Construction projects run on tight timelines, and the window to file a mechanic's lien is one of the most unforgiving. Missing the statutory deadline to record a lien can eliminate your primary legal tool for securing payment. Once that window closes, recovering...
Year: 2026
What should be included in a construction change order?
Construction projects often change after work begins. Unforeseen site conditions, design changes or material substitutions can affect the scope, cost or schedule. In New Jersey, a written change order can help document those changes and reduce later disputes. Why a...
Made a mistake on your bid? Can you fix it in New Jersey?
Every construction bid involves dozens of numbers pulled together under a tight deadline. Contractors juggle quotes from subcontractors, material costs and labor estimates, often finalizing everything in the final hours before submission. With that much information...
What are your rights when a contractor abandons your project?
When a contractor stops showing up mid-project, New Jersey homeowners are left with unfinished work, sunk costs and no clear path forward. State law gives property owners several options – from pursuing a breach of contract claim to filing a complaint with the New...
What are liquidated damages in a New Jersey contract?
A construction project can become more expensive when work does not finish as planned. Contractors and owners may include a liquidated damages clause in the contract to address certain losses before a dispute arises. Understanding this provision can help both sides...
What is an excusable delay in construction?
Issues with missed deadlines are common in the construction industry. Certain deadlines will be written into the initial contract, and the project is expected to be completed by these deadlines. If the contractor misses the deadline, it can sometimes lead to...
Who is responsible for a latent construction defect?
Property owners may claim that a contractor or subcontractor is responsible for a latent construction defect. This is a hidden defect that may only be discovered months or even years after the project has been completed. Determining liability can become complicated...
Was your construction bid disqualified over a minor mistake?
You spent weeks pricing a public project and delivered your bid on time, only to watch the contracting unit set it aside over a clerical slip. Knowing your options can help you move forward. Compliance standards for public bids The Local Public Contracts Law sets the...
How are contractors paid?
There are a variety of ways that contractors can be paid. It all depends on the language in the initial construction contract. For instance, some contractors are paid through cost-plus contracts. They keep a record of their actual costs, such as materials and labor...
Can you challenge a construction code violation in New Jersey?
Receiving a notice of a construction code violation can feel like a verdict. You may be told that work on your property does not comply with state or local requirements, and the notice may come with deadlines, fines or costly corrective measures. However, it’s not...

