Most people don’t consider hiring a lawyer until they need one. That usually means they are in some kind of trouble or that some other party has created trouble for them. But there are circumstances in which you should consider engaging legal counsel before anything happens. One of those is when you are about to launch a renovation of your home or some other property you own.
Renovating is an excellent way to improve your living space and increase the value of your property. It can also be a stressful undertaking, even when things go smoothly. When things go bad – the resulting headaches can devolve into a certified nightmare.
Sometimes people hire a contractor who seems on the up-and-up, but they turn out to be incompetent or unskilled in some way. If things really get bad, your property may suffer significant structural damage that can end up costing you dearly.
Then it’s time for litigation, and the search for a top-notch real estate lawyer is the next step. That’s a good idea, but you are already in a hole and that you need to dig out from.
It’s a much better idea to engage legal assistance before you start a renovation process. The primary way that a real estate lawyer can help is by drafting a contract that protects your property and financial commitment going in. If trouble does arise, that contract will be your lifeline and place you in a position of strength if legal problems arise.
The property owner can further bolster their position by keeping track of all the invoices and receipts obtained from a contractor. This is to ensure you are charged correctly for what you buy. Along with a contract, keeping track of the paperwork ensures that your provider is not sneaking in extras that you don’t need but end up paying for anyway.
Another excellent reason to hire an attorney before you start is to make sure the project gets completed on time. It’s extremely common for contractors to take on other jobs while they work on yours. That’s understandable since they need to do what they must to keep their own income and business moving forward.
However, when that comes at the expense of delaying your project, it’s not fair to you. A solid contract drafted by competent legal help is your guarantee that the work you pay good money for gets done on your deadline.