Contractor Dispute

Contractor Dispute Attorney in San Francisco

Strategic Representation for Construction Contract Conflicts

We represent homeowners, developers, and commercial landowners in contractor litigation and construction claims. At Wood Litigation, APC, we handle disputes involving residential and commercial projects, including conflicts tied to contractor performance, project payments, property purchases, and property sales.

Our real estate attorneys assess the governing agreement, the parties’ performance, and the losses connected to the dispute. We tailor each strategy to the contract, available evidence, and client’s practical goals.

Discuss your contractor dispute with us. Call (415) 936-0300 to request a free consultation.

Common Construction Conflicts & Supporting Records

Construction conflicts can arise from unpaid invoices, work performed outside the agreed scope, contractor abandonment, poor workmanship, licensing concerns, or an alleged breach of contract. Evaluating a claim requires close review of what the parties agreed to do and what occurred during the project.

California generally requires licensed contractors to use written contracts for home improvement projects valued above $500. State law also generally limits a home improvement down payment to 10% of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less.

Records that may help document a construction claim include:

Written contracts and change orders showing the original scope, price, deadlines, and approved modifications.
Invoices and payment records identifying amounts billed, paid, withheld, or disputed.
Project communications recording instructions, objections, scheduling discussions, and representations about the work.
Photographs and inspection records documenting project conditions, completed work, and alleged defects.

When a contractor leaves before completing the agreed work, the dispute often turns on the contract terms, work performed, payments made, and reasonable cost to complete or repair the project. Preserving contemporaneous records can clarify the sequence of events and support an informed evaluation of the available claims and defenses.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

The attorneys were communicative and the service was exceptional.
“This firm handled my case in a timely and professional matter. The attorneys were communicative and the service was exceptional. I would recommend this firm for real estate matters. The case was resolved in my favor and a big thank you to Leyla Pasic for her exceptional work.”

- Jay
Greg is a very knowledgeable attorney.
“I have found his advice to be excellent. He has assisted me with more than one issue. Minor and major real estate disputes and contract law issues. He is easy to talk too and has a great demeanor. This attorney will give it to you straight.”

- Renee
Greg was continuously focused on how to best further our company's interests.
“We were very, very satisfied with Greg Wood's counsel, as he not only displayed quick understanding and sharp strategic thinking but also brought an impressive and -- one hates to say — almost rare "client-first" attitude to proceedings.”

- Rainer

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Ways to Resolve a San Francisco Construction Conflict

We offer negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. The appropriate path depends on the contract, any mandatory dispute-resolution clause, the value of the claim, the available evidence, and the parties’ willingness to reach an agreement.

Negotiation may resolve defined payment or performance issues without formal proceedings. Mediation uses a neutral third party to facilitate settlement, while arbitration places the decision before a private arbitrator. When court action is appropriate, we prepare the pleadings, conduct discovery, address pre-trial motions, and prepare the case for trial.

Trial-Ready Litigation Experience

Principal Attorney Greg Wood has more than twenty years of litigation experience and regularly assists clients with contractor abandonment, breach-of-contract claims, and related disputes. He has considerable jury trial experience and has regularly achieved Super Lawyer status throughout his career.

We prepare cases with trial in view while continuing to evaluate practical opportunities for resolution. No process guarantees a particular result or timeline, but careful preparation allows us to address the legal and factual issues at each stage.

Discuss Your Construction Claim

We offer a free consultation to discuss the facts, relevant contracts, and potential next steps. Our contact form allows you to share information about the conflict.

Call (415) 936-0300 to speak with our contractor dispute attorney about your San Francisco construction matter.

California Claims, Liens & Filing Deadlines

Several forums and procedures may apply to a contractor dispute. The right option depends on who’s bringing the claim, the amount at issue, the contract language, and the relief requested.

Small Claims Court & Regulatory Complaints

The San Francisco Superior Court Small Claims Division handles construction cases that fall within the applicable monetary limit. California small claims court generally permits claims up to $12,500 for an individual and $6,250 for a corporation, partnership, or other business entity.

The California Contractors State License Board regulates licensed contractors. A consumer complaint may lead to investigation, mediation, or disciplinary proceedings. Consumers harmed by licensed contractors may also be eligible for relief through the board’s Contractors Recovery Fund, subject to its requirements and limitations.

Mechanic’s Liens

A mechanic’s lien is a recorded claim against real property for unpaid construction labor or materials. Property owners can search for mechanic’s liens recorded against San Francisco property through the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s Office. The validity and enforcement of a lien can depend on strict notice, recording, and filing requirements.

Statutes of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set deadlines for filing legal claims. California written-contract claims generally have a four-year limitations period measured from the breach or discovery, while fraud claims generally have a three-year period from discovery. Property-damage claims also generally carry a three-year period, although the correct deadline depends on the facts and legal theory.

Mediation, Arbitration & Civil Litigation

Many San Francisco construction contracts require mediation, arbitration, or both before a lawsuit can proceed. A civil breach-of-contract or fraud case typically begins with a complaint and response, followed by discovery and pre-trial motions. Trial remains possible when the parties don’t resolve the dispute.

Available remedies depend on the agreement, asserted claims, provable losses, and applicable law. These deadlines and procedures are general legal information, not advice about a particular dispute. A review of the signed contract and project history is necessary to identify the options that may apply.

Contact Us Today

At Wood Litigation, APC, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (415) 936-0300 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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