Construction Law — Montreal
Me François Crevier advises and represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and developers in construction and renovation disputes and legal matters throughout Quebec.
Construction and renovation projects involve multiple parties — owners, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, architects and engineers — and generate complex contractual relationships. When a dispute arises, the financial stakes can be significant and the timelines, critical.
Me Crevier can intervene at any stage: before work begins to draft or review contracts, during construction when a problem arises, or after completion to resolve a dispute. His goal is to help you understand your rights and obligations and to defend your interests effectively.
You hired a contractor for construction or renovation work and the result is not as agreed, the work is incomplete, or you are facing unjustified claims for payment.
A client is refusing to pay, subcontractors are making claims against you, or there are disputes about the scope of work or changes made during construction.
You are owed money for work performed or materials supplied and want to protect your rights, including through a construction hypothec (construction lien).
You manage large-scale projects and need legal support for contract drafting, claims management or dispute resolution with parties on the project.
Construction contracts define the obligations of each party: scope of work, price, timelines, quality of materials and workmanship. When a party fails to meet its obligations, legal recourse is available.
Me Crevier reviews the contract, identifies the breach and advises you on the options available: formal demand, negotiated settlement or court proceedings. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in these matters.
Work that is poorly executed, not in conformity with the plans and specifications, or left unfinished can cause significant harm. Quebec law provides recourse for owners and clients in these situations.
Me Crevier helps you document the deficiencies, assess the available remedies and obtain compensation — whether through correction of the work, a reduction in price or damages for the losses suffered.
Construction delays can result in significant additional costs for the owner: accommodation expenses, lost rental income, contractual penalties. They can also be invoked by the contractor to justify claims for extras.
Me Crevier analyzes the causes of the delay, determines the responsibility of the parties and advises you on the appropriate remedies given the circumstances.
Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are entitled to be paid for work performed and materials supplied. When a client is slow to pay or refuses to do so, several remedies are available: formal demand, court proceedings and, in certain cases, a construction hypothec.
Me Crevier assists you in recovering the amounts owed to you, choosing the strategy best suited to your situation and the applicable deadlines.
A construction hypothec is a mechanism provided by the Civil Code of Quebec that allows contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers to secure payment of amounts owed to them by registering a charge against the property on which the work was performed.
This remedy is subject to strict deadlines. Me Crevier advises you on the conditions for its use, the formalities to be observed and the steps to follow to publish and preserve your construction hypothec — or to contest one if you are the property owner.
Changes to the scope of work during construction — whether extras requested by the owner or changes imposed by circumstances — are a frequent source of disputes. The parties rarely agree on the value of additional work or on who is responsible for it.
Me Crevier reviews the contract documents, the communications between the parties and industry practices to determine the rights and obligations of each party and help you resolve the dispute efficiently.
Construction work can cause damage to third parties: neighbours, tenants, passersby. It can also give rise to claims based on hidden defects or the legal warranty of quality under Quebec law.
Me Crevier advises parties involved in civil liability claims arising from construction or renovation work, whether they are bringing a claim or defending against one.
Before initiating court proceedings, a well-drafted formal demand letter can often resolve a dispute quickly and at lower cost. It clearly establishes the position of the party sending it and constitutes an important document if the matter eventually goes to court.
Me Crevier drafts precise and legally sound demand letters and assists you in negotiating a settlement when that is possible and in your interest.
Construction disputes can drag on for extended periods and generate significant costs for all parties. Me Crevier gives you an honest assessment of your file from the outset: the strength of your position, realistic timelines and the alternatives available.
When a negotiated settlement is possible and in your interest, he will tell you. When court proceedings are necessary, he is prepared to represent you effectively before the appropriate courts.
Whether you are an owner, contractor, subcontractor or supplier, Me Crevier is available to discuss your situation and explain your options. Contact the firm for an initial consultation.
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