3 Red Flags To Watch For When Hiring A Construction Contractor

Adler Law, A P.C. • July 20, 2019

When you hire a contractor, you put a lot of trust in him or her to do a good job. You rely on their expertise to ensure that the job is done right and will last for years to come. Many people do not have enough experience or know-how to realize when a job is done poorly, until something obviously breaks or leaks, sometimes long-after a construction contractor has left the site and been paid in full. That means that you need to take extra care to hire someone that will do good work for you.

Below are just a few warning signs that could indicate that a construction contractor may not be a good option for your job. If any of these issues arise, you may want to look elsewhere to get your job done.

  1. A contractor requires a 100% up-front payment for the job.

Contractors may require that you make a partial payment upfront before they start work. Many contractors use these funds to purchase the necessary supplies for your job. However, if the contractor requires a significant up-front payment (more than half) or all of the fee upfront, that could be a sign that they want the option to never start work, skip out on the job, or may not be very good at their craft. You should also be wary of those who will only accept cash payments as well.

  1. The contractor cannot provide any references.

Most contractors who have experience and happy previous customers will be able to provide you with references of jobs well done in the past. Be sure to ask for references when you are shopping around for a contractor. If a contractor does not give you references when asked or gives you numbers that lead you nowhere or provides names that you cannot contact, those are all big red flags regarding a contractor’s work and credibility.

Online reviews can also be very helpful references as well. Even if a contractor only operates under his or her name, you can often do a quick online search to look for complaints or other issues.

  1. The contractor has no insurance or asks you to get permits yourself.

Most contractors should have general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects them if they harm your property or if one of their workers is hurt on the job. If they do not have this type of insurance, you could be on the hook for their injuries.

If a contractor will not do the permit work for you, that could also be a sign that they are not properly licensed or insured. Generally, you should not have to do your own permit work when you hire a contractor for a job.

While these three red flags are big ones, you should also go with your “gut” when it comes to contractors. If you are having trouble contacting them, it seems like what they are saying is a bit off, or you are uncomfortable for any reason, look elsewhere. If you do run into issues, the team at Adler Law Firm can be a great resource for what you should do next. Contact us today for more information.

What You Need to Know About Business Litigation Attorneys in California

By Robert Adler • September 29, 2023
Running a business in California can be tricky, especially when there are legal issues at hand. Whether you're facing a breach of contract or a dispute with a partner, it's important to have a business litigation attorney on your side. In this blog post, we'll discuss what business litigation attorneys do and how they can help you protect your business interests in California.  1. Understanding Business Litigation Attorneys Business litigation attorneys specialize in resolving legal disputes that arise in the business world. They represent individuals, partnerships, and corporations in court and handle cases related to contract disputes, intellectual property issues, employment disputes, and other similar matters. These attorneys work to protect their clients' business interests, reduce their legal exposure, and minimize the impact of litigation on their operations. 2. Common Types of Business Litigation There are several types of business litigation that can arise in California, including breach of contract, partnership disputes, shareholder disputes, intellectual property disputes, and employment litigation. A business litigation attorney can advise you on the best course of action to take based on the specific circumstances of your case. They can help you evaluate your legal options, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary. 3. Benefits of Hiring a Business Litigation Attorney One of the main benefits of hiring a business litigation attorney is that they can provide you with legal advice that is tailored to your specific needs. They can help you understand the legal process and the potential outcomes of your case. They can also represent you in negotiations and in court, which can be critical in achieving a favorable outcome. Additionally, having a business litigation attorney on your side can help minimize the impact of litigation on your business and reduce your legal exposure. 4. Choosing the Right Business Litigation Attorney When choosing a business litigation attorney in California, it's important to look for an attorney who has experience in your specific area of need. You'll also want to look for an attorney who has a track record of success and who has a good reputation in the legal community. Be sure to ask for references and do your own research before selecting an attorney. It's also important to choose an attorney who you feel comfortable working with and who can communicate effectively with you throughout the legal process. 5. Final Thoughts Business litigation can be complex and daunting, but with the right attorney on your side, you can protect your business interests and achieve a favorable outcome. Whether you're facing a contract dispute or an employment lawsuit, a business litigation attorney can provide you with the legal expertise you need to make informed decisions about your case. So if you're a business owner in California facing a legal issue, don't hesitate to reach out to a business litigation attorney for help. A business litigation attorney can be a valuable asset to any business owner in California. By understanding what these attorneys do and what benefits they offer, you can make an informed decision about whether to hire one for your legal needs. Remember to choose an attorney who has experience in your specific area of need and who you feel comfortable working with. With the right attorney on your side, you can protect your business interests and minimize the impact of litigation on your operations.

3 Common Business Disputes That Can Lead to Litigation

By Adler Law, A P.C. • June 2, 2023
Have you ever wondered how a simple disagreement can escalate into a lawsuit? In this blog post, I will share some insights from my experience as an attorney and explain how everyday disputes can lead to litigation. Litigation is the process of resolving a legal dispute through the court system. It can be costly, time-consuming,… The post 3 Common Business Disputes That Can Lead to Litigation appeared first on Adler Law, A P.C..

“For Cause” Contract Termination: An Overview

By Adler Law, A P.C. • June 20, 2019
Most contracts, particularly construction contracts, will come to an end because a project has been completed successfully. However, there are situations where the contract needs to end early for a variety of reasons. There could be a dispute or perhaps the job was simply canceled. In many situations, your construction contract will include a termination… The post “For Cause” Contract Termination: An Overview appeared first on Adler Law, A P.C..

How Mediation Can Help Resolve Construction Defect Disputes

By Adler Law, A P.C. • May 20, 2019
The term “mediation” refers to a private and informal dispute resolution process that allows you to stay out of court and resolve your contested claim. You use a neutral third-party, a mediator, as a “go-between” to work with the other side to resolve your dispute. Sometimes having someone who has no stake in the outcome… The post How Mediation Can Help Resolve Construction Defect Disputes appeared first on Adler Law, A P.C..

The Basics of California Mechanic’s Liens: Part II – Perfection, Bonds, Waivers, and Enforcement

By Adler Law, A P.C. • April 20, 2019
Last month, we discussed some of the basics of mechanic’s liens in California, including the timing and notice requirements that must be followed under the 2012 changes to the law. You can read that post here. This month, we want to dig a little deeper into additional requirements for mechanic’s liens, including perfecting a mechanic’s… The post The Basics of California Mechanic’s Liens: Part II – Perfection, Bonds, Waivers, and Enforcement appeared first on Adler Law, A P.C..

The Basics of California Mechanic’s Liens: Part I – Timing and Notice

By Adler Law, A P.C. • March 20, 2019
When someone does work on a house to improve it, they have special rights to be able to collect the value of that work in California. They can file what is called a “mechanic’s lien” on the property where the work occurred. Mechanic’s liens are valuable because they encourage homeowners to pay for improvements to… The post The Basics of California Mechanic’s Liens: Part I – Timing and Notice appeared first on Adler Law, A P.C..
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