalate toward legal action, it’s important to hire a construction dispute and litigation lawyer who brings a deep understanding of construction dispute and litigation laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through complex proceedings, advise on negotiation strategies, and ensure you gather the evidence needed to build a strong case in court.

Construction dispute and litigation cases often hinge on how a judge interprets contract language and whether one party’s conduct caused measurable harm to the other. A Huntington Beach construction dispute and litigation attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes while keeping your legal strategy aligned with your objectives, whether that means resolving the matter through settlement talks or taking the case to trial.

FAQs

What Does California’s Right to Repair Act Say About Construction Defects?

California’s Right to Repair Act (Civil Code §§ 895–945.5) sets specific building standards for residential construction and requires homeowners to give builders written notice of potential defects. The builders are then allowed to inspect the defects and offer repairs. If they do not offer suitable remedies in time, the homeowner has the option of taking the case to court.

How Are Construction Disputes Handled in California?

Construction disputes can either be handled informally between parties or through formal court procedures. When both parties can agree on remedies to disagreements, that can avoid the need for intervention through the courts. If discussion efforts break down or one party refuses to make a good-faith effort to resolve a dispute, the courts can offer an effective means for resolving disputes.

What Are Examples of Construction Defects?

A common example of a construction defect is water intrusion caused by improperly installed roofing, windows, or doors. Other examples include structural framing defects, foundation cracks, and faulty plumbing or electrical systems. These serious issues can reduce a property’s safety, function, and value. They often require extensive repairs.

In What Ways Can a Construction Lawyer Assist Me?

A construction lawyer can be a vital resource during construction disputes. Whether you are a contractor, builder, or property owner, attorneys understand how to use their knowledge of the law and court process to protect the interests of clients. Attorneys are trusted advisors who can provide objective feedback and advice. They are also skillful negotiators who can work with the other side to resolve disputes.

Work With a Huntington Beach Firm That Knows Construction Law

Failing to prepare for construction-related litigation can lead to unexpected consequences. If there’s even a small possibility that you or your company could become involved in a legal dispute, you shouldn’t delay seeking strong legal representation. Engels-Janzen represents both contractors and property owners in construction disputes, both inside and outside of the courtroom.

We draw on decades of combined experience to serve our clients, and we always take the time to fully understand each case before recommending next steps. To learn how we can protect your business and safeguard your interests, contact us today to arrange your initial consultation.