The Role of a Construction Attorney in Contract Negotiations

Jan 9 2025      On Behalf of  David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.      Construction

An attorney can play a critical role in protecting your business’s rights and interests when negotiating a construction contract.

Why Hire a Construction Attorney for a Contract Negotiation?

A construction attorney can offer your company several benefits during contract negotiations. First, an attorney can help you understand technical legal language in a proposed contract. Should a counterparty offer your business a construction contract, a lawyer can interpret complex legal terms to ensure you understand your rights and obligations under the agreement. Second, an attorney can mitigate your business’s risks by identifying possible issues or disputes that may arise, such as unexpected liability or project/payment delays, and suggest contract provisions that can protect your company’s interests.

What Do Attorneys Review in Construction Contracts?

Construction attorneys can review various critical terms in construction contracts, such as:

  • Payment terms: A construction lawyer can review the total cost of the construction project, including potential early completion bonuses and provisions for increasing the project cost due to unforeseen expenses. A lawyer will also review the payment terms, including when the client must submit payments and the conditions for payment to become due.
  • Scope of work: An attorney can review the specific deliverables for the project and deadlines.
  • Liability: A lawyer can help their client understand how the contract allocates liability, such as for construction defects or personal injury.
  • Dispute resolution: Many construction contracts include alternative dispute resolution provisions requiring parties to submit legal disputes to mediation or arbitration under construction arbitration rules.

Contact a Construction Attorney Today

If you’re negotiating a construction contract, an experienced legal representation can help you establish a fair and favorable agreement that protects your company’s interests. Contact David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation with a construction law attorney to learn more about how we can help with your contract negotiations.