Fort Collins Construction Lawyers — Construction Disputes and Contract Enforcement in Larimer County
Larimer County’s sustained population growth has made Fort Collins and the surrounding region one of Colorado’s most active construction markets — and that activity generates a consistent volume of construction disputes. Defects discovered after a project is complete, payment conflicts between owners and contractors, delay claims compounded over months of schedule slippage, and lien enforcement on completed work all require attorneys who understand construction contracts, Colorado’s construction statutes, and how to build technically complex cases with the expert support they require. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins construction attorneys represent owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals across the full range of construction disputes in Larimer County and throughout Colorado.
Meet our Fort Collins civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in construction defect claims, payment disputes, mechanic’s lien enforcement, and construction contract litigation throughout Larimer County.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
Prior to joining Burnham, Cody began his career at a general practice law firm focusing primarily on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, probate, and oil and gas. Since then, he has honed his skills as an advocate with a focus on assisting his clients in navigating all stages of litigation and arbitration. Specifically, Cody has done multiple trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions, obtaining efficient and favorable results for his clients. As a result of this experience, Cody is keenly aware of the litigation process, and the strategic nuances that lead to success before and during trial. Cody is also an experienced corporate attorney who assists clients in business/shareholder disputes, transactions, and corporate structuring in a wide variety of industries, including construction, real estate acquisition and development, lifestyle brands, and many more. In his off time, Cody enjoys hiking, skiing, trying some of Denver’s best places to eat, and spending time with his Labrador Ollie.
David is a highly experienced litigator and trial attorney focusing on commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitrations. He has been representing individuals and businesses for over three decades and is a relentless advocate and seasoned trial attorney. David has honed his skills practicing with both international firms (Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Dorsey & Whitney, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and respected local firms. He possesses extensive first-chair experience in civil trials, arbitrations, and appeals, offering clients dedicated and intense focus in a wide range of complex commercial matters. David grew up in Loveland, Colorado and attended the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business on a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, earning a degree in Finance/Real Estate. He later received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Law Review and a director of the International Moot Court. David started his legal career in Kansas City focusing on pharmaceutical products liability litigation, before...
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Katlyn Schafer is passionate about helping her clients navigate their legal challenges by providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process. Her practice spans a wide range of civil matters including personal disputes, consumer protection disputes, regulatory and administrative disputes, environmental disputes, and many others. Prior to joining Burnham Law, Katlyn worked as an Associate Attorney providing representation in worker's compensation disputes. During law school, Katlyn served on the editorial board for the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. She interned with the Idaho Office of the Attorney General and gained experience working as a student-attorney to provide pro bono legal representation to various nonprofits in the New England area. In her free time, Katlyn can be found frequenting thrift stores, exploring the Colorado wilderness, and watching scary movies with her partner James and their pets, Gracie and Koda
Kayla is known for her effective legal strategies and creative solutions in resolving a wide range of disputes, including contractual issues, landlord/tenant matters, boundary disputes, and HOA conflicts. Kayla believes in understanding her clients' unique goals to secure the most beneficial results for them. Beyond her practice, Kayla is highly engaged in the legal community through volunteer board positions aimed at encouraging growth and supporting diverse voices. Her professional excellence has been consistently recognized, including being named a Top Attorney by Colorado Springs Magazine multiple times and a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, and exploring the outdoors. She is an accomplished runner, having completed challenging races like numerous half marathons and the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Logan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University at Albany, and recently earned his J.D. from William and Mary Law School. Before entering law school, Logan spent time working in the in-house legal department of a 3rd party commercial lending company. In this role he assisted with business development projects with clients ranging from local coffee shops to large commercial developers in New York City. Prior to joining Burnham, Logan began his legal career at a local Denver law firm primarily practicing civil litigation defense. Since joining Burnham, Logan has represented a diverse range of clientele ranging from individuals engaged in civil disputes to general commercial litigation. Logan has successfully negotiated various settlements in his clients’ favor, both prior to and after commencement of litigation, in case types such as breach of contract, property damage, negligence, partition, fraud, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad faith insurance denial. In his free time, you can find Logan on one of the...
Samaneh (Sam) Fard Wiley is motivated to help clients navigate legal challenges with compassion and practical guidance. She is committed to providing responsive communication, strategic advocacy, and personalized representation while helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Before joining Burnham Law, Sam practiced law in Iran for more than 11 years, representing clients in a wide range of legal matters and building a strong foundation in litigation, advocacy, and client service. After relocating to the United States, she continued her legal career at a personal injury law firm in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she further developed her skills representing clients and navigating complex legal matters before becoming licensed to practice law in Colorado. Sam's diverse legal background and international perspective allow her to approach each case with thoughtful analysis, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to her clients. Outside the office, Sam enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, gardening, exploring new places, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Construction Law in Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins and Larimer County have experienced significant and sustained construction activity — driven by population growth, the expansion of CSU and its research facilities, commercial development along Harmony Road and I-25, industrial construction in the north Fort Collins corridor, and continuous residential development in new and established neighborhoods throughout the county. This construction volume creates disputes at every stage: design conflicts before a project breaks ground, payment and scope disputes during construction, and defect claims that emerge months or years after completion.
Colorado’s Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) establishes the mandatory pre-litigation procedures that govern construction defect claims — including notice requirements, inspection rights, and an opportunity to cure before a lawsuit can be filed. The Colorado Mechanics’ Lien Act gives contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers the right to file a lien against improved property as security for unpaid claims. Both statutes are powerful tools for parties on the right side of a construction dispute, but both have strict procedural requirements and unforgiving deadlines that must be met precisely.
Fort Collins’ construction market includes significant public construction — CSU facilities, City of Fort Collins infrastructure, and Larimer County projects — that is subject to Colorado’s public construction statutes and public bidding requirements. These projects have different contract structures, claim procedures, and payment bond frameworks than private construction, and disputes involving public owners require attorneys who understand both the construction law and the public procurement overlay.
What Our Fort Collins Construction Attorneys Handle
Construction defect claims: When construction fails to meet the applicable standard — through workmanship deficiencies, design errors, material failures, or code violations — the resulting damage can be extensive and remediation costly. We represent owners pursuing defect claims and contractors defending against them throughout Larimer County, following CDARA’s mandatory procedures correctly from the outset.
Mechanic’s liens and payment disputes: Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have performed their work and not been paid have powerful statutory lien rights under Colorado law. We file and enforce mechanic’s liens for unpaid claimants and represent property owners and general contractors contesting lien filings in Larimer County.
Construction contract disputes: Disputes over contract scope, change orders, substantial completion determinations, liquidated damages, and warranty obligations arise on construction projects of every size. We represent all parties in construction contract disputes throughout Larimer County, bringing both contract expertise and construction industry knowledge to each matter.
Delay and disruption claims: Construction delay claims — for extended general conditions, lost productivity, escalated material costs, and schedule impacts caused by another party’s conduct — require detailed project documentation and often expert schedule analysis. We handle these claims for claimants and respondents alike.
Design professional liability: Architects and engineers whose deficient documents cause construction failures or cost overruns may face civil liability. Fort Collins’ active design professional community — including firms affiliated with CSU’s engineering and architecture programs — generates professional liability claims that require expert analysis of the applicable standard of care.
Public construction and CSU projects: Construction disputes on CSU facilities, City of Fort Collins projects, and other public construction involve public bidding requirements, Colorado’s public construction statutes, and payment bond claims. We represent contractors and subcontractors in public construction disputes throughout Larimer County.
How Fort Collins Construction Cases Work
Construction defect cases under CDARA begin before the lawsuit is filed. The claimant serves a detailed written notice of claim on the responsible contractor, describing the alleged defects. The contractor has the right to inspect and submit a written response — an offer to remedy, a denial, or a request for additional information. If the claimant rejects the offer or no offer is made, litigation can proceed. Every step of this process has mandatory timelines that must be followed precisely.
Construction litigation in Larimer County is expert-intensive. Establishing whether construction met the applicable standard requires testimony from experienced contractors, engineers, or construction managers who can evaluate the work against the contract requirements and industry practice. Damages experts calculate remediation costs or quantify the financial impact of delays. In disputes involving CSU or other public projects, experts who understand public construction standards and practices are often required. Building an effective expert foundation early in the case is essential.
Many Fort Collins construction disputes resolve through mediation — which construction contracts frequently require as a condition precedent to litigation. Cases that don’t resolve at mediation typically proceed to bench trial before a Larimer County District Court judge. Being fully prepared to try these cases is what produces the favorable pre-trial settlements in the matters that ultimately resolve without a verdict.
Why Burnham Law for Construction Disputes in Fort Collins
Construction industry knowledge. Effective construction law requires understanding how projects are designed, contracted, and built — not just the legal rules. We bring genuine construction industry knowledge to the disputes we handle, which makes our arguments more credible and our strategy more grounded in how construction disputes actually work.
CDARA precision. Construction defect cases in Colorado depend on strict compliance with CDARA’s mandatory procedures. We ensure that compliance from day one and use the notice and response process strategically to build the strongest case for our clients.
Public construction experience. Construction disputes on CSU facilities, City projects, and other Larimer County public construction involve procurement frameworks and payment bond claim procedures that differ significantly from private construction. We handle these matters regularly for Northern Front Range contractors and subcontractors.
Lien deadline management. Colorado’s mechanic’s lien statute is powerful but unforgiving — missing its deadlines forfeits lien rights on claims for work that was clearly performed and not paid. We handle lien filings and enforcement with the precision these hard deadlines require.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Collins Construction Lawyers
What is CDARA and how does it affect a construction defect claim in Fort Collins?
The Construction Defect Action Reform Act is a Colorado statute establishing mandatory pre-litigation procedures for construction defect claims. Before filing a lawsuit, the claimant must serve a detailed notice of claim on the responsible contractor, allow for inspection, and give the contractor an opportunity to remedy the alleged defects. These steps are mandatory — failing to follow them correctly can result in dismissal of the case or loss of certain damages. CDARA also affects what damages are available and the legal standards that apply at trial.
How long do I have to bring a construction defect claim in Larimer County?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for construction defect claims is two years from the date the defect was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Colorado’s eight-year statute of repose runs from substantial completion — claims are barred after eight years from substantial completion regardless of when the defect appeared. Both deadlines must be evaluated in every potential construction defect matter, and CDARA’s notice procedures must be initiated before the applicable limitations period expires.
How do I protect my mechanic’s lien rights on a Fort Collins construction project?
Colorado’s mechanic’s lien statute requires most subcontractors and suppliers to serve a Notice to Owner within specified deadlines after first furnishing labor or materials to the project. The lien must then be recorded within strict timeframes after the last day of work — typically four months for most private projects. Missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit lien rights even when the claimant clearly performed work and was not paid. Consulting a construction attorney as soon as payment becomes a concern is the best way to protect lien rights.
Can a subcontractor file a mechanic’s lien on a CSU construction project?
No — CSU is a state institution, and state property is not subject to mechanic’s liens under Colorado law. However, Colorado’s public construction statutes require payment bonds on public construction projects above certain dollar thresholds. Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers on CSU projects have the right to make claims against those payment bonds as an alternative to the lien rights available on private projects. The bond claim process has its own notice requirements and deadlines that must be followed.
What happens if my contractor walks off the job before the project is finished?
If a contractor abandons a project, the owner’s remedies typically include completing the work using a different contractor and pursuing the original contractor for the cost of completion above the original contract price, delay damages, and other losses caused by the abandonment. The analysis depends on the contract’s terms, whether the owner properly declared the contractor in default, and whether the contractor has any defenses based on the owner’s own conduct — such as failure to pay, scope changes, or interference with the work. Acting quickly to document the state of the work at abandonment and retaining replacement contractors promptly limits further damage.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Construction Lawyer
Construction disputes in Larimer County are time-sensitive — CDARA notice requirements, mechanic’s lien deadlines, and statutes of limitation all have strict cutoffs that affect what options remain available. Getting experienced construction counsel involved early consistently produces better outcomes than waiting until the situation has escalated.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Fort Collins construction attorneys represent owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in construction disputes throughout Larimer County and Northern Colorado.
