Statewide Engagements
Paul accepts construction workmanship matters throughout Illinois. His testimony history includes deposition and trial testimony in a construction defect case in the Circuit Court of Will County, and he regularly addresses matters in the Chicago collar counties of DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will. Matters downstate are accepted where the work is within his experience, with inspection scheduling arranged around travel.
Local Codes Vary Across Illinois
Illinois does not have a single building code that applies everywhere. Chicago adopts its own Chicago Construction Codes. Other municipalities and counties adopt model codes, often with local amendments, and the editions vary. Some state requirements apply more broadly in specific areas, such as energy and accessibility. Before referring to any code, Paul identifies what the municipality or county where the project was permitted had adopted at the time of permit.
Contractor Licensing Varies Too
Illinois does not issue a statewide general contractor license; many municipalities, including Chicago, license contractors locally, and some trades, such as roofing, are licensed by the state. Licensing requirements and their effect on a dispute vary by location and are matters for counsel. Paul can describe how the work would typically be permitted and inspected and review the permit history that exists.
Timing Matters to Evidence
Illinois has a construction-specific statute of limitations and repose, 735 ILCS 5/13-214, which generally provides a four-year limitations period running from when the claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the act or omission, within a ten-year repose period. Applying it is a legal question for counsel. From an evidence standpoint, timing matters too: the sooner conditions are documented, the less likely they are to be altered by repairs, wear or later work. Paul can document conditions early so the evidence is preserved whatever the legal timeline.
Residential Matters Across Illinois
Residential workmanship disputes are common across Illinois, from new subdivisions to remodels of older homes. Illinois courts recognize warranty theories in new residential construction, and the contract, the purchase agreement and any builder warranty all affect what was required. Paul evaluates the work against those documents and the local code, and leaves the legal theories to counsel. See Cook County construction disputes and Chicago residential construction.
Travel and Scheduling
For matters outside the Chicago area, Paul coordinates inspection dates with counsel to limit travel, and document review proceeds as soon as the engagement is in place.