Closing Out A Florida Construction Project
Closing out a construction project of any size can be a stressful experience. Florida construction projects present their own unique set of laws and regulations that must be observed to ensure a successful completion. To make sure your rights and interests are protected during the closing out process, it's wise to enlist the help of a Florida construction law attorney who has experience working with projects similar to yours.
At Herman & Wells we offer flat fees ($2,000 - $5,000) for Florida construction project closings and are proud to serve our clients with the highest level of legal expertise and service. You can fully rely on us to assist you in successfully completing your construction project and advancing towards the next milestone of success.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with closing out your Florida construction project. The team at Herman & Wells are here to make sure that the end of a Florida construction project is as stress-free and seamless as possible for our clients.
Florida Construction Project Closeout Process
Once a Florida construction project has reached substantial completion, it's time to move on to the closeout process. This process can be complex and vary depending on the nature of your construction project. It usually includes a review of contract documents, change orders, final inspection, preparation of punch list, exchange of lien releases, written warranties and making a final payment.
During the project closeout, Florida construction law attorneys can help owners navigate this often burdensome, stressful and time-consuming process. They'll review contracts and change orders to ensure that all parties have fulfilled their responsibilities according to Florida construction laws. Florida construction law attorneys can also provide legal advice in regards to lien releases and warranties, and may even represent owners in court if any legal disputes arise.
At the completion of your Florida construction project, having a Florida construction law attorney by your side can ensure that everything is done properly and to avoid any potential issues that could result in litigation down the road.
The Construction Project Contract Review
During the closeout phase of a Florida construction project, it is essential that all contractual obligations have been fulfilled. As such, it is essential to conduct a thorough review of the applicable contract, specifications, plans, change orders, and other documents related to the construction in order to ensure that all parties have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities.
The terms and conditions in Florida construction contracts may vary significantly depending on the size and scope of the project. The specific contract may address the closeout process, as well as include timeframes and deadlines for the completion of certain elements. It's crucial to review these documents closely so that all contractual obligations are met in a timely manner.
To ensure that these contractual obligations are fulfilled, it is recommended to enlist the help of a Florida construction law attorney to review and interpret the documents in order to provide guidance regarding any potential risks or liabilities for all parties involved. A Florida construction law attorney can also help ensure that all parties are complying with their legal obligations and will be able to provide assistance in negotiating any potential disputes that may arise.
By engaging a Florida construction law attorney to review the documents related to the project closeout, you can have peace of mind knowing that all contractual obligations are being met.
Punch List in Florida Construction Project Closeout
A punch list is, basically, a to-do list of work that must be completed before the parties consider the project "complete". By creating this checklist, contractors and managers can easily check the status of each action item. Having an up-to-date punch list will also help you determine if any loose ends need to be addressed. Alongside a comprehensive punch list, additional documents may be necessary such as:
- Design approvals
- Requests for information
- Certificates for any inspections
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Certificate of Substantial Completion
- Pay submittals for contractors
Understanding the whereabouts and condition of your documents before a project is finished can significantly reduce completion time, as well as prevent additional delays incurred by having to develop new documents. Depending on the size and scope of the project, an owner may want to hire an engineer, licensed contractor, or home inspector to assist with assembling and reviewing this list. A punch list typically includes items such as:
- Filling in holes or cracks in walls
- Painting unfinished surfaces
- Caulking bathtubs and other fixtures
- Replacing or fixing any loose or broken items
- Installing the necessary safety features, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Once all of the punch list items have been completed, the parties involved should walk through the project and make sure all of the necessary tasks have been completed to a satisfactory level. If you're uncertain about how to proceed, it's always best to consult with a Florida construction law attorney before making any final decisions.
Get Expert Legal Advice Before Exercising Any Contractual Options
Is there a clause in the contract that you wish to exercise, such as a termination clause? Taking action like ending a contract or escalating an amount of money might be permitted by a contract, but proceeding without due caution could turn into a liability situation. Getting legal advice before you exercise contractual options will help you avoid some pitfalls. A construction lawyer's guidance is invaluable before the agreement is signed or before any action is taken.
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Lien Releases in The Construction Project Closeout Process
The Florida Construction Lien Law protects some contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who don't get paid for their work. They can file a lien against the property owner's house even if they have been paid in full. So it's important for property owners to ask for a lien release before they pay the final amount at the end of their construction project.
At Herman & Wells, Florida’s construction law attorneys, we can help you close out your project in a timely and efficient manner. For a flat fee, our experienced team of lawyers will help provide the necessary lien releases and give advice regarding any issues related to closing out your construction project.
Our services include researching liens that have been filed against your property, and drafting and filing liens and releases on your behalf. We understand the complexity of Florida’s Construction lien laws, so we are able to provide our clients with the best possible guidance regarding their construction project closeout process.
Book A Consultation With An Experienced Construction Law Attorney
In summary, closing out a construction project is an important process that should not be taken lightly. It is the responsibility of everyone working on the construction project to make sure it is finished on time and within the budget that was agreed upon in the contract. To avoid legal issues, it is very important to have a good understanding of Florida's construction laws and regulations.
If you need assistance with closing out your construction project in Florida, the experienced construction law attorneys of Herman & Wells are here to help. We are available to provide expert advice on how to close out a construction project correctly and ensure compliance with local construction laws. For more information or to book a consultation, please get in touch with us today.