Construction Law · CA & NV

Built on
solid ground.

From contract to closeout, we protect developers, contractors, and property owners at every phase of construction — in California and Nevada.

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Phase 01
Foundation
01
Foundation

Laying the
groundwork.

Every project starts with contracts. Ambiguous terms, missing indemnification, or poorly defined scopes are the leading cause of construction disputes — and they're entirely preventable.

  • Prime contracts & subcontractor agreements
  • AIA & owner-contractor document review
  • Scope of work & change order protocols
  • Payment terms & retainage provisions
  • Indemnification & insurance requirements
02
Framing

Building the
structure.

As your project takes shape, so do the legal obligations. Licensing, permits, lien rights, and labor compliance all demand attention during active construction.

  • Contractor licensing & CSLB compliance
  • Preliminary notice & mechanics lien rights
  • Permit applications & regulatory compliance
  • Subcontractor default & performance issues
  • Change order disputes & documentation
03
Enclosure

Protecting your
investment.

When problems emerge — delays, defects, cost overruns, payment failures — how you respond defines your exposure. We provide rapid counsel before small disputes become litigation.

  • Construction defect claims & defense
  • Delay damages & acceleration claims
  • Mechanic's lien enforcement & defense
  • Surety bond & insurance coverage disputes
  • Design professional liability
04
Completion

Finishing
strong.

Project closeout carries its own legal complexity. We resolve final disputes efficiently — through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation — so you can move to the next project.

  • Final payment & retainage release disputes
  • Substantial completion & punch list disputes
  • Construction arbitration & mediation
  • Warranty claims & latent defects
  • Contractor licensing board proceedings
Why Apricity

Counsel built for
builders.

Construction law isn't a sideline. We represent developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and property owners across California and Nevada — with dual licensure and deep regional market knowledge.

CA+NVDual Licensure
BoutiqueDirect Partner Access
TruckeeHeadquarters
RenoNevada Office
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Common Questions

Construction law,
clarified.

A mechanics lien is a legal claim against a property that secures payment for work or materials provided during construction. In California, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers must serve a preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing work or materials to preserve lien rights. Nevada has similar requirements. Once payment is withheld, the deadline to record the lien is typically 90 days after project completion in California. Acting quickly is critical — missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit your right to payment. We help you track notice requirements from day one.
On most projects, yes. Construction contracts — whether AIA forms, owner-drafted agreements, or subcontractor templates — contain consequential terms that are easy to overlook: indemnification clauses that shift risk broadly, dispute resolution provisions that waive jury trials, notice requirements that limit your ability to claim delays, and insurance language that may conflict with your actual coverage. A brief review before signing is almost always far less expensive than resolving a dispute that stems from a poorly negotiated contract. We routinely review and redline contracts for contractors, owners, and design professionals across California and Nevada.
A delay claim arises when a project takes longer than scheduled — whether due to weather, owner-caused delays, design changes, or subcontractor failures. Delay damages can include extended general conditions costs, lost productivity, and in some cases, lost profits. A defect claim involves work that doesn't conform to the contract, code, or accepted industry standards — cracking concrete, water intrusion, faulty framing, or defective MEP systems. Both types of claims require contemporaneous documentation, expert analysis, and an understanding of contract notice requirements. Often a single project involves both, which is why integrated legal counsel from the start matters.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses and regulates contractors in California. Operating without a valid, properly classified license can have severe consequences: inability to collect compensation for work performed, exposure to civil penalties, and criminal liability. CSLB compliance also means maintaining proper workers' compensation insurance, a current bond, and the correct license classifications for the work you're performing. We counsel contractors on licensing requirements, respond to CSLB complaints, and defend contractors in disciplinary proceedings before the Board.
Yes, typically through several avenues. If the contractor was bonded, a claim against the contractor's license bond may be available. If the project involved a payment or performance bond, a bond claim may be the fastest route to recovery. You may also have a direct civil claim for breach of contract, and in appropriate cases a CSLB complaint can be pursued concurrently. Recovery depends on the contractor's financial position, applicable deadlines, and the completeness of your documentation. We evaluate all available options and pursue the most effective path to making you whole.
Get Started

Your project deserves
protection.

Whether you're breaking ground or resolving a dispute, we're ready to help. Licensed in California and Nevada.

(530) 303-7311 info@apricitylegal.com