Starting a construction project in Brisbane means you are officially starting to think about contracts, rules and even possible disputes that may arise. All these things need to be solved legally, or you risk your project being taken to court.
The smart project managers involve a construction lawyer from the very start of the project when they are still drafting the goals and objectives. However, you may hurry to get yourself a lawyer but end up with someone who has little experience in your project, bringing more problems to the already existing ones.
So here are the top questions you need to ask a lawyer before you can hire them.
Top questions to ask your construction lawyer in Brisbane
– What experience do you have with construction cases?
Not all lawyers handle construction law. You will find some focusing on family, property, or criminal matters. But since you have requested their help, they would not want to see such a big job waving goodbye, so they will agree to your request without second thoughts. So to be on the safe side, find yourself a construction lawyer who has experience in dealing with building contracts, disputes, and Queensland building laws. This question will help you gauge if they understand the construction field well.
– How will you help me with my contract?
Most construction problems start with contracts. The contract terms are usually full of technical and complex terms that are very difficult for homeowners and even builders to understand. So you need to ask the lawyer the strategy they will use to review or draft your contract. A reliable lawyer will explain the terms in simple language you can understand and highlight any hidden risks.
– What are the possible risks in my project?
Every construction project faces risks, no matter the stage it has reached. This could be delays or defects. A lawyer should be able to point out potential problems before they happen and recommend the best way to navigate the problems. For example, they might warn you about weak insurance coverage that may not offer compensation in case something serious happens. Knowing these risks in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs and disputes later on.
– How do you handle disputes?
Construction projects bring in professionals from different disciplines. You will need electricians, plumbers, builders, and other experts to work on different aspects of the project. Since they do not come from the same discipline, there is a high chance that disputes will arise from time to time. So the lawyer should have a strong will to solve those issues.
– What will your services cost me?
Getting legal costs a lot of money. So the lawyer has to be clear on how they charge for their services. Some may charge per hour, while others will offer a fixed fee for specific services. A reliable lawyer should be transparent with their fees and explain what they are selling to you clearly.
Final Thoughts
Getting Brisbane’s best construction lawyer can help you to avoid many legal problems and ensure that your project gets to completion with minimal disruptions. To find a good lawyer, you need to ask them these five questions and gauge the quality of answers they provide. They will help you to find a lawyer who cares about your project and works hard to ensure that you are successful.