Silver Spring Construction Law Attorneys

Experienced Construction Lawyers in Silver Spring, Maryland

Construction law disputes can take time to resolve, especially when they involve allegations of non-payment, construction defects, or a breach of contract. When these cases escalate, they may proceed to civil litigation, which can cost extra time and money. A Silver Spring, MD construction law attorney can work to safeguard your long-term interests, pursuing the best possible resolution.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have experience representing clients in alternative dispute resolution as well as full trials. We work with developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and business owners in issues of construction law, so you can reach out to us with any problems you may have regarding a construction project.

Common Types of Construction Defects

Construction defects arise when work on a project falls short of what the contract required, what applicable building codes demand, or what accepted industry standards call for. Defects can appear immediately after a project is completed or take years to surface, and they range in severity from cosmetic issues to structural problems that render a property unsafe or unusable.

Maryland law recognizes several categories of construction defects. Design defects occur when the plans or specifications themselves are flawed, meaning that even work performed correctly will produce an inadequate result. Material defects involve the use of substandard or improper products that fail to perform as intended. Workmanship defects result from errors in how the work was carried out, regardless of whether the underlying design or materials were sound. Any of these can give rise to a legal claim, and in many cases, more than one type of defect is present in the same dispute.

How to Get a Mechanics' Lien in Silver Spring, MD

A mechanics' lien is one of the most important legal remedies available to subcontractors, contractors, and suppliers who have not been paid for work performed or materials provided on a construction project. In Maryland, a mechanics' lien attaches to the property where the work was done, creating a legal claim that can prevent the owner from selling or refinancing until the debt is resolved.

To obtain a mechanics' lien in Maryland, the claimant must follow a specific process with strict deadlines. A petition must be filed in the circuit court of the county where the property is located, and it must be filed within a set timeframe from the date the work was completed or the materials were last furnished. Notice requirements must also be satisfied, and the claim must be supported by documentation showing the nature of the work performed, the amount owed, and the basis for the lien.

Failing to meet any of these requirements can result in losing the right to file a lien entirely. Our attorneys can help contractors and subcontractors evaluate whether a lien is available in their situation and navigate the process correctly from start to finish.

Working to Resolve Breach of Contract Claims in a Construction Project

Breach of contract claims are among the most frequently litigated disputes in construction. They can arise on projects of any size and can involve contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners. A breach occurs when one party fails to meet an obligation the contract required of them, and the other party suffers harm as a result.

Resolving a breach of contract claim requires a close examination of the contract itself, the conduct of both parties, and the documentation generated throughout the project. Some disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation without the need for formal litigation. However, when no practical resolution can be reached, arbitration or court proceedings could become necessary.

Maryland courts handle construction breach of contract claims on a regular basis, and some construction agreements include mandatory arbitration clauses that decide how disputes are addressed.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide experienced construction law representation, working to protect your business and resolve disputes efficiently.