Michigan Construction Law — Contracts, Liens, and Disputes Handled by Attorneys Who Know the Law

When a contractor walks off the job, delivers defective work, or refuses to release a lien, Michigan law gives you specific remedies. The question is whether you have an attorney who knows how to use them.

 

CF Legal represents contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners in construction disputes throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan. Whether you're a builder protecting your right to payment or a property owner holding a contractor accountable for shoddy work, we bring more than 30 years of litigation experience to your side of the table.

CF Legal represents contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners in construction disputes throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan. Whether you're a builder protecting your right to payment or a property owner holding a contractor accountable for shoddy work, we bring more than 30 years of litigation experience to your side of the table.

Construction Disputes Are Legal Matters — Treat Them That Way from the Start

Most construction conflicts start as phone calls and emails. By the time the other party stops returning messages, the project is stalled, money has changed hands, and the dispute has crossed into legal territory. Waiting to involve an attorney rarely improves the outcome. The earlier you get counsel involved, the more options you have — and the stronger your position when negotiations or litigation begin.

 

Michigan's construction lien act and contract law provide real remedies for both property owners and contractors. Those remedies have deadlines, procedural requirements, and strategic implications that are easy to miss without legal guidance.

Construction Law Services in Flint and Genesee County

CF Legal handles the full range of construction law matters that arise in Genesee County's residential and commercial markets — from pre-construction contract review to post-project dispute resolution.

Construction Contract Drafting and Review

A well-drafted construction contract is the single best tool for preventing disputes. We draft and review contracts for contractors, subcontractors, and property owners — covering scope of work, payment schedules, change order procedures, dispute resolution clauses, and liability terms. If you're starting a project without a written contract, or signing one you haven't had reviewed, you're assuming risk you don't need to carry.

Mechanics Lien Law and Lien Enforcement

Michigan's construction lien act gives contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers a statutory right to place a lien on property when they haven't been paid for work performed. We file and enforce mechanics liens on behalf of contractors and subcontractors, and we defend property owners against improper or inflated lien claims. Lien rights are time-sensitive — missing a filing deadline can eliminate your claim entirely.

Representing Both Sides of Construction Disputes

Transferring or hiding assets before filing, which can create legal issues.

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Contractor and Subcontractor Representation

When you've completed work and aren't getting paid, you need more than a strongly worded letter. We represent contractors and subcontractors in payment disputes, lien enforcement actions, and breach of contract claims. Our litigation background means we're prepared to take a matter to court when the other side won't negotiate in good faith.

Property Owner Representation

If a contractor left your project unfinished, caused damage, or delivered work that doesn't meet the agreed standard, you have legal recourse. We represent property owners in construction defect claims, contractor non-performance disputes, and actions to discharge improper liens. You don't have to accept substandard work or pay for a job that wasn't done right.

Construction Defect Claims

Construction defects range from cosmetic failures to structural problems that affect the safety and value of a property. We handle defect claims involving workmanship failures, code violations, material substitutions, and design errors — working to recover repair costs, diminished value, and other damages for property owners who were let down by contractors they trusted.

Subcontractor and Multi-Party Disputes

Commercial and residential projects often involve general contractors, multiple subcontractors, and suppliers — and when something goes wrong, the question of who is responsible can become complicated quickly. We untangle multi-party construction disputes, identify where liability falls, and represent our clients' interests whether they're at the top or bottom of the contracting chain.

Developer and Commercial Construction Matters

Genesee County's commercial development and residential rehab markets generate construction contracts and disputes that require attorneys who understand both real estate law and construction law. We represent developers and commercial property owners in contract negotiations, project disputes, and litigation arising from commercial construction projects.

Real Estate Litigation Arising from Construction

Some construction disputes escalate into broader real estate litigation — title issues, property damage claims, or conflicts that involve multiple legal theories. CF Legal's real estate litigation practice handles these matters when a construction dispute grows into something larger.

Michigan Construction Lien Law — What You Need to Know

Michigan's construction lien act is one of the stronger contractor protection statutes in the Midwest, but it comes with strict requirements. A contractor who performs work on a residential property must provide a Notice of Furnishing to preserve lien rights. Lien claims must be filed within specific timeframes after the last date of work. Property owners have their own procedural tools — including the sworn statement process — to manage lien exposure on a project.

 

Missing a deadline or skipping a required notice can eliminate rights that the statute would otherwise protect. Whether you're a contractor trying to get paid or a property owner managing lien claims on a completed project, understanding the procedural requirements is essential.

Serving Contractors and Property Owners Across Mid-Michigan

CF Legal's construction law practice serves clients in Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Burton, Fenton, and throughout Genesee County. We also represent clients in Saginaw County and surrounding mid-Michigan communities where construction disputes arise.

 

Our Flint office at 302 E. Court St. is convenient for Genesee County clients, and our Grand Blanc office serves clients in the southern part of the county. If your matter involves a project anywhere in mid-Michigan, contact us to discuss how we can help.

Local Court Familiarity

Legal outcomes can depend on local processes; working with someone familiar with Will County courts helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan Construction Law

  • What can I do if a contractor didn't finish the job and won't return my calls?

    You have legal options, including a breach of contract claim and, in some cases, a claim against the contractor's bond or license. The first step is documenting what was agreed to, what was paid, and what work was or wasn't completed. An attorney can assess your situation and advise on the fastest path to recovery.

  • Can a contractor put a lien on my property if I'm disputing the quality of their work?

    Yes — Michigan's construction lien act allows contractors to file a lien even when a dispute exists over the quality or completion of work. However, an improperly filed lien or one for an inflated amount can be challenged. A property owner can also post a bond to discharge a lien while the underlying dispute is resolved.

  • How long does a contractor have to file a mechanics lien in Michigan?

    In Michigan, a contractor or subcontractor generally has 90 days from the last date they performed work or furnished materials to file a construction lien. Missing this deadline typically forfeits lien rights, which is why it's important to act quickly if you haven't been paid.

  • Do I need a written construction contract for a residential project?

    Michigan law does not require a written contract for every residential construction project, but the absence of one creates significant risk for both parties. Without a written agreement, proving the scope of work, payment terms, and each party's obligations becomes much harder. We strongly recommend a written contract reviewed by an attorney before any project begins.

  • What is a Notice of Furnishing and when is it required?

    A Notice of Furnishing is a document that subcontractors and material suppliers must provide to the property owner and general contractor to preserve their lien rights on a residential project in Michigan. It must be provided within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Failing to provide this notice on time can eliminate a subcontractor's ability to file a lien later.