Laguna Beach Construction Dispute & Litigation Lawyer

Laguna Beach Construction Dispute & Litigation Attorney

When disputes over deadlines and payments arise, contracts play a central role in defining each party’s rights and responsibilities. When disputes over deadlines, payments, or project quality arise, things can quickly escalate and potentially lead to strained business relationships or direct action in court. A Laguna Beach construction dispute and litigation lawyer can handle the complexities of your case by working to safeguard your interests and limit financial exposure.

Trusted Construction Dispute and Litigation Services in Laguna Beach

At Engels-Janzen, we understand that litigation is often a last resort when negotiations break down or one party is unwilling to hold up to their end of the bargain. We take a proactive approach to handling construction disputes in court by closely working with our clients and seeking efficient solutions that get construction projects back on track whenever possible.

Our team of attorneys has decades of combined legal experience and includes a former construction contractor. When you partner with our firm, you gain a tireless advocate who will focus on your needs and achieve your goals.

Services We Provide

At Engels-Janzen, our attorneys have decades of combined experience navigating construction disputes for contractors, owners, and other workers in the industry. We approach matters with the goal of protecting your interests while reducing conflict as efficiently as possible. Our dispute and litigation services include:

• Construction defect litigation. We represent clients in disputes over issues like water intrusion, structural failures, and material defects. This ensures claims are thoroughly documented.
• SB 800. The Right to Repair Act can play a role in construction disputes. We can guide both property owners, contractors, and homeowners through the SB 800 pre-litigation process to ensure that your rights are protected and important deadlines are met.
• Commercial and residential claims. Our team handles disputes affecting both large-scale commercial projects and residential builds by tailoring our strategies to the needs of our clients.
• Delay, disruption, and acceleration claims. We help clients recover costs against claims involving schedule changes that impact the performance of their projects.
• Breach of contract disputes. We represent clients on both sides of contract disputes by seeking favorable outcomes and practical solutions to disagreements.

Understanding Construction Disputes in Laguna Beach

Construction disputes can arise when disagreements occur over contract terms, project delays, payment issues, or workmanship quality. In Laguna Beach, which is home to neighborhoods such as Emerald Bay, Arch Beach Heights, and Top of the World, these disputes can affect both residential and commercial projects.

Common examples include: 

• Claims over defective work
• Missed deadlines
• Change order disagreements
• Scope of work disputes
• Payment delays to contractors or subcontractors.

Laguna Beach has a housing stock of 10,542 households, with 57% being family households and 43% non-family households. This mix creates a wide range of construction needs, from large-scale remodels to smaller property upgrades.

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. Clear contracts and prompt legal intervention are essential to resolving disputes efficiently and protecting all parties’ interests.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Dispute and Litigation Lawyer

When disputes involve the courts, your first step should be to hire a construction dispute and litigation lawyer who understands construction dispute and litigation laws. An attorney brings years of experience handling complex cases and can advise you on important matters like how to handle negotiations and gather the evidence you need to win in court.

Construction dispute and litigation cases often come down to how the courts interpret the language in contracts and whether one party’s actions caused material harm to the other party. A Laguna Beach construction dispute and litigation attorney can prevent potentially costly missteps while keeping your strategy focused on achieving your personal goals.

FAQs

What Are Common Construction Disputes?

Common construction disputes that we have handled include disagreements over payment, the quality of work, and project timelines, among other potential causes of disagreement. These issues often arise between property owners, contractors, and subcontractors. Unclear contract terms or failure to meet certain standards can lead to conflicts that eventually involve the courts.

Can Homeowners in California File Construction Defect Claims?

Yes, homeowners can file construction defect claims if someone else’s faulty work adversely affects their property. Defective construction can negatively impact a home’s safety, value, or function.

Under California’s Right to Repair Act, the builder must be given written notice of the defect and be allowed to inspect the property. If repairs are needed, the contractor or builder can provide those forms of relief and potentially avoid civil liabilities.

What’s an Example of a Construction Defect?

A typical example of a construction defect is water intrusion from improperly installed roofing, windows, or doors. Other defects could include foundation cracks, faulty structural framing, or defective plumbing and electrical systems. These problems can reduce a property’s value, create safety hazards, and often require costly repairs to restore the building’s function and integrity.

In What Ways Can a Construction Lawyer Assist Me?

Lawyers can assist you in a wide range of areas if you are dealing with a construction dispute. Attorneys understand the court system and how to protect the rights and interests of clients. If there is an efficient way to resolve matters, an attorney can advise you accordingly. If going through litigation offers a strategic advantage, your attorney can handle court filings and represent you in court.

Work With a Laguna Beach Construction Dispute Firm With Decades of Experience

Being unprepared for construction-related litigation could be a costly mistake. If there is even a remote chance that you or your company could get caught up in a legal dispute, now is the time to act. Engels-Janzen represents both contractors and property owners in construction disputes and litigation cases.

We bring decades of combined experience to the benefit of our clients and always take the time to thoroughly learn about your case before advising on potential next steps. To learn how we can protect your business and interests, reach out today to schedule your initial consultation.