Just a few years ago, many local contractors experienced devastating slumps in their business. In order to stay afloat, it became necessary for Wilmington builders to cut expenses wherever possible, which is understandable. Fortunately, in 2012, it appeared that the housing market finally turned the corner. In the past few months, home sales have been brisk and housing starts are surging. In fact, based on recent data from the Case-Schiller Indices, the website, www.moneyinsider.com, announced that the Port City is one of 15 U.S. metro areas expected to see continued gains from now through 2018!
That’s why now is a good time to consider retaining a local attorney who is skilled at handling the legal ins and outs that those in the field of construction face on a daily basis. Wilmington attorney Wesley Scott Jones understands the toll that legal snarls can have on your business and reputation. Here are just a few of the construction law services attorney Jones assists local builders with on a daily basis:
Contracts – Devising legal and binding contracts that cover all the bases, including your payment schedule, is vital in the construction industry. Wes can help create contracts that protect you, your customers, and subcontractors. With all of the possible things that can go wrong during a building project, it is best not to take any chances. Having an iron clad contract can provide a series of reference points and may even serve as a built-in checklist. Developing a comprehensive contractual document can protect you from a variety of issues and provide true piece of mind. Wes Jones can also provide support and litigation services to help settle contract disputes that may arise for a variety of reasons.
Permits – As any experienced builder will tell you, the process of obtaining proper permits for your projects is essential for success. Since time is money, this is another area where retaining the services of a local lawyer familiar with the process can save a bundle in the long run.
Subcontractor Issues – Contractors serve as employers to a variety of workers or subcontractors. Specifically, a building contractor who is an employer must take steps to make sure that employees are authorized to work in the United States. This is a requirement of the United States Department of Homeland Security, and this department requires employers to provide documentation. If an employer fails to check the employee’s status, the employer can incur substantial penalties.
Insurance coverage for these temporary employees must also be addressed.
Quality Standards – Having an attorney on your team is very helpful when there are any questions regarding the quality of workmanship. Attorney Jones can help establish the parameters that measure these types of guidelines. Defective workmanship is one of the most frequent claims made against builders.
In addition to these concerns, Wes can also suggest ways to avoid legal points involved with other aspects, including inspections, home warranties, and weather delays or damages.
Since building a new home or business is a huge undertaking and for your clients, one of the largest financial commitments they will probably ever make, having an experienced attorney on board conveys your integrity as a builder. To learn more about how attorney Wes Scott Jones can improve your business dealings, please contact our office at 910-256-5800.