Construction Law Attorneys in Lenexa, KS

Construction law attorneys in Lenexa handle a wide range of cases including contract disputes, mechanic’s lien enforcement, payment disputes, construction defect claims, bid protests, and compliance with local building codes. They represent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, property owners, and developers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Services also include contract review and creation, collections, and business law matters related to the construction industry.

In Kansas, contractors must file a mechanic’s lien statement within four months of the last day that labor or materials were provided. Subcontractors have a slightly different requirement and must file within four months but serve a copy on the property owner within three months of their last work date. The lien must be enforced within one year of filing, and this deadline cannot be extended. Failure to meet these deadlines renders the lien unenforceable.

The Kansas Fairness in Private Construction Contract Act requires property owners to pay contractors within 30 days of receiving a proper, undisputed payment request. If payment is late, owners must pay 18% per annum interest on the undisputed amount. The Act also prevents owners from using “pay when paid” clauses as a defense in mechanic’s lien claims or payment bond claims, providing stronger payment protections for contractors and subcontractors.

You should consult with a construction law attorney as soon as a dispute arises, ideally before it escalates to litigation. Early intervention can often resolve issues through negotiation or mediation. Signs you need legal help include delayed or withheld payments, disagreements over scope of work, claims of defective work, breach of contract allegations, or threats of legal action. Having an attorney review contracts before signing can prevent many disputes from occurring.

If you haven’t been paid for construction work, first send a formal demand for payment in writing. Document all communications and keep detailed records of work performed and materials supplied. You may be entitled to file a mechanic’s lien, which must be done within specific timeframes. You can also pursue other remedies such as collections actions, payment bond claims if applicable, or breach of contract lawsuits. Consulting with a construction attorney quickly is crucial to preserve your rights.

No, Kansas law specifically stipulates that architects and design professionals cannot file mechanic’s liens. This restriction is unique compared to some other states. However, these professionals still have other legal remedies available for unpaid fees, including breach of contract claims, collections actions, and other civil remedies. It’s important for design professionals to have strong contract terms and payment provisions to protect their interests.

The cost of hiring a construction law attorney varies depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s fee structure. Many construction attorneys offer different billing options including hourly rates, flat fees for specific services like contract review, or contingency fees for certain types of cases like collections. Some firms offer initial consultations to discuss your case and provide fee estimates. It’s important to discuss fee arrangements upfront and get them in writing.

Construction law is highly specialized and involves unique concepts like mechanic’s liens, payment bonds, construction contracts, and industry-specific regulations. It requires understanding of construction processes, industry standards, and the complex relationships between owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Construction attorneys must be familiar with prompt payment laws, lien statutes, building codes, and the practical aspects of construction projects. This specialization is why it’s important to work with attorneys who focus specifically on construction law rather than general practitioners.