Des Moines Construction Law Attorneys: Protecting Your Projects

Last updated on September 21, 2026

Delays and disputes don’t just stall progress on a job site. They can threaten your bottom line and your reputation. Whether you are a developer protecting a multimillion-dollar investment or a contractor trying to get paid, a sophisticated and aggressive construction law attorney who understands the industry can protect your rights and interests.

At Sease & Wadding, we provide sophisticated advocacy for the complex world of construction law. We do not just shuffle papers. We are litigators who understand the difference between a minor punch list item and a material breach of contract. Backed by partner Scott Long’s decades of high-level commercial litigation experience, we build cases as strong as your projects.

Comprehensive Representation For Construction Disputes

Our construction law attorneys represent a diverse range of clients throughout the entire construction industry across Iowa, including:

• Commercial developers: We protect your equity against project delays and defective workmanship.
• General contractors: We help you manage regulatory compliance, resolve payment disputes, and defend against defect claims.
• Subcontractors: Our team will fight to ensure you receive payment for the work you performed and help you navigate “pay-when-paid” clauses.
• High-end homeowners: We represent individuals building custom homes who face contractor nightmares or structural failures.

We pursue construction defect claims with technical precision, working with engineers to identify the root cause of the failure. Because Iowa has specific statutes regarding how and when you can file these claims, you must act quickly to preserve your rights.

Understanding Construction Defects Under Iowa Law

A construction defect involves more than just a cosmetic flaw. It is a failure in the design, materials or workmanship that results in a structural failure or a reduction in the property’s value. Under Iowa law, these claims often involve complex issues like water intrusion, foundation cracks or soil instability.

Filing A Mechanic’s Lien In Iowa

Our construction contract attorneys regularly assist clients with mechanics’ liens. Under Iowa Code Chapter 572, the deadlines for filing a mechanics’ lien are extremely strict. You often have only 90 days from the last day you provided labor or materials to file your claim. Missing this window can cost you your right to secure payment against the property.

Representing Your Interests In Construction Contract Disputes

Contracts are the foundation of any project, but even the best agreements can lead to conflict. Our construction law lawyers have extensive experience resolving commercial and business disputes and provide fierce representation in construction contract litigation involving:

• Payment issues: We help you secure the funds you earned through demand letters or litigation.
• Change order disagreements: Our construction attorneys negotiate resolutions to conflicts regarding the scope of work and the added costs of project alterations.
• Delay claims: Our team analyzes schedules to determine who is responsible for the lost time and increased overhead on a job as a result of delays.
• Safety and OSHA issues: We assist with regulatory compliance and defend you against allegations of safety violations.

With extensive experience in civil law litigation and business disputes, we can see the big picture in construction disputes. From mediation to final judgment, we will help you resolve your disagreements.

Resolving Iowa Construction Disputes Without Going To Trial

Aggressive litigation is not the right strategy for every construction dispute. For commercial clients managing active projects and tight budgets, we evaluate whether mediation or arbitration can deliver a faster, less costly resolution.

In mediation, both parties negotiate with a neutral third party while retaining control of the outcome. In arbitration – which many Iowa construction contracts require – a private arbitrator resolves the dispute outside civil court with greater speed and confidentiality.

Some disputes demand litigation, and we bring the same level of preparation and aggression to the courtroom. We help clients evaluate every option and choose the strategy that best protects their investment.

Iowa Construction Law: Your Questions Answered

Iowa construction law is detailed, deadline-driven and unforgiving of mistakes. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients navigating construction disputes in Iowa.

How Long Do I Have To File A Construction Defect Claim In Iowa?

Iowa law imposes strict deadlines on construction defect claims. You must file breach of written contract claims within ten years under Iowa Code § 614.1(5). Iowa also enforces a 15-year statute of repose under Iowa Code § 614.1(11), barring real property improvement claims after 15 years – including latent defects. Contact our attorneys as soon as a defect surfaces to protect your rights.

What Does Iowa’s Right To Cure Law Mean For Homeowners?

Iowa Code Chapter 686A requires homeowners to serve a formal Notice of Claim on the contractor before filing suit over a residential construction defect. The contractor then has the right to inspect and offer a cure. Skipping this step risks dismissal. We guide homeowners through every requirement to protect their claim.

How Do Iowa Courts Treat Pay-If-Paid And Pay-When-Paid Clauses?

Iowa courts treat these clauses differently. Pay-when-paid clauses function as timing provisions – a general contractor must pay subcontractors within a reasonable time after receiving owner payment. Pay-if-paid clauses attempt to shift nonpayment risk to the subcontractor entirely, but Iowa courts require clear and unambiguous contract language to enforce them as conditions precedent. When a contract fails to meet that standard, courts often rule in the subcontractor’s favor. We analyze these clauses carefully to protect your payment rights.

Talk To A Des Moines Construction Law Attorney

From the initial bid to the certificate of substantial completion, we represent clients throughout Iowa. We are not afraid of aggressive opponents or complex multiparty lawsuits. Your project is your legacy. We will fight to protect it.

To schedule an appointment and case evaluation, call us at 515-883-2222. You can also send us a message through our website to schedule your appointment.