Stay Out of Court

Ways to Stay Out of Court

By Gary Ransone, ESQ. General Building Contractor

Dear Contractors and Owners,

I have worked in and around many parts of the construction business for the past 20 years - first as a laborer, carpenter, project manager, project owner, and General Contractor, then later as an attorney specializing in Construction Law.

Over the years I've learned a lot about the kinds of problems that Contractors face and, more importantly, ways to resolve or better still, PREVENT many of these problems from occurring in the first place. My approach to problems in the construction business is tempered by a strong dose of job site reality gained while working as a Contractor and project owner. This is why an important part of my work is focused on PREVENTATIVE STEPS Contractors and owners can take to better organize and streamline their business basics (e.g. contracts, subcontracts, paperwork with the owner, etc...) and project costs in a way that minimizes costly disputes.

For contractors, I've developed two primary ways to preventively deal with construction disputes in a way that can actually increase your profits. The first is a book I wrote published by the JOURNAL OF LIGHT CONSTRUCTION called THE CONTRACTOR'S LEGAL KIT. The KIT was developed as a practical "tool" or guide that gives you 344 pages of my best Construction Agreements and legal insights in a book that comes with software for PCs or Macs. Owners can obtain contracts for their projects which will also reduce the risks they take on when having contractors work for them.

The second way both contractors and owners can prevent or resolve many disputes is through utilizing services offered through the CONSTRUCTION LAW HELP LINE. I established the CONSTRUCTION LAW HELP LINE to provide convenient and easy access to construction related legal information, assistance resolving payment disputes, and construction contract review/drafting services. The idea behind the CONSTRUCTION LAW HELP LINE is that an "ounce of prevention" at the right point in time can help a contractor to avoid or resolve some serious disputes and/or financial losses. Those of you who have ever been confused by a contract, had to sue or file a Mechanic's Lien to be paid, or been unable to collect on a valid Change Order know what I mean...

Call (831) 476-8784 if you want to order The Contractor's Legal Kit from my office or discuss a legal consultation related to the construction business. I have attached an information sheet on the CONSTRUCTION LAW HELP LINE and THE CONTRACTOR'S LEGAL KIT for your review.

Feel free to call me to discuss how the CONSTRUCTION LAW HELP LINE operates. There is no charge to obtain information on how the HELP LINE operates. To obtain information about rates for legal services or additional information about services offered call (831) 476-8784.