St. Louis Supplier & Contractor Dispute Lawyer

Construction projects are multi-faceted, often involving the services of suppliers, manufacturers, architects, and developers to get the project off the ground. A successful construction project requires that multiple parties work together, having the same vision in mind. You rely on these professionals to complete the project in a timely fashion, relying on their knowledge every step of the way.

There is no denying that construction projects are expensive and time intensive, but more so if you run into a complication along the way. At the Law Office of Gordon K. Rea, our St. Louis supplier and contractor dispute lawyer is prepared to handle your claim.

Types of Construction Claims

Our firm handles the following types of construction matters:

Construction Defect Claims

Missouri law considers any of the following to constitute a construction defect:

• Defective materials or products used in new construction or remodeling
• Violation of building codes or zoning ordinances
• Construction projects that fail to meet accepted trade standards and workmanship
• Residential improvements that do not adhere to the agreement made between the contractor and claimant

To have a successful construction defect claim, you must prove that the defect occurred, property damage took place as a direct result of the defect, and the defect was not listed as a potential risk.

Warranty Disputes

Many installations come with a warranty, ensuring the buyer that the product is free of defects. A dispute over a warranty contract may arise if the manufacturer fails to provide the assurance promised. It is crucial that you understand the terms of your warranty before pursuing litigation.

Breach of Contract Claims

If a contractor or supplier does not deliver the materials or services as promised, then you may be able to file for breach of contract. You must establish the existence of a valid contract to file a breach of contract claim.

Construction or Supply Delay Claims

Many construction contracts will stipulate a specific date on which the agreed-upon services must be completed. Although it is common for construction projects to be delayed, there are excusable and inexcusable delays. An excusable delay could involve a hurricane or weather event, while an inexcusable delay would involve the contractor missing days to complete the project due to personal reasons. If a lack of materials is the reason for the delay, then you may consider filing a claim solely against the supplier.

Personal Injury Claims

If a contractor does not take proper care to ensure that a structure is secure, you could suffer injuries. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. §516.097, an individual has ten years to take action against architects, engineers, or builders regarding any property defects or unsafe conditions. Damages may include lost income, medical expenses, property damage, or wrongful death.

Filing a Construction Claim in Missouri

Under Missouri state law, if you have a dispute with a contractor, you are required to provide the contractor with a written claim of any conditions that are defective or unsatisfactory. This claim gives the contractor the opportunity to repair the issue or to pay for the defect.

The statute of limitations differs based on your type of claim. Whereas you only have four years to take legal action for a construction defect or breach of contract, you are allowed ten years to file a personal injury claim.

Protecting Your Legal Interests

When a property owner hires someone to complete a task, the owner has the right to have a project completed as he or she sees fit. Under Missouri law, contracts that take longer than one year to execute must be in writing. Since many construction projects fall under this standard, it is often best to have all agreements in writing.

Attorney Gordon K. Rea has experience representing property owners in construction litigation matters. He will review your construction agreement or warranty contract to determine the specific terms agreed upon. The best advice that he can give homeowners is to keep every receipt and work order during a project since you never know if you will need to access them later.

A St. Louis Supplier & Contractor Dispute Lawyer Offering Aggressive Representation

With many homeowners pursuing remodeling projects, contractors are in higher demand than ever before. If you recently completed a home project and believe that you may have a legal claim, we want to hear from you. To schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis supplier and contractor dispute lawyer, contact us on our homepage or call us at 314-396-7177.