Contract Dispute Attorney in St Cloud
Anyone in the construction field in Minnesota knows that contract disputes are a common issue. From payment collection and changes in construction or renovation timelines to poorly detailed contracts or miscommunication of the client’s desires, disputes can cost a construction business time, money, and its reputation. A St. Cloud contract dispute lawyer can help get projects back on track and deliverables back on the table.
Minnesota Construction Law Services keeps the simple simple
Why Choose Us
At Minnesota Construction Law Services (MNCLS), our trusted attorneys not only help write contracts, but we are also former construction workers and business owners ourselves. We bring experience and knowledge to your contract dispute case so you can spend less time on the dispute and more time working.
Common Construction Contract Disputes
A construction contract is a legally binding set of documents that covers everything from payment terms to the scope of the work being done. The documents typically name a contractor (who performs the work) and an owner (who hires the contractor to do the work).
Construction disputes are becoming more costly in the country, with the average value of construction disputes in the U.S. rising by almost 40% in 2024. Several types of disputes continue to be common:
- Payment issues. The client fails to pay according to the contract, or the retainage is released.
- Scope of work disagreement. The contractor and client view the terms in the contract differently regarding the scope of the work.
- Project delays. The contractor needs to delay or extend the project. Project delays can include weather delays, owner-caused delays, and material delivery delays.
- Defective work. The client complains of faulty work or materials.
- Change in site conditions. The contractor finds previously undisclosed structural damage or other conditions that may affect their contracted work.
An MNCLS contract dispute lawyer can help ensure your company is in compliance with the contract, local and state codes, and the federal and state laws required. We can help bring clarity and efficiency to your case.
A contract dispute can bring an emotional response that does nothing for your business, whereas having a neutral third party represent you can help you achieve your business goals without alienating your client.
Hire a Contract Dispute Lawyer in St. Cloud
Construction is a high-stress career before adding contract disputes. It’s a smart idea to hire a contract dispute lawyer who can handle your contract complaints with the necessary care while ensuring they protect your interests.
In the construction industry, contract disputes are common, and the way you handle a dispute matters. When disputes become personal or affect your bottom line, it can feel like you would be better off ignoring the client or arguing with them. This is never the case.
In residential construction, a lot of business comes from word-of-mouth referrals, and capitalizing on that requires providing good client service along with your quality work. Part of client service is handling disputes with professionalism.
Construction company owners also have a business to run. Handling contract disputes yourself costs time and money. Contracts must be reviewed, emails and communications checked, and decisions made. You may also need to review the work of subcontractors, real estate agents, or suppliers.
At MNCLS, our St. Cloud contract dispute attorneys are trusted advisors when it comes to construction contract law. We care about the Minnesota construction industry, and we value its professionals. We create partnerships with our clients so they come to us before they get into a dispute rather than after.
FAQs
In St. Cloud, a construction law attorney handles construction contract disputes. Contract dispute attorneys review your legally binding contract and identify if you adhered to the contract, if damages occurred, and if so, who is at fault for the damages. With an average snowfall of 8–12 inches in the winter months in St. Cloud, there are sometimes circumstances beyond a contractor’s control.
The cost of a contract dispute lawyer may vary in St. Cloud. An important factor is how willing both parties are to resolve the dispute. Another is whether the contract needs to be rewritten. Contractors may have exchanged emails or other communications with clients when they agreed upon the scope of the work, design preferences, or cost prohibitions. At MNCLS, our St. Cloud contract dispute lawyers have legal knowledge backed by industry experience. We can review the existing document and rewrite or create an addendum if necessary.
A contract dispute case in Minnesota can be easier to win if a contractor can prove that they adhered to the contract completely. Since there is a statute of limitations of six years for most contract dispute cases, it may also feel like clients have plenty of time on their side. The element that favors construction professionals is that Minnesota courts often encourage parties to settle their disputes through mediation or arbitration, avoiding costly court fees.
If a construction contract dispute involves defective work, the owner may take legal action claiming the contractor failed to meet industry standards or agreed-upon specifications. However, owners must notify contractors of the defect and give them the opportunity to fix the issue before filing a legal claim. If an owner does not give the contractor the chance to repair any work defects, their claim may be weakened.
Contact Minnesota Construction Law Services
At MNCLS, we provide trusted legal counsel for Minnesota construction companies. We help owner-operated businesses avoid legal headaches and make informed business decisions. Our St. Cloud contract dispute lawyers work with construction professionals to ensure they have the support they need to understand what’s in the contract, what should be included in the contract, and how to address issues related to the contract or the services provided.
The legal and business world of construction is complex. With our combined knowledge of construction, business, and the law, we can help companies and individual contractors resolve their contract disputes without going to the conciliation court or the Stearns County District Court. Contact MNCLS today.
