Contractor Disputes

San Diego Construction and Contractor Dispute Attorneys

Khashayar Law Group represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and developers in California construction disputes — defect claims, payment disputes, mechanics liens, stop-payment notices, change-order disputes, and disputes with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). California construction law is procedurally dense, and the right move at the right time often controls the outcome.

Common California Construction Dispute Categories

The firm regularly handles:

• Construction defect claims — under Civil Code §895 et seq. (the SB 800 "Right to Repair Act") for residential housing and common-law theories for commercial.
• Payment disputes — including prompt-payment violations under California Business & Professions Code §7108.5 and Civil Code §8800 et seq.
• Mechanics liens — recording, enforcement, and release under Civil Code §§8400–8494.
• Stop-payment notices and payment bond claims under Civil Code §§8500–8560.
• Change-order and scope disputes.
• License and CSLB compliance issues — Business & Professions Code §7031 disgorgement claims against unlicensed contractors.
• HOA and CC&R construction disputes.

Why California Construction Cases Are Procedurally Dense

Strict notice and timing requirements govern almost every construction remedy in California. Mechanics liens must be recorded within 90 days of completion. Stop-payment notices have specific service rules. The SB 800 right-to-repair process must be exhausted before suit. Section 7031 disgorgement requires the right pleading. Missing any one of these procedures can extinguish a remedy regardless of underlying liability strength. The firm handles construction disputes with attention to every procedural step.

How Khashayar Law Group Handles These Matters

Khashayar Law Group approaches every matter with the same trial-ready discipline that produced over $165 million in recoveries firm-wide. Daryoosh Khashayar has tried cases before juries, before judges, and before the California Court of Appeal, where he has secured multiple reversals of Superior Court rulings. He has litigated against major insurers including GEICO and Progressive, and against large corporations including Walmart and Costco.

ABOTA Membership and What It Means for Clients

Daryoosh Khashayar is a member of ABOTA — the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation-only organization for attorneys with exceptional verified civil jury trial experience and judicial recommendations. The firm has recovered more than $165 million for clients and prepares every matter — transactional or litigated — with the trial-readiness corporate counterparties respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a California construction defect claim?

Four years from substantial completion for patent (visible) defects under California Code of Civil Procedure §337.1. Ten years for latent (hidden) defects under §337.15. SB 800 residential claims must follow the pre-litigation right-to-repair process under Civil Code §910 et seq. before suit.

How does a California mechanics lien work?

Under California Civil Code §§8400–8494, an unpaid contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier can record a lien against the property and foreclose if unpaid. Strict timing applies — typically 90 days from completion. A preliminary 20-day notice must usually be served at the start of the work.

What is California Business & Professions Code §7031?

A statute requiring contractors performing work over $500 to hold a CSLB license. An unlicensed contractor cannot recover for work performed and may be required to disgorge all payments received, regardless of the quality of the work.

What is the SB 800 right-to-repair process?

Under California Civil Code §895 et seq., owners of new residential housing must follow a pre-litigation notice-and-opportunity-to-repair process before filing a construction defect lawsuit. The process has strict timing and procedural rules.

Can a contractor force binding arbitration in a California construction dispute?

Often yes, where the contract includes an arbitration clause. California Code of Civil Procedure §1281 and the Federal Arbitration Act generally enforce commercial arbitration clauses. Residential consumer arbitration clauses face heightened scrutiny under California unconscionability doctrine.

Talk to a San Diego Construction Dispute Attorney

Khashayar Law Group serves clients throughout San Diego and California. Consultations are free and confidential. Call (858) 509-1550 or visit our office at 1350 Columbia St., Suite 303, San Diego, CA 92101.