Newport Beach Construction Contract Lawyer

Newport Beach Construction Contract Attorney

Large construction projects rely on more than reliable project managers and contractors. Contracts play a critical role in keeping projects on time and budget by detailing responsibilities and expectations. If you are a property owner or contractor dealing with a contract dispute, you can rely on a Newport Beach construction contract lawyer to provide you with the guidance and legal support you need to protect your interests and keep your project moving forward.

A Trusted Construction Contact Company Serving Newport

When your company’s reputation and bottom line are on the line, you need a legal team with the knowledge and track record to protect them. At Engels-Janzen, we bring decades of combined experience in construction contract law and have been recognized by respected peer-review organizations as Rising Stars.

One of our lead attorneys spent over 25 years running a construction contracting business before entering the legal profession. We start each case by listening closely to your concerns and clarifying your goals. From there, we craft a strategic, results-driven approach aimed at achieving a favorable outcome that protects your rights and business interests.

Services We Offer in Newport Beach

At Engels-Janzen, our construction contract lawyers offer comprehensive legal services. Whether you need an attorney to draft a contract or help you negotiate the terms of a contract, we’re here to help. Our years of experience in understanding construction contract laws allow us to help clients with the following types of legal agreements: 

• Integrated project delivery and CM-at-risk contracts. We can help your company implement collaborative delivery methods. These agreements promote efficiency and keep costs under control.
• Owner-contractor agreements. We safeguard owners’ rights by setting out expectations for performance and materials in writing. If a dispute arises, these agreements offer critical legal protections.
• Subcontractor agreements. One of the more common causes for construction disputes is how subcontractors handle their work. We prepare subcontractor agreements that specify the scope of work and set deadlines. A carefully worded agreement keeps everyone accountable.
• Design-build contracts. Our team structures agreements that align both the construction and design phases with the goal of boosting collaboration and minimizing risk.
• Prime/general contractor agreements. Our legal team can draft and review contracts between owners and general contractors. With language that clearly defines payment terms, these agreements ensure that both sides have realistic expectations about their respective roles.

Understanding Construction Contracts in Newport Beach

Construction contracts play a central role in outlining project scope, timelines, payment terms, and dispute resolution procedures. They help protect the interests of property owners, contractors, and developers in Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, and Newport Coast.

In a high-value market like Newport Beach, well-structured contracts are critical to managing both risk and expectations. Newport Beach’s Community Development Department issued approximately 6,000 building permits in the 2022-23 fiscal year, with a total construction valuation of about $1 billion.

According to the Contractors’ State License Board’s 2024 Quarterly Board Meeting Packet, California had approximately 245,000 active licensed contractors as of December 2024. When residential or commercial property owners allege contractors breached their contract, the contractor can potentially face civil liabilities at the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Contract Lawyer

Whether you are drafting a contract or dealing with a contract-related dispute, your first step should be to hire a construction contract lawyer who has years or decades of experience handling construction contract cases. Legal representation plays a significant role in shaping the outcome of contract disputes.

A Newport Beach construction contract attorney can provide you with sound advice and guidance as you decide which steps you want to pursue. Lawyers do more than represent clients in court. They can proactively suggest strategies before taking decisive actions that protect your rights and interests.

FAQs

Are All Construction Contracts Enforceable in Court?

Not all construction contracts are enforceable in court. For a contract dispute to be valid in court, the contract must meet legal requirements that are reviewed by a judge. All signatories must have consented to the agreement, and the terms must be lawful. If a contract violates state laws, lacks essential terms, or is signed under threat or undue pressure, the agreement may be deemed unenforceable.

Does California Law Allow Construction Defect Claims?

Yes. California law allows property owners to pursue construction defect claims when faulty work compromises a building’s safety or value. Specifically, the Right to Repair Act requires homeowners to give the building written notice of the defect and the opportunity to allow inspections of the building. If the builder fails to make necessary and reasonable repairs within a given timeframe, the building owner can take the contractor or builder to court.

What’s a Common Example of a Construction Defect?

Construction defects can leave builders or contractors liable for repairs. Some common examples of construction defects are improperly installed windows, doors, or roofing materials. Other examples include cracks in the foundation or unsafe load-bearing walls. Faulty plumbing or electrical systems are also potential reasons for a homeowner to take legal action against a contractor.

How Can a Construction Law Attorney Help With My Contract Dispute?

Legal representation plays a critical role in protecting your rights and interests in a contract dispute. If you are facing accusations that you breached a contract, an attorney can scrutinize the contract for potential defects or work to find an efficient and fair resolution to the dispute. Lawyers can also play an important role in enforcing contracts by handling negotiations or taking the matter to court.

Work With a Newport Beach Firm That Knows Construction Contracts

If you are entering into a contract, it is crucial for the document to be clearly worded and enforceable. There may be times when you do not agree with the terms of a contract and need outside legal help negotiating more favorable contract terms. Whatever your needs, Engels-Janzen is here to help.

Our team of contract law attorneys has handled complex cases for years, and we always put the interests of our clients first. Don’t delay securing the legal representation that you need. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our attorneys so we can carefully listen to your needs and learn about your goals.