Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic and high-value real estate markets in the country. With billions invested annually in new developments, renovations, and mixed-use properties, the stakes for developers, property owners, architects, and contractors are exceptionally high. Unfortunately, these projects don’t always go according to plan—construction defects, payment disputes, scope changes, and miscommunications can quickly lead to costly conflicts.
At Stryker Slev Law Group, we’ve spent decades guiding clients through the legal minefield of construction and real estate in Los Angeles and across Southern California. We don’t just fight legal battles—we help you avoid them. Here’s how to protect your investment and reduce the risk of construction conflicts before they escalate.
Understand the Risks Unique to LA Construction Projects
From hillside developments in Beverly Hills to high-rise builds downtown, LA construction comes with unique challenges. Zoning restrictions, seismic regulations, environmental concerns, labor union complexities, and tight permitting schedules can all introduce tension between project stakeholders.
Construction conflicts often stem from:
- Poorly drafted or ambiguous contracts
- Delays due to unforeseen conditions or weather
- Disagreements over payment terms or change orders
- Defective workmanship or materials
- Misaligned expectations between owners, GCs, and subs
- Failure to meet local building codes or inspection standards
Understanding these risks from day one is the first step toward protecting your investment.
Prioritize Smart Contracts Over Boilerplates
One of the most common reasons construction disputes arise is the use of generic or poorly drafted contracts. Standard templates simply don’t account for the complexity of high-end projects in Los Angeles. A smart contract—tailored to the scope of work, timeline, roles, payment structure, and contingencies—can prevent misunderstandings before they happen.
A few must-haves in any well-drafted construction agreement:
- Clear definitions of responsibilities for all parties
- Specific milestones and completion deadlines
- A fair process for handling change orders and delays
- Detailed payment terms and lien waiver procedures
- Dispute resolution clauses (mediation, arbitration, or litigation)
- Legal protections against defective work and breaches of duty
A legally precise and customized contract serves as your first line of defense.
Monitor and Document Everything
Construction projects move fast, and details can easily slip through the cracks. That’s why ongoing documentation is essential. From progress reports and inspection logs to change order approvals and email correspondence, everything should be tracked and stored.
Proper documentation not only keeps all parties accountable—it can become invaluable evidence if a dispute arises. In our experience, the strongest legal cases are built on detailed records, not verbal agreements or assumptions.
Proactive project oversight also helps identify and correct potential problems before they spiral out of control.
Establish a Dispute Prevention Framework
Successful developers and contractors know that even the best-planned projects hit roadblocks. The difference lies in how those roadblocks are addressed.
Consider setting up a dispute prevention protocol before the project even starts. This may include:
- Weekly status meetings with stakeholders
- Third-party inspections for quality control
- An agreed-upon escalation process for concerns
- Early intervention through neutral mediators when tension builds
This type of framework fosters transparency, builds trust, and drastically reduces the likelihood of full-blown legal battles.
Know When to Get Legal Involved
Too many parties wait until a dispute has already escalated to bring in legal counsel. At that point, timelines are threatened, reputations are at stake, and litigation costs can skyrocket.
Instead, smart investors, developers, and contractors engage construction attorneys early. Whether reviewing a contract, advising on a change order, or weighing a claim, experienced legal counsel can give you the foresight to make sound decisions and avoid long-term damage.
At Stryker Slev Law Group, we advise clients across all phases of construction—from pre-contract planning to post-completion claims. With decades of experience handling high-value cases across Los Angeles and Southern California, we bring clarity, strategy, and results to every matter we take on.
How we can help
At Stryker Slev Law Group, we’re more than just attorneys—we’re strategic partners in safeguarding your real estate and construction investments. As one of Southern California’s most trusted and established law firms, we take pride in offering a smarter, more proactive approach to construction and commercial real estate law.
Whether you’re starting a new development, navigating a complex contractor relationship, or facing the early signs of a dispute, our legal team is here to help you protect your time, money, and reputation. We’ve represented some of the region’s most prominent developers, property owners, and construction professionals—and we know what works.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our strategic legal insight can help you avoid costly construction conflicts in Los Angeles.
