Tennessee Construction Law Blog

A construction or building project is often long and complex, and it often involves close coordination between general contractor and the client contracting the work. To successfully compete a project, a general contractor and client need a clear definition of requirements and explanatory and consistent communications with all stakeholders as well as correct and complete construction plans/documents for the project.

But despite all the best laid plans, construction projects can go sideways or some cases wrong because of fundamental conflicts in design drawings, changes to building plans and increases in cost of materials or other reasons. You can see why a dispute can easily arise between a general contractor and a client.

Construction projects involve many different contract obligations and legal obligations it is important for the parties to a construction contract to be familiar with. They should ensure they are familiar with the various aspects of construction litigation and what to do if there's a construction dispute.

The parties commonly involved in construction transactions include owners, contractors, sub-contractors and other parties as well depending on the type and nature of the project. Concerns that come up during the course of a construction project that can lead to disputes include disputes over the scope of the work, plan or specifications; the scope of the worker agreed upon between the contractor and sub-contractor; subcontractor changes; and construction defects. Construction defect claims may be based on an alleged breach of contract or negligence.

Commercial real estate can be a challenging yet rewarding business to be in and legal resources help to protect valuable interests that are part of a commercial real estate transaction. The parties to a commercial real estate transaction should be familiar with the legal resources available to help them accomplish a successful transaction and guide them through the different phases of the process.

A realty company that recently acquired a former retail location in Nashville recently announced plans to purchase an adjacent property that would bring the total project foot print to a little over three-quarters of an acre. The company is under contract to purchase the neighboring property after purchasing the former retail property for approximately $7 million. The company also announced that it plans to build an office building at the site.

Construction liens can be a challenge that must be faced during a construction project. A construction project involves many parties and many moving parts which can also lead to a variety of disputes the parties should be prepared to deal with and fully understand.

Unfortunately, during the course of a construction project, nonpayment of services can become an issue. When there are issues of nonpayment between project owners and general contractors; general contractors and their subcontractors; and general contractors and material suppliers, it may necessitate filing a lien on the property or a materialmens' lien. A lien can be a concern for the parties and property owners so it is useful to understand in what circumstances one may be needed and how to avoid and address one.