Chattanooga Residential And Commercial Construction Defect Claims

Construction defects can quickly become costly. Defective work, contract disputes or problems with a completed project can leave property owners, contractors and other parties unsure of what to do next. The right records and legal guidance can make it easier to understand what happened and what options may be available.

At Tidwell & Associates, our construction defect attorneys represent contractors, subcontractors, property owners and commercial lessees in Chattanooga. We treat our clients like family and take a hands-on approach to each case. We take time to understand the project, review the available records and build a legal plan based on what matters to you. Construction law happens to be a specialty here. Founding attorney Jerry Tidwell is listed as a U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyer in this area. 

Common Construction Disputes We Handle

Construction disputes can involve many parties and issues. We represent clients dealing with matters such as:

• Design defects: Problems caused by flaws or errors in plans or design
• Material defects: Claims involving poor quality, defective or unsuitable construction materials
• Workmanship issues: Problems caused by poorly performed work or work that does not meet the agreed standards
• Contract disputes: Claims that a party did not do what the contract required
• Contractor and subcontractor disputes: Conflicts over who was responsible for work, delays, defects or other project issues
• Construction litigation: Representing plaintiffs and defendants when a construction dispute leads to a lawsuit

Whether you are considering a claim, defending against one or already facing a lawsuit, prepare early to preserve important evidence and better understand your options.

Who May Be Involved In A Construction Dispute?

Construction disputes can involve several people, from the property owner and contractors to inspectors and other professionals involved in the project. Keep a list of contractors, subcontractors, workers, home inspectors, realtors, code inspectors and others who may have relevant information, along with their contact information. These records can help establish who performed the work, inspected the property or was involved when the problem arose.

Our lawyers at Tidwell & Associates can review these records with you, identify the issues that may affect your case and explain the legal options available to you.

How To Prepare For Your Construction Defect Consultation

A construction dispute can involve years of records, several parties and questions about what went wrong. Before meeting with construction lawyers, gather the information you have and organize it by project and date.

Gather Project Documentation

Start by gathering the records and information related to the project:

• Project records: Contracts, change orders, invoices, emails, text messages, voicemails and inspection records
• People involved: Who performed the work, what work they agreed to perform and when the work took place
• Property condition: Whether the work was inspected, whether you examined the work, and whether anyone tried to repair or remediate the problem
• Project timeline: Key dates showing when the work occurred, when problems were discovered and what happened afterward

A clear timeline can help show how the dispute developed and give your lawyer a better starting point for reviewing the matter.

Identify The Breach

If the dispute involves a contract, find the signed agreement and identify what you believe the other party failed to do. Check for terms that address a breach, attempts to fix the problem or the process for handling disputes. These details can affect the next steps in a construction claim or lawsuit.

Insurance Considerations

If you are a contractor facing a claim, review your insurance policy and notify your carrier as required. A commercial general liability policy may provide a lawyer to defend a claim, but coverage for a settlement or judgment can depend on the policy and the nature of the claim. Consider whether you also need your own attorney to protect your interests.

Talk To Us Before A Construction Dispute Escalates

A construction dispute can affect your property, business and finances. If you are dealing with defective work, a contract dispute or a claim involving another party on the project, our team can review your situation and discuss your options.

Call Tidwell & Associates at 423-340-4222 or contact us online to speak with our construction attorneys.