Costa Mesa Construction Contract Lawyer

Costa Mesa Construction Contract Attorney

A successful construction project requires more than strong management. The wording of contracts also plays a key role in determining how effectively construction projects get off the ground. If you are drafting or negotiating a contract, you can rely on the services of a Costa Mesa construction contract lawyer to ensure that the binding agreement meets your goals and will be enforceable in court.

Why Choose Engels-Janzen?

Construction contract law leaves no room for uncertainty. At Engels-Janzen, our Costa Mesa construction contract attorneys offer decades of combined legal experience to the clients we serve. With one partner having worked as a construction contractor, we bring a unique perspective that allows us to understand both sides of these disputes.

When you hire our firm, your case will not be handed off to someone who doesn’t take the time to understand your objectives. We begin every matter by listening closely to our clients, ensuring we know exactly where they’re coming from and what they want to achieve. You can rely on our legal team to handle your contract dispute with precision and a results-driven approach.

Services We Provide

A strong construction contract clearly outlines responsibilities and expectations, helping contractors, subcontractors, and property owners work together smoothly. At Engels-Janzen, our construction law team assists clients in drafting and negotiating a variety of construction-related agreements to protect their interests.

We can guide you through:

• Prime/general contractor agreements. We draft and review these contracts to define payment schedules, duties, and project timelines, reducing the risk of disputes.
• Design-build contracts. Our attorneys create agreements that integrate the design and construction phases, fostering collaboration while managing risks and keeping budgets in check.
• Subcontractor agreements. We prepare detailed contracts that clearly define work scope, deadlines, and quality requirements to maintain accountability.
• Owner-contractor agreements. Our experience allows us to set clear expectations that help ensure contractors deliver on commitments.
• CM-at-risk contracts. We structure these complex arrangements to fairly allocate risk and align with your project goals.

Understanding Construction Contracts in Costa Mesa

Construction contracts form the backbone of successful building projects by outlining the scope of work, payment schedules, timelines, and dispute resolution methods. They protect both property owners and contractors by setting clear expectations and ensuring compliance with California’s construction laws.

In Costa Mesa neighborhoods such as Mesa Verde, Eastside Costa Mesa, and Westside Costa Mesa, having a well-drafted contract is critical for avoiding costly disputes and project delays.

According to the Contractors’ State License Board’s 2024 Quarterly Board Meeting Packet, there were approximately 245,000 active licensed contractors in California as of December 2024.

Costa Mesa’s 2021–2029 Regional Housing Target requires the city to plan for 11,760 new housing units under the State Housing Element Law. When one party fails to meet the terms of a contract, they can potentially face civil liabilities in court.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Contract Lawyer

Whether you are a contractor or property owner, the decision to hire a construction contract lawyer should be a top priority. Construction contract cases are often complex and require guidance and support from an attorney with years or decades of experience.

If you are drafting a contract or negotiating more favorable terms for an agreement, your attorney can play a critical role in those efforts. Attorneys understand which words to use so the agreement is both clear and enforceable in court.

In contract disputes, attorneys play a critical role by negotiating on behalf of clients or taking decisive action in court. With your goals in mind, your attorney can navigate your contract dispute so your interests are protected in the final outcome of your case.

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 and requires homeowners to give builders written notice of defects. Builders must then be allowed to inspect the home and offer repairs before a civil claim is filed. The goal of this law is to resolve disputes efficiently while ensuring construction meets safety and quality requirements.

Can Homeowners in California File Construction Defect Claims?

Yes. Homeowners have the right to file claims if another party’s work compromised a home’s safety, value, or function. Under the Right to Repair Act, they must notify the builder of the defect and allow that individual time to inspect and repair the defect. If the contractor or builder fails to do so, the homeowner can take direct legal action to recover damages.

What Are Examples of Construction Defects?

Construction defects are structural problems with a home that result from poorly managed construction projects. Common examples include water intrusion caused by poorly installed windows, doors, or roofing materials. Other examples of construction defects include foundation cracks, faulty plumbing, and electrical systems. These are serious issues that can leave builders and contractors financially liable for the low-quality work they performed.

In What Ways Can a Construction Lawyer Assist Me?

Whether you are a contractor or homeowner, having guidance from a construction lawyer can be incredibly helpful. An attorney can review contracts, evaluate potential defects in your home, and explain your legal options. If resolving your dispute requires negotiations, your lawyer can directly engage with the other party. If needed, an attorney can handle the complexities of taking the at-fault party to court.

Work With a Costa Mesa Construction Contract Firm

Contract disputes can quickly escalate. By taking decisive action with legal support from Engels-Janzen, you can protect your reputation and reduce your financial liabilities. Our legal team is staffed by a former construction contractor who brings decades of experience from that field.

Our construction contract law firm represents both contractors and property owners in contract disputes. We can work to find an efficient solution to your contract dispute that minimizes disruption to the current project. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting with a member of our team to learn more about our services and what we can do for you.