For over 30 years, James J. Corbett, PC, has represented homeowners in disputes with contractors. In many instances, we can avoid litigation and resolve these matters in a timely and cost-efficient manner. However, when necessary, we vigorously represent our clients’ interests in litigation.

Common Property Owner Construction Disputes NY

  • Paid Contractor Fails to Complete Work
  • Defective Workmanship
  • Unreasonable Delay
  • Failure to Maintain Construction Funds in Trust
  • Mechanic’s Liens
  • Change Order Disputes
  • Project Abandonment
  • Contractor Failure to Pay Subcontractor

Protect Your Property Rights: What to Do When a Contractor Fails to Complete Work in New York

As a property owner in New York, you have the right to expect that any construction work paid for is completed to a satisfactory standard. However, in some cases, contractors may fail to complete the work they were hired to do, leaving you with an unfinished project and a loss of funds.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know your rights and how to protect them. Here’s what you need to know about property owner’s rights when a paid construction contractor fails to complete work in New York.

  1. Review the Contract – The first step in protecting your rights is to review the contract you signed with the contractor. This document should outline the scope of the work, the timeline for completion, and the payment terms. If the contractor has failed to fulfill their end of the bargain, you may have legal grounds for taking action.
  2. Hire A Construction Attorney – If you are unable to resolve the issue with the contractor, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a New York attorney experienced in construction law. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in negotiations or in court if necessary.
  3. Take Action – Depending on the circumstances, there may be several ways to resolve the issue, including negotiating a settlement or taking legal action. Your attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your specific case.
  4. Protect Your Funds – In some cases, you may be able to recover the funds that the contractor is required to hold in trust. 
  5. Prevent Future Issues – Finally, to protect yourself from similar issues in the future, it is important to carefully vet any contractors you work with and to ensure that you have a clear and detailed contract in place before beginning any work.

Don’t let a failed construction project leave you with an unfinished property and a loss of funds. Know your rights and take action to protect them. Contact The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C. today.

Defective Construction Work: What To Do As A New York Property Owner

As a property owner in New York, you have the right to expect high-quality construction work from your contractors. However, if you find that the work performed at your property is defective, it can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Here’s what you need to know about what to do if you encounter defective construction work.

  1. Document the Defects – It’s crucial to document the defects as soon as possible. Take pictures and make detailed notes of the issues. This will serve as evidence if you need to pursue legal action.
  2. Contact the Contractor -Try to resolve the issue directly with the contractor. Give them a chance to fix the problems, but make sure to set a reasonable deadline for completion.
  3. Consider Mediation -If you and the contractor cannot resolve the issue, consider mediation. This is a less formal and less expensive alternative to going to court.
  4. Hire a New York Construction Lawyer – If the issue still cannot be resolved, it may be necessary to hire a construction attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and represent your interests in court.
  5. File a Claim – If you decide to file a claim, make sure to do so within the statute of limitations. 

It’s essential to take action immediately if you encounter defective construction work. By following these steps, you can protect your rights as a property owner and ensure that the problem is resolved.

If you need legal assistance with a defective construction issue in New York, contact The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C.  today for a free consultation. 

New York Property Owner’s Rights Against Construction Contractor for Unreasonable Delay

As a property owner in New York, it is important to know your rights when dealing with a construction contractor. One of the most common issues that arise during a construction project is unreasonable delay. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering what your rights are and what steps you can take to resolve the issue.

In New York, property owners have the right to expect construction work to be completed in a timely and efficient manner. If a construction contractor fails to meet these expectations, the property owner has the right to take legal action against the contractor.

Unreasonable delay can be defined as any situation where the construction work is taking significantly longer than expected. This can be due to a variety of factors, including lack of manpower, poor planning, and unexpected issues with the construction site.

If you are dealing with unreasonable delay on your construction project, the first step is to speak with the contractor and try to resolve the issue through negotiation. If this is not possible, you may need to consider taking legal action against the contractor.

An experienced New York attorney can help you understand your rights as a property owner and can represent you in court if necessary. An attorney can also help you negotiate with the contractor, draft legal documents, and pursue compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result of the unreasonable delay.

If you are facing unreasonable delay on your construction project, do not hesitate to seek the help of The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C. Protect your rights and ensure that your construction project is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Contact The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights as a property owner in New York. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to assist you with all of your legal needs.

New York Homeowner’s Rights if Construction Contractor Fails to Maintain Construction Funds in Trust

As a homeowner in New York, it is important to know your rights when dealing with a construction contractor. One of the most important aspects of any construction project is ensuring that construction funds are properly maintained in trust. If your contractor fails to do this, you may be wondering what your rights are and what steps you can take to resolve the issue.

In New York, construction contractors are required to maintain construction funds in trust to ensure that the funds are properly protected. This is typically done through the use of a construction trust account, which is used to hold funds for specific construction projects.

If your contractor fails to maintain construction funds in trust, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result. This may include reimbursement for any expenses incurred due to the contractor’s failure to maintain the funds in trust, as well as compensation for any additional costs associated with resolving the issue.

An experienced New York attorney can help you understand your rights as a homeowner and can represent you in court if necessary. An attorney can also help you negotiate with the contractor, draft legal documents, and pursue compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result of the contractor’s failure to maintain construction funds in trust.

If you are facing this issue, do not hesitate to seek the help of The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C. Protect your rights and ensure that your construction project is properly funded and protected.

New York Homeowner’s Guide to Mechanics Liens

If you own a property in New York, it’s important to understand what a mechanic’s lien is and what you should do if one is filed against your property. A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier for unpaid work or materials provided for a construction project on your property. Here’s what you need to know.

  1. Contact An Attorney – If you receive a notice of a mechanic’s lien being filed against your property, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced construction attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations and advise you on the best course of action.
  2. Review The Lien – Carefully review the mechanics lien to make sure all information is accurate and the amount claimed is reasonable. If the information is incorrect, you can contest the lien in court.
  3. Consider Paying The Claim – If the claim is accurate and reasonable, you may want to consider paying the amount owed to avoid any further legal action. You can also negotiate with the contractor or supplier to reach a payment agreement.
  4. File A Bond – If you dispute the mechanic’s lien, you can file a bond with the court to have the lien released. The bond must be equal to the amount of the lien claimed, and a surety company must issue the bond.
  5. Go To Court – If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter can go to court. The Court will hear both sides of the argument and make a decision on the validity of the lien and the amount owed.

In conclusion, if a mechanic’s lien is filed against your property in New York, it’s important to act quickly and seek legal advice. By understanding your rights and obligations and working with a construction attorney, you can resolve the matter and protect your property.

Contact The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights as a property owner in New York. 

Homeowner Change Order Disputes: What To Do In New York

As a property owner in New York, you have the right to expect that any changes to your construction project will be agreed upon and documented in writing. However, disputes over change orders can arise, leading to frustration and added expenses. Here’s what you need to know about property owner change order disputes.

  1. Review the Contract – Before making any changes to your construction project, be sure to review the contract and understand what changes are allowed and how they will be handled.
  2. Document Changes – If you agree to a change order, make sure it is documented in writing and signed by all parties involved. This will help prevent disputes down the road.
  3. Negotiate Fairly – If a dispute over a change order arises, try to negotiate a fair resolution with the contractor or builder. Keep in mind that a fair resolution should take into account the added time, materials, and expenses required to make the changes.
  4. Hire a New York Construction Attorney – If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, it may be necessary to hire a construction attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and represent your interests in court.
  5. File a Claim – If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may need to file a claim. Be sure to do so within the statute of limitations. 

Homeowner change order disputes can be frustrating and time-consuming, but taking action can help protect your rights and ensure a fair resolution.

If you need legal assistance with a change order dispute in New York, contact The Law Office of James J. Corbett, P.C.  today for a free consultation. 

Serving Clients in Long Island and NYC

James J. Corbett has over 30 years of experience representing clients in construction matters throughout New York, including in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Mr. Corbett served as vice president and general counsel of a telecommunications infrastructure construction/project management company and general counsel for a commercial/residential contractor and an attorney at a large New York City law firm. He offers the sophistication of a larger practice and personalized attention that comes with working directly with clients. Contact us to see how we can help you. Contact us to see how we can help you. For a free telephone consultation, call 516-679-9494.