However, disagreements frequently arise in construction projects due to timelines, coordination between contractors, purchasing material, and warrantying craftsmanship.  Doing your due diligence ahead of time and clarify your’s and the contractor’s expectations before the project can eliminate uncomfortable confrontations.  

Our May 29th, 2021 Blog “What Is Contract Law” discusses contract law; therefore, we won’t spend time on the essence of a contract.  Instead, we look at key elements that should be in place to promote success rather than the breakdown of a project. 

Let’s break it down by looking at the duties of the Contractors versus those of the Homeowners.  

First & foremost, each side is responsible for upholding their end of the contract agreed upon between the parties.  These could include duties such as:

• Contractor – Assess legal issues and regulatory requirements by obtaining the appropriate permits before construction.  Provide a professional and competent workforce along with non-defective materials and equipment.
• Homeowner – Provide a collaborative & cooperative partnership and ensure financing is secured to cover the project’s cost along with any additional add-ons.
• Contractor – Provide a timetable of the projected finishing date along with updates of any adjustments to the timeline, maintaining open and honest communication with the owner.
• Homeowner – Provide a mapping of water lines, septic/sewer lines, sprinkler lines, electrical, etc., not covered under the dig-line survey.  Prompt reviewing of changes and clarification will promote timely changes, avoidance of confusion & scheduling delays.
• Contractor – Oversee the project progress by supervising, scheduling, and inspecting the job site regularly from start to finish to ensure compliance with contract obligations and timeliness of project scheduling.  Provide detailed invoice breakdown of work & material completion along with regular job site walkthroughs with homeowners.
• Homeowner – Pay each invoice upon receipt or within the agreed-upon timeframe  written in the contract.  Address all issues in a timely and professional manner to avoid missing the opportunity to correct the problem leading to possible future conflict.
• Contractor – Certifying the completion of the project through satisfying the construction or rehabilitation per the plans, specifications, scope of development, and budget agreed upon.  Notices of completion have been filed, and statutory lien periods have been satisfied or released, certificate of occupancy is issued.
• Homeowner – Final walkthrough has been performed and signed off, and final payment made.