I have worked in and around many parts of the construction business for nearly 30 years - first as a laborer, carpenter, project manager, Builder and General Contractor, and for the last twenty + years primarily as an attorney focused on Construction Law, builder of my own projects, project administration and related legal areas. This " in the trenches " construction experience is why I work in this area of the law. I have also worked as an arbitrator/mediator in numerous construction disputes, land use work (red tags) and provide that service if you should need it. I currently hold licenses in California as an attorney, general contractor and real estate broker. I have also been trained in the past as an American Arbitration Association arbitrator . I have written numerous articles on construction contracts and administration along with the Contractor's Legal Kit, published by The Journal of Light Construction and spoke on these same topics at national construction conferences from California to the East Coast. Like you, I hate what happens to contractors and owners when they end up in court. Nobody wins (except the lawyers) and nobody can afford it (especially these days). It's a trap and game that nobody needs. It shakes your confidence, drains your check book and kills your interest in this business. Do everything that you can to avoid the things that land you in court. Start with a good contract because that's where problems often start. Over the years I've learned a lot about the kinds of problems that Contractors and owners face when trouble arise and when trying to put together contracts. More importantly, I've learned some 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 both General Contractor and an attorney . This is why an important part of my work is focused on PREVENTATIVE STEPS both owners and contractors can take to better organize and streamline the business basics (e.g. contracts, subcontracts, paperwork with the owner, etc...) in a way that minimizes agonizing and costly disputes and allows contractors and owners to have a successful relationship and avoid and/or quickly resolve disputes. I've developed two primary ways to preventatively deal with construction disputes in a way that can actually increase your profits. STEP ONE: 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 is now in its second edition and gives you 376 pages of my best and latest Construction Agreements and business/legal insights in a book that comes with the editable contracts and forms on a CD that works on both IBM or Apple format. This second edition also incorporates language to address mold liability, a mold chapter and a mold information and addendum form . I also have a supplement for the California Home Improvement Contract laws that simplifies this confusing area of the law for those of you that do residential home improvement work and don't want the CSLB knocking at your door. The cost of the new edition of the Contractor's Legal Kit with software is $69.95. This is the best money you'll ever spend on a tool that will organize your business relationships and save you money! The CA Home Improvement Contract Supplement is $60. (annual supplement). STEP TWO: The second way you can prevent or resolve many disputes is by utilizing legal consulting services offered through my office whenever a problem or legal question arises on a project, i.e. the 2 heads are better than 1 theory. I like to provide convenient & easy access to construction related legal information (in office, phone consultations or email), assistance resolving payment disputes, and I specialize in construction contract review/drafting services. The idea 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 and whenever possible - litigation. 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... In California call me at or email me if you want to order THE CONTRACTOR'S LEGAL KIT, have a legal consultation, have a dispute of some kind related to the construction business, if you want to tune up your contracts or have a large project and need some help on the contract. I look forward to hearing from you and good luck with your projects! Gary Ransone, Esq. LAW OFFICE OF GARY RANSONE 2825 Porter Street, Suite A, Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: Email: Website: