Construction projects don’t always go as planned. Whether you’re a homeowner remodeling your space or a business building from the ground up, delays and poor craftsmanship can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In Kansas, property owners have legal rights when contractors fail to meet reasonable expectations of quality. Understanding when those rights allow for legal action can help you protect your investment.
What Qualifies as a Construction Delay or Defective Work?
Not all delays or construction flaws are legal violations, but some are serious enough to warrant legal action. Construction delays are considered wrongful when they’re excessive, unexcused, or violate the terms of the contract. Poor craftsmanship often refers to substandard work that fails to meet building codes, industry standards, or agreed-upon specifications.
Common issues include:
- Missed deadlines that were outlined in the contract.
- Improper installation or use of defective materials.
- Structural defects that pose safety concerns.
- Water intrusion due to faulty roofing or plumbing.
- Electrical or HVAC systems that do not function properly.
If these issues result in significant loss or render the space unusable, you may be entitled to seek legal remedies.
When to Contact an Attorney About a Construction Dispute
While some construction problems can be resolved directly with the contractor, others escalate into costly, ongoing issues. If your attempts to fix the problem have failed—or if you believe the contractor has breached the agreement—you should speak with an attorney.
Legal action may be appropriate if:
- The contractor failed to meet contractual deadlines.
- You’ve experienced financial loss due to delays or mistakes.
- The contractor ignored or refused to correct defects.
- The quality of work is clearly below professional standards.
- You suspect fraud, misuse of funds, or licensing issues.
Our lawyer can help evaluate your contract, gather evidence, and determine if the contractor is liable for breach of contract, negligence, or fraud.
What Legal Remedies Are Available for Construction Disputes?
Kansas law allows property owners who have been harmed to seek compensation through civil litigation.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover:
- Costs to repair or redo substandard work.
- Reimbursement for delays or project overruns.
- Diminished property value.
- Attorney’s fees (if allowed by the contract).
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or fraud.
In some cases, alternative dispute resolution (ADR)—such as mediation or arbitration—may also be required under the contract before filing a lawsuit.
How Martin Law Group Can Help
Construction disputes are legally complex and fact-intensive. At Martin Law Group, LLC, our experienced Olathe construction litigation attorney carefully reviews contracts, timelines, and communications to build a strong case. We work aggressively to hold negligent or dishonest contractors accountable while pursuing full financial recovery for our clients.
Whether you’re facing delays, defects, or both, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call us today at 913-764-9700 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help protect your investment and your peace of mind.