Six Mistakes That Can Quickly Derail Boca Raton Commercial Construction Projects
Commercial construction is booming in Boca Raton. Whether it involves adding to existing infrastructure, upgrading retail or restaurant spaces, or renovating former office buildings into affordable housing, these projects involve tight timelines, large sums of money, and multiple moving parts.
When problems arise, it’s often due to small mistakes, but they can create major headaches and often lead to costly litigation. Our experienced Boca Raton construction litigation lawyer explains six of the most common and how to protect yourself.
Six Common Mistakes That Impact Construction Projects in Boca Raton
Most South Florida commercial construction disputes trace back to something that occurred early in the project. Florida courts enforce construction contracts as written, so even a relatively minor mistake can quickly derail the entire project. Some of the most common are:
- Not pulling the required permits or confirming that all work complies with local requirements.
- Not verifying that the general contractor and subcontractors hold current, valid Florida licenses.
- Using contract templates that do not address Florida-specific legal requirements or the unique risks of South Florida’s market.
- Signing a commercial construction contract without clearly defining the scope of work.
- Relying on verbal agreements rather than using written change orders.
- Overlooking preliminary notice requirements under Chapter 713 of the Florida Statutes, which can eliminate lien rights for subcontractors and suppliers.
Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes dictates that contractors must hold valid licenses for the work they perform. Chapter 713 imposes strict lien notice and documentation requirements for everyone on the project. Overlooking these rules or making other mistakes can quickly lead to potentially costly litigation.
Prevent Problems on Boca Raton Construction Projects Before They Occur
Problems that arise on South Florida commercial construction projects can have far-reaching impacts, but they are often avoidable. Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Be sure to put everything in writing, including all details about the project, payment terms, deadlines, and procedures for handling changes.
- Use written change orders if the scope, materials, price, or schedule changes.
- Whether you are a property owner, contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, be clear when it comes to Florida’s lien requirements.
- Save contracts, invoices, photographs, inspection records, emails, meeting notes, and other documents.
- Address payment issues quickly, as delays can affect everyone down the chain.
- Get legal help from an experienced Boca Raton construction lawyer who can review contracts, change orders, lien issues, and potential disputes.
South Florida commercial construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. Recognizing problems early on and taking precautions can help prevent them from escalating into costly litigation.
Consult Our Experienced Boca Raton Construction Litigation Lawyer
Mistakes are common on South Florida commercial construction projects and can cost significant time and money. At Neuman Law, P.A., our experienced Boca Raton construction litigation lawyer helps developers, contractors, and property owners throughout the area identify legal risks before they become disputes and resolve them effectively when they do.
We proudly serve clients in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, and Hillsborough County. Contact our office today to request a consultation.
Sources:
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/0489.html
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/Chapter713