Dealing With Contractor Issues? Here’s How to Handle a Construction Lawsuit in Texas

Hiring a contractor to build or renovate your dream home should be exciting—but what happens when things go wrong? Maybe the contractor cuts corners, leaves the job unfinished, or even disappears with your money. Unfortunately, construction issues like these happen more often than you’d think. 

If you’re a homeowner in Texas dealing with a bad contractor or builder, you’re not alone—and you do have options. Filing a construction lawsuit might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance from a Fort Worth construction lawyer, you can hold the responsible party accountable and protect your investment. 

In this two-part guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about construction lawsuits in Texas—from common reasons homeowners sue contractors to how Joe Tolbert, a trusted construction lawsuit attorney, can help you get the results you deserve. 

Why Do Homeowners File Construction Lawsuits? 

Let’s face it: construction projects don’t always go as planned. But when mistakes, negligence, or outright fraud happen, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious problem. 

Here are some of the most common reasons Texas homeowners end up filing construction lawsuits: 

1. Shoddy Workmanship

• • Crooked walls? Cracked foundations? Cheap materials? 

• • Defective work can turn your dream home into a nightmare. 

• • Texas law requires contractors to follow certain standards—if they don’t, you can take action. 

2. Breach of Contract

• • Did your contractor promise the world but deliver… not much? 

• • If they didn’t follow the terms of your contract, you may have a strong legal case. 

• • Common breaches include unfinished work, unapproved changes, or charging more than agreed. 

3. Unreasonable Delays

• • Sure, delays happen—but there’s a big difference between bad weather and months of radio silence. 

• • If your project drags on without good reason, it can cost you time, money, and a lot of headaches. 

4. Payment Disputes

• • Ever get hit with a surprise bill? 

• • Disputes over payments, hidden fees, or cost overruns are a huge source of conflict between homeowners and contractors. 

5. Building Code Violations

• • Texas has strict building codes for a reason—to keep your home safe. 

• • If your contractor cuts corners and violates codes, you could end up with dangerous (and expensive) problems. 

Real-Life Scenario 

“We hired a contractor to build our patio, and at first, everything seemed fine. But halfway through, the workers stopped showing up. The contractor ghosted us, and we were left with a half-finished mess. It was frustrating, but once we contacted a Fort Worth construction lawyer, we were able to file a lawsuit and recover the money we’d already paid. We finally finished the project—with a better contractor!” 

Sound familiar? If you’re in a similar situation, you have rights—and help is just a phone call away. CALL US: 817.338.1700

What Types of Construction Lawsuits Can You File? 

Not all construction lawsuits are the same. Depending on your situation, a construction lawsuit attorney can help you figure out the best legal route to take. 

Breach of Contract 

If your contractor didn’t stick to the terms of your agreement, you can sue for damages. This is one of the most common types of construction lawsuits. 

Negligence 

Did poor workmanship cause damage or create safety hazards? You can hold the contractor accountable for negligence. 

Fraud or Misrepresentation 

If a builder or contractor lied about materials, costs, or their qualifications, you may have a fraud case on your hands. 

Warranty Claims 

Many construction projects come with warranties. If defects show up within that period, you can file a claim to get them fixed. 

Mechanic’s Lien Disputes 

Sometimes contractors file liens on your property claiming they haven’t been paid—even when you’ve paid in full. A Fort Worth construction lawyer can help you fight unfair liens. 

What’s Next? 

Now that you understand why construction lawsuits happen and the types of claims you can file, you might be wondering, “How do I actually start the process?” 

In Part 2, we’ll dive into how to file a construction lawsuit in Texas, walk through the legal process step-by-step, and explain how Joe Tolbert, a skilled Fort Worth construction lawyer, can help you navigate it all. 

Need help now? Contact Joe Tolbert today at 817.338.1700 or visit ftworthconstruction.lawyer to schedule your consultation with an experienced construction lawsuit attorney.