Construction Law

Cincinnati Construction Law Attorneys

At Drew & Ward, attorneys from our construction law practice, each with extensive experience in this area of law, protect our clients' interests in a particularly challenging legal environment. Our clients include general contractors in disputes with subcontractors, owners, architects and materialmen in commercial construction projects, as well as new home buyers involved in disputes with residential builders. We understand the advantages and disadvantages in resolving disputes in court versus arbitration.

Our lawyers work with clients to identify the clients' goals, explain to the clients what their options are, and then, in light of the circumstances, recommend a course of action. It is our objective to provide legal services that resolve our clients' problems successfully, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

"I take a personal interest in my clients' legal problems and work hard to meet — and exceed — their expectations."

Attorney Eric C. Holzapfel

Issues that our construction law attorneys are prepared to handle include:

Change orders — construction contracts may be impossible to fulfill as originally agreed on. A change order is generally initiated as an oral agreement, with work proceeding before attorneys complete contract review and a written change order is signed. As a result, change orders frequently result in contract disputes.

Contract performance issues — our lawyers represent clients in cases involving delay, defect claims and disputes over the scope of work specified in contracts.

Changed conditions — when the property is not as represented it is impossible to rely on the terms of the original construction contract.

Interpretation of plans — our attorneys represent contractors in disputes with architects and home buyers in disputes with builders over defective drawings and specifications.

Prompt Payment Claims – We defend claims by sub-contractors

(New) home defects — our lawyers assist new and existing home buyers of brick, frame, or EIFS (synthetic stucco) clad homes in claims involving builders' and manufacturers warranties and construction defects including structural leaks and moisture intrusion, settling foundations, defective brickwork and window installation.

Nonpayment and mechanics' liens – we handle the filing and removal of mechanics liens

Our construction law attorneys: Eric C. Holzapfel, Richard H. Ward, James H. Coogan, Anthony G. Covatta, Michael D. McNeil, Richard G. Ward, and Robert M. Smyth.

Related practices: civil litigation, employment law, commercial real estate, residential real estate

The early stages of any legal dispute are critical. If you would like to speak with a lawyer from our construction law practice about a defect claim or other issue, we invite you to contact our Cincinnati, Ohio, office to arrange an initial consultation.