Santa Ana Construction Contract Lawyer

Santa Ana Construction Contract Attorney

Keeping a construction project on schedule and within budget starts with setting clear goals and expectations in a well-drafted contract. With help from a Santa Ana construction contract lawyer, you can ensure that your contracts are enforceable in court. A construction contract lawyer can also negotiate more favorable terms in an agreement before you sign it or help you navigate the complexities of contract disputes with precision.

A Trusted Construction Contract Law Firm Serving Santa Ana

When the reputation of your project or business is at stake, you need a construction contract law firm with a proven record of success. At Engels-Janzen, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience and have earned recognition from respected peer-review organizations as Rising Stars.

One of our lead attorneys spent more than 25 years running a construction contracting business before becoming a lawyer. This gives our team firsthand insight into the realities of contract disputes. We approach each case by listening to your story and understanding your objectives. With your priorities guiding us, we build a focused, results-oriented strategy designed to secure the outcome you need.

Services We Offer in Santa Ana

Contracts form the basis of any business agreement. When it comes to construction projects, there are unique considerations that often require guidance from a Santa Ana construction contract attorney. At Engels-Janzen, we focus on creating clear, enforceable documents that protect your interests and reduce the risk of future disputes.

We can assist you with the following agreements and more:

• Prime/general contractor agreements. Our team can carefully draft and review contracts between owners and general contractors to clearly define payment terms. These steps ensure that both sides clearly understand their expectations.
• Design-build contracts. Our team structures agreements that align the design and construction phases to improve collaboration between parties and maintain budget discipline.
• Subcontractor agreements. Subcontracts perform important work, and there should be specific contracts that specify the scope of their work, deadlines, and quality standards. These terms keep everyone accountable throughout the project’s timeline.
• Owner-contractor agreements. We safeguard owners’ rights by setting out specific expectations for performance and compliance. Without help, these agreements can provide legal protection in the event that disputes arise.
• Integrated project delivery and CM-at-risk contracts. We help implement collaborative delivery methods that promote efficiency, balance risk, and keep costs under control.

Understanding Construction Contracts in Santa Ana

Construction contracts are legally binding agreements that set out the scope of work, timelines, payment terms, and dispute resolution procedures for building projects. In a bustling construction market like Santa Ana, clear and comprehensive contracts are essential to protect the interests of property owners, contractors, and developers.

In 2023, Santa Ana issued over 9,500 building permits, marking a historic high with a total construction permit valuation of approximately $772 million. 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.

Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that construction contracts in Santa Ana meet legal requirements and address potential risks before they escalate and lead to court appearances at the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center.

Why You Should Hire a Construction Contract Lawyer

Whether you are a property owner or a contractor dealing with a constant dispute, your first step should be to hire a construction contract lawyer. California’s construction contract laws are complex, which is why large projects rely on attorneys to draft and review contracts before they are signed by contractors.

If you are already in a contract dispute, your lawyer can use their experience handling construction contract cases to develop a strategy tailored to the facts of your case and your goals. Construction attorneys have your interests at heart, and they can give you objective feedback about your case so you can make the right decisions for yourself and your company.

FAQs

How Does the Right to Repair Act Apply to Construction Defects in California?

California’s Right to Repair Act (Civil Code §§ 895–945.5) outlines specific building standards and requires homeowners to give builders written notice of alleged defects. Builders must be allowed to inspect and offer repairs before a claim can be filed. The process aims to resolve disputes efficiently while ensuring construction meets the state’s safety and quality requirements.

Does California Law Allow Construction Defect Claims?

Yes. California law allows property owners to file construction defect claims if faulty work compromises a structure’s safety, value, or function. The law applies to builders, contractors, and other responsible parties. Before a claim can proceed in court, the builder must be given the chance to inspect the defect and make repairs, as required under the state’s Right to Repair Act.

What’s a Common Example of a Construction Defect?

Common construction defects include water intrusion through improperly installed windows, doors, or roofing materials. Other examples involve foundation cracks, structural framing issues, or unsafe load-bearing elements. Defects can also occur in plumbing, electrical, or sewer systems due to substandard workmanship. These issues may reduce a property’s safety, functionality, and value, and often require professional evaluation to determine the extent of the problem.

How Can a Construction Law Attorney Support My Case?

A construction law attorney can review your contract, evaluate the defect, and determine whether it violates California’s building standards. They guide you through the Right to Repair Act’s notice and inspection process, negotiate with the builder, and represent you if litigation becomes necessary. Their experience helps protect your rights, strengthen your case, and work toward a fair resolution.

Work With a Santa Ana Firm That Knows Construction Contracts

If you are in a construction contract dispute, things can escalate quickly. By working with an experienced construction law firm, you can prevent costly delays to your project and other setbacks. At Engels-Janzen, our Santa Ana construction lawyer represents both builders and contractors during contract negotiations and disputes.

We can handle a wide range of services for you or your company that can protect your company from contentious disagreements with the people you work with. To learn more about our legal services, reach out today to schedule your consultation.