Construction law covers multiple areas, and may have a number of different approaches. One major area of concern is protecting architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the course of conducting regular business. Another major area of construction law involves protecting people, places, and things in the vicinity of construction activity. These important resources for construction law will provide information and guidance for parties on either side of construction related debates.
1. State Construction Laws
State Construction laws dictate clearly what is expected before, during, and after construction in a particular state. Building codes may vary among the different cities and counties of the state. Construction planners are responsible for knowing all the specifics about state construction laws and building codes well before work begins.
These guidelines, as well as permit processes, should be discussed in preliminary construction meetings. Subsequent progress meetings should circle back to these items in an effort to ensure nothing is missed or overlooked.
When state construction laws are not followed, serious consequences follow. These may include steep fines, litigation, and even the complete cessation of construction for an indefinite time period.
2. Personal Injury
Workplace injuries occur in virtually every profession and industry. They are not necessarily more common in the construction industry, but there are certainly more hazards on a construction site than in an office setting. Personal injury is a risk for construction workers, project managers, and pedestrians passing by construction sites.
Instances of personal injury that occur on or because of a construction site may be resolved through a construction law professional. These practices are designed to address areas including safety concerns and adherence to all building codes and construction site signage requirements.
3. Construction Contracts
The construction process actually begins well before ground breaking events take place. Sometimes the bidding process begins years in advance.
Construction companies, including general contractors and subcontractors, may benefit from legal representation during the contract bidding phases. They assist design and construction firms ensure that all aspects of the contract, specs, and scope of work have been taken into account before a bid is submitted. Construction law professionals are instrumental in reviewing contracts before they are finalized. This last look can prevent future disputes and unpleasant conflict during the construction period.