Construction lawyer in Silverdale, WA

Real estate

You should not have to handle a construction problem alone

Construction projects are rarely simple. Plans change, schedules slip, materials cost more than expected and a misunderstanding about scope can turn into a standoff over payment. When that happens, owners and contractors often find themselves in a conflict that cannot be resolved without legal help.

Kitsap Law Group represents developers, owners, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and design professionals in every stage of construction law. Because we have worked on all sides of these disputes, we understand how the other party is likely to see the problem, and we use that to look for a practical way forward.

We handle projects of every size, from a single-family home in Silverdale or Poulsbo to commercial developments and public works across the West Sound.

Contracts negotiated and drafted before work begins
Lien notice and lien claim questions answered early
Defect, delay and payment disputes resolved or litigated

Christy Palmer working at her desk behind a computer monitor

Lien notices for contractors and homeowners

Washington's lien laws give contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers a way to secure payment for work on a property, but those rights generally depend on giving the right notices to the owner at the right time. We advise on these notice rules from both sides: what contractors need to send, and what a homeowner should do when one arrives in the mailbox.

For contractors, a missed or late notice can limit or eliminate lien rights. For homeowners, these notices show who is working on your property. Either way, an attorney can confirm which notices apply and when.

What we handle

Construction matters we handle

We help clients prevent disputes with sound contracts, and we represent them when a project goes off course.

Construction contracts

Negotiating and drafting contracts for single-family residences through large commercial projects, including scope, payment terms, change orders and warranties.
Lien claims

Advising on lien notices and rights, and prosecuting or defending lien claims against private property.
Construction defects

Claims and defenses involving defective workmanship, materials or design, including the investigation needed to understand what went wrong.
Contractor disputes

Disagreements between owners and contractors, or between general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, over payment, scope and performance.
Delays and changes

Claims arising from delays, disruptions, alterations and change orders, and the damages and remedies that follow.
Contractor licensing

Questions about contractor registration requirements and how they affect a project or a claim.
Insurance disputes

Coverage questions and disputes with insurers over construction losses and defect claims.
Public works contracts

Government contracts from both the public agency side and the contractor side, including bidding, specifications and performance.
Permits and indemnity

Building permit issues, indemnity provisions and allocation of risk between the parties on a project.

Our approach

When a project goes awry

Breaches of contract and disagreements are common on construction projects. Our first aim is usually to help the parties reach a fair settlement that lets the work move forward or wraps it up cleanly. When settlement is not possible, we prosecute and defend lien claims, defect cases and the other disputes that arise in construction, in court or arbitration.

Collect the project record
Contracts, plans, change orders, invoices, daily logs, photos and correspondence tell the story of what happened. We gather them first.
Check notice and lien timing
Washington lien and notice rules are time sensitive, so we confirm early what has been sent, what is still required and what deadlines may apply.
Assess the claim
We look at contract terms, warranties, indemnity provisions and insurance to see where responsibility likely falls.
Negotiate
We work toward a resolution through direct negotiation or mediation, keeping the cost of the dispute in proportion to what is at stake.
Litigate if needed
If the matter does not resolve, we are prepared to try it.

Bill H. Broughton, David P. Horton, David A. Weibel and Christy Palmer on a waterfront path near a gazebo

Who handles it

Attorneys who handle real estate

David P. Horton worked primarily on construction litigation at a Seattle firm before returning to Kitsap County. Bill H. Broughton has tried bench and jury trials involving construction disputes. Christy Palmer and David A. Weibel have each represented clients in construction matters alongside their real estate and land use work.

Meet the full team

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I have a lawyer review a construction contract before I sign it?

It is one of the most useful steps you can take. A clear contract on scope, price, payment schedule, change orders and warranties prevents many of the disputes we see later. We review contracts for owners and for contractors, on residential and commercial projects.

What is a pre-lien notice?

In Washington, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who want to protect their right to file a lien are generally required to give certain notices to the property owner, and some notices have to be given before or early in the work. Homeowners often receive these notices and wonder what they mean. The rules depend on who you contracted with and the type of project, so an attorney can confirm what applies to you.

A subcontractor sent me a lien notice, but I paid my general contractor. What does that mean?

It means the subcontractor or supplier is preserving its rights in case it is not paid. It does not mean you did anything wrong. Keeping records of what you paid and to whom, and asking for lien releases as payments are made, can help protect you. If a lien is recorded, talk to an attorney promptly.

I am a contractor and the owner has not paid. What are my options?

Depending on your contract and whether the required notices were given, options may include a lien claim, a claim under the contract, or a negotiated payment arrangement. Lien rights in Washington are time sensitive, so it helps to get advice early.

What counts as a construction defect?

Generally, a defect is a problem with workmanship, materials or design that causes the work to fall short of the contract, the plans or applicable building standards. Water intrusion, structural problems and improperly installed systems are common examples in our wet Pacific Northwest climate.

Do you handle public works and government contracts?

Yes. We have represented both public agencies and contractors on public works contracts, which carry their own bidding, payment and notice requirements.

Can a construction dispute be resolved without going to court?

Many are, through negotiation, mediation or arbitration if the contract requires it. We aim for a resolution that makes sense given the cost of the dispute, and we are prepared to litigate when that is the right path.