Most construction projects will start with a contract. This outlines both the rights and obligations for people on both sides of the equation.
Violations of this contract are one of the main reasons for a construction dispute. In this light, it’s important to look at some of the key areas that the contract may address.
The construction agreement
First of all, there is the general construction agreement laying down the basis of the project and the total price that was agreed upon at the beginning. The agreement may also specify what financial tactics are going to be used, such as paying for time and materials along the way or paying a lump sum upfront.
The scope of the project
The contract should also describe the scope of the project, such as defining exactly what job is supposed to be accomplished, what equipment will be used, what workmanship standards both parties expect, what materials are supposed to be used on the project and things of this nature.
Any special specifications
Additionally, some projects have special specifications that need to be followed. Perhaps the property owner wants the construction company to use environmentally friendly materials, for example.
The general schedule
Finally, the contract will lay out the timeframe for the project and the basic schedule that should be followed. This may include major stages in the project or may just give an overall idea of when the project should be completed.
Naturally, any of these areas can lead to a dispute. If a project runs behind or over budget, or if a customer says that their instructions weren’t followed, conflicts can arise. Construction companies and contractors need to know about all their legal options at this time.
