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Michigan Construction Lawyers
Michigan Construction Attorneys | Contract Disputes & Lien Enforcement
Szura & Delonis, PLC represents contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, and property owners in Michigan construction disputes, contract claims, and lien enforcement throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Washtenaw County. Our Michigan construction attorneys handle payment disputes, construction liens, construction defect claims, contract negotiations, delay claims, and bond disputes on projects ranging from $25,000 to over $50 million.
Whether you’re facing non-payment for completed work, need to file or defend a construction lien, resolve a contract dispute, pursue a delay claim, or litigate construction defects, we provide practical legal solutions backed by decades of construction law experience. We represent general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction managers, developers, and owners in both private and public sector projects across Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan.
Our Michigan Construction Law Services Include:
Construction Contract Drafting & Review
Poorly drafted construction contracts are the leading cause of payment disputes, project delays, and litigation in Michigan. Our attorneys draft and review construction contracts for compliance with Michigan lien law, payment timing requirements, change order procedures, and dispute resolution provisions. We prepare and negotiate:
- General contractor agreements with owners and developers
- Subcontractor agreements with flow-down provision analysis
- Purchase orders and supplier agreements with lien waiver protocols
- AIA contract modifications for Michigan-specific requirements
- Design-build and construction management contracts
Before signing any construction contract in Michigan, have experienced construction counsel review payment terms, lien waiver requirements, indemnification clauses, arbitration provisions, and delay damage limitations.
Michigan Construction Lien Filing & Enforcement
Michigan’s Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101 et seq.) provides contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with the right to file a lien against property when not paid for labor or materials. However, strict deadlines and notice requirements must be followed or lien rights may be permanently lost.
Our Michigan construction lien services include:
- Lien filing — Preparing and recording construction liens with county registers of deeds
- Lien enforcement litigation — Filing lawsuits to foreclose construction liens
- Lien defense — Defending property owners against invalid or improperly filed liens
- Lien release negotiations — Securing payment in exchange for lien discharge
Critical Michigan Lien Deadlines: Contractors must file liens within 90 days of last furnishing labor/materials. Subcontractors and suppliers should serve Notice to Owner within 20 days of first furnishing to preserve full lien rights.
Construction Payment Disputes & Collections
Non-payment and slow payment plague Michigan’s construction industry. Our attorneys pursue payment through construction liens, bond claims, breach of contract litigation, and enforcement of Michigan’s Builders Trust Fund Act (MCL 570.151 et seq.), which makes it a crime for contractors to divert construction funds.
We handle payment disputes involving:
- Unpaid invoices and applications for payment
- Withheld retainage
- Disputed change orders
- Pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid clause enforcement
- Quantum meruit claims for extra work
Construction Defect Claims
Construction defect litigation involves claims that completed work fails to meet contract specifications, building codes, or industry standards. Common defect claims in Michigan include foundation failures, water intrusion, HVAC deficiencies, structural issues, and code violations.
We represent both contractors defending against defect allegations and owners pursuing defect claims for:
- Cost to repair or replace defective work
- Diminished property value
- Consequential damages (lost rents, business interruption)
- Code compliance violations
Construction Delay Claims
Project delays trigger complex legal and financial issues including extended overhead costs, acceleration expenses, and liquidated damages. Our attorneys analyze delay claims involving:
- Owner-caused delays (late permits, design changes, site access issues)
- Contractor delays (slow progress, workforce shortages)
- Weather and force majeure delays
- Concurrent delays with multiple responsible parties
Payment & Performance Bond Claims
Payment bonds and performance bonds protect contractors and suppliers on public construction projects and many private projects. Our attorneys represent claimants pursuing bond claims and contractors/sureties defending against bond demands.
Public Projects: Michigan’s Little Miller Act requires payment bonds on state and local public construction projects over $50,000. Federal projects require bonds under the Miller Act.
Private Projects: Many private construction contracts require payment and performance bonds for contractor default protection.
Construction Litigation & Arbitration
When construction disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we litigate in Michigan state courts and federal court or pursue binding arbitration under AAA Construction Industry Rules. Our litigation experience includes breach of contract claims, construction lien foreclosure, bond claim litigation, fraud and misrepresentation, and multi-party construction defect cases.
Why Businesses Choose Szura & Delonis for Michigan Construction Law
- Decades of Construction Law Experience
We’ve successfully represented clients across Michigan in both public and private sector construction projects for over 25 years. - Metro Detroit Focus
We have handled construction disputes across Michigan, giving us deep familiarity with Oakland County Circuit Court, Wayne County Circuit Court, Macomb County Circuit Court, federal court procedures, and Michigan Court of Appeals construction law precedent. We are familiar with the judges, and we know opposing counsel and local construction arbitrators throughout Metro Detroit. - Responsive Communication on Active Projects
Construction disputes happen on compressed timelines. Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and project schedules don’t wait for attorney availability. We respond to time-sensitive construction matters within hours, not days, because we understand that delayed legal action often means lost lien rights or waived claims. - Practical Business Counsel, Not Just Legal Advice
We don’t just cite statutes—we understand construction economics. Before recommending litigation, we analyze whether pursuing a claim makes business sense given legal costs, collection likelihood, and relationship preservation. Sometimes the right answer is negotiating a discount for quick payment. Sometimes it’s aggressive lien enforcement. We tailor our approach to your business reality.
Helpful Resources
5 Critical Steps Michigan Contractors Must Take to Secure a Construction Lien
Contract Clauses That Can Kill Your Project: Michigan-Specific Pitfalls to Avoid in 2026
Change Orders in Michigan Construction: How to Document, Price & Enforce Extra Work Claims
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Construction Law
How long do I have to file a construction lien in Michigan?
In Michigan, contractors and subcontractors must file a construction lien within 90 days after the last day of furnishing labor or materials to the project. This deadline is strictly enforced under the Michigan Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101 et seq.). Missing this deadline typically means you lose your lien rights permanently. Szura & Delonis, PLC provides the technical precision required to navigate these strict statutory deadlines from our office in Southfield.
What counts as my “last furnishing” date for Michigan construction lien purposes?
Your “last furnishing” date is the final day you provided labor, materials, equipment, or services to the construction project under your contract. This date is critical because it starts the 90-day clock for filing a Michigan construction lien.
What qualifies as “furnishing”: Physical labor performed on-site, materials delivered to the project, final punch list work.
What does NOT count: Returning to pick up tools or equipment, warranty work performed after substantial completion (unless contractually required), mere site visits without performing work, submitting invoices or discussing payment.
Documentation is critical. Keep detailed daily logs, time sheets, delivery tickets, emails, and photos showing your last date of work. In lien disputes, Michigan courts will examine evidence to determine the true last furnishing date. If uncertain about your deadline, consult a construction attorney immediately—miscalculating by even one day can destroy your lien rights.
What’s the difference between a mechanics lien and a construction lien?
“Mechanics lien” and “construction lien” are interchangeable terms referring to the same legal remedy under Michigan’s Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101 et seq.). The statute formally uses “construction lien,” but “mechanics lien” is still sometimes used in the industry. Both terms describe a contractor’s, subcontractor’s, or supplier’s right to place a lien on property for unpaid labor or materials.
What should I do immediately if I’m not getting paid on a construction project?
If you’re not getting paid on a Michigan construction project, immediately: (1) document all communications and invoices, (2) send written payment demand via certified mail, (3) calculate your construction lien deadline (90 days from last work), (4) preserve bond claim rights if applicable, and (5) consult a construction attorney. Waiting even a few weeks can destroy your legal options under Michigan’s Construction Lien Act. We’ve successfully represented contractors in payment disputes, but success depends on acting quickly and strategically. Contact us for a case evaluation.
Can I recover attorney fees in a Michigan construction dispute?
Yes. You can recover attorney fees in Michigan construction disputes if: (1) your contract contains an attorney fee provision, (2) you’re pursuing claims under Michigan’s Construction Lien Act or Builders Trust Fund Act, or (3) specific statutes apply to your case. Most AIA construction contracts include mutual attorney fee clauses where the prevailing party recovers fees. If you’re considering litigation, we always analyze the contract’s fee-shifting provisions first—this can dramatically change the risk-benefit calculation of pursuing or defending a claim. In some cases, the potential to recover fees makes it economically viable to fight for amounts that wouldn’t otherwise justify litigation costs.
Do I have to arbitrate if my contract says arbitration?
Yes, arbitration clauses in Michigan construction contracts are generally enforceable under the Uniform Arbitration Act and Michigan law. Courts will compel arbitration if: (1) a valid arbitration agreement exists, (2) the dispute falls within the clause’s scope, and (3) the party requesting arbitration is a party to the agreement. However, you may challenge arbitration based on unconscionability, fraud, waiver, or scope limitations.
What documents should I gather before calling a construction lawyer?
Before calling a Michigan construction lawyer, gather: (1) your construction contract and scope of work, (2) all invoices and payment applications, (3) change order documentation, (4) records of your last date of work, (5) any lien waivers or sworn statements, and (6) relevant emails and text messages regarding the dispute. Having these documents ready allows your attorney to provide immediate strategic advice and accurate cost estimates.
What is Michigan’s Builders Trust Fund Act?
Michigan’s Builders Trust Fund Act (MCL 570.151 et seq.) makes it a felony for contractors to misuse construction funds. If a general contractor receives payment from an owner but fails to pay subcontractors and suppliers, they face criminal prosecution and civil liability. Contractors must use construction funds only for paying subs, suppliers, and laborers on the specific project for which funds were paid. Unpaid subcontractors can file complaints with the Michigan Attorney General.
Representative Matters
Our construction law team handles sophisticated, high-value projects that demand precise contract drafting, and risk allocation. Recent and current representative matters include:
- Currently advising a specialized infrastructure developer on the early-stage planning, design-build contracting, risk management, and compliance frameworks for a state-of-the-art mission-critical data center in Texas, including structuring for planned multi-state expansion across the United States.
- Negotiating and drafting complex design-build and EPC agreements for infrastructure projects with significant delay-risk and payment-bond considerations (see our 2026 Michigan Construction Contract Guide for common pitfalls we help clients avoid).
All matters handled with strict confidentiality. Representative matters are listed for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee similar results.
Speak with a Michigan Construction Lawyer Today
Don’t let payment disputes, contract issues, or missed deadlines cost you thousands. Michigan construction law has strict timeframes—you have only 90 days to file a lien, and bond claim notices can’t wait. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
At Szura & Delonis, PLC, we provide straight answers and strategic guidance to protect your construction business. Whether you’re facing non-payment, need a contract reviewed before signing, or are dealing with construction defects, we offer practical solutions focused on getting you paid and keeping your projects moving forward.
Call or email us today. We respond quickly—often within hours—because we know construction disputes don’t wait.
Address: 29777 Telegraph Rd #2401 Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 716-3600
Email: admin@szuradelonis.com
Michigan Construction Law Representation: Areas We Serve
Located in Southfield, Szura & Delonis, PLC provides comprehensive legal counsel to general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and property owners throughout Southeast Michigan. Navigating the Michigan Construction Lien Act, the Builders’ Trust Fund Act, and local court procedures requires attorneys who understand the specific jurisdictions where your projects are built.
While we represent construction professionals statewide, we have deep experience managing claims, lien recordings, and litigation in our primary local markets:
- Oakland County: From recording claims at the Pontiac Register of Deeds to litigating in the 6th Circuit Court, our Oakland County construction lawyers provide dedicated representation for projects in Novi, Troy, Southfield, Farmington Hills, and surrounding communities.
- Wayne County: Our Wayne County construction lawyers represent construction professionals in Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn, Taylor, and surrounding municipalities for commercial and residential construction disputes, contract negotiations, and lien enforcement.
- Macomb County: Enforcing payment rights at the Macomb County Register of Deeds in Mt. Clemens and litigating disputes in the 16th Circuit Court requires aggressive local advocacy. Our Macomb County construction lawyers assist contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and throughout the county with construction liens, Builders’ Trust Fund Act claims, and complex commercial litigation.
- Washtenaw & Livingston Counties: Protecting the payment rights of construction professionals, developers, and suppliers in Ann Arbor, Howell, Brighton, and beyond.
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