Top Tips for Contractors Facing Legal Disputes
Release Date: 01/26/2026
Estate Planning Recommendations for Construction Professionals
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
If you die without an estate plan in Texas, state law decides who gets your property, which can create delays, extra costs, and headaches for your family instead of following your wishes. Karalynn welcomes Jacques Leeds to the show to explain wills, trusts, and common employment law issues like discrimination and retaliation. Key Takeaway 1. Jacques Leeds shares insights about launching his own law firm right out of law school, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of learning on the job, developing good habits, and carving out his own way of practicing law without being...
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Top Tips for Contractors Facing Legal Disputes
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Karalynn breaks down the process of preventing and handling construction disputes, focusing on clear documentation and communication for both commercial and residential contractors. She emphasizes the importance of timely responses to notices and the need for thorough record-keeping to build a strong defense if litigation arises. By the end of this episode, you'll have a practical roadmap that highlights why avoiding litigation is crucial and how to navigate the process if it cannot be avoided. Key Takeaways 1. Documentation, clear communication, and timely responses are crucial to avoiding...
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Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Having a solid understanding of mechanics liens is crucial for contractors in the construction industry. In this episode, Karalynn explains that mechanics liens provide a powerful security interest in property, ensuring contractors have leverage to get paid for their work. Filing a lien can prevent an owner from selling or refinancing until payment is made. But it's essential to follow the proper steps, or you could face costly consequences. Key Takeaways 1. Karalynn explains that mechanics liens (also called contractors' or materialmen's liens) serve as a way for construction...
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Trust Your Gut, Chapter Five: Don’t Let Your Construction Project Become a Legal Nightmare
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
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Trust Your Gut, Chapter Four: Avoiding $10,000 Mistakes - Tales from the Contractor’s Legal Toolbox
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Many contractors mistakenly believe a scope of work alone is enough to protect their interests. In this episode, Karalynn reads from chapter four of her latest book Trust Your Gut, and explains that unclear or incomplete scopes lead to costly disputes and unpaid work. Clarity and detail are the keys to setting the right expectations. A comprehensive contract is your real safeguard in the construction business. Key Takeaways 1. A scope of work is not the same as a contract. While the scope sets out what will be done, a full contract should include additional provisions that protect all parties....
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Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
*This episode originally aired on August 18, 2025 Sometimes, a handshake feels like enough. But in residential construction, failing to put the details in writing can mean litigation threats, withheld payments, and sleepless nights. Today, I’m kicking off our journey through , the essential guide for contractors who want to protect their business and peace of mind. We’ll dive into real stories, like Carl’s, about learning the hard way why clear contracts matter. You’ll hear: Why managing expectations is critical, and how most lawsuits begin when those expectations aren’t...
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Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
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Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
*This episode originally aired on July 21, 2025 Why do people hold on to clutter, and how does it really affect our daily lives? Katie Chermak-Wood, founder of KD Home Clutter, started her business during COVID after struggling to balance work, family, and everything in between. Today, she helps people: Understand the psychological reasons behind clutter Find relief by creating organized spaces at home Navigate difficult situations like downsizing, moving, or even hoarding Katie shares how her process works, stories from her clients, and small steps we can all take to change our habits....
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Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
*This episode originally aired on September 22, 2025 Break the mold, build your brand. Victoria King Meyer did just that. Karalynn welcomes Victoria, founder of Progressio Global and The Chemical Show, as they dive into reinventing success beyond corporate walls. Victoria’s leap from chemical engineer and industry executive to entrepreneur shines with strategy, storytelling, and bold community building. Discover why podcasting, events, and mastermind groups power her impact, learn the real challenges of scaling, hiring, and letting go for growth, and explore the transformative role of...
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Best of 2025: How to Legally Safeguard Against Unpredictable Material Costs
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
* This episode originally aired on April 7, 2025 How can construction professionals protect themselves from unpredictable material price increases? Karalynn Cromeens emphasizes the importance of including a material price escalation clause in contracts to safeguard against financial strain due to rising costs. These clauses ensure contractors and subcontractors can recover any additional expenses when prices surge. By being proactive in contract provisions, businesses can prevent financial setbacks in uncertain times. Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow...
info_outlineKaralynn breaks down the process of preventing and handling construction disputes, focusing on clear documentation and communication for both commercial and residential contractors. She emphasizes the importance of timely responses to notices and the need for thorough record-keeping to build a strong defense if litigation arises. By the end of this episode, you'll have a practical roadmap that highlights why avoiding litigation is crucial and how to navigate the process if it cannot be avoided.
Key Takeaways
1. Documentation, clear communication, and timely responses are crucial to avoiding disputes in construction projects. Karalynn Cromeens emphasizes having a solid paper trail (emails, texts, documented meetings) regarding scope of work, changes, and resolutions to issues as they arise.
2. Maintaining meticulous records throughout a project (timelines, evidence, communication) sets the foundation for defending your position should a dispute escalate. Karalynn Cromeens explains how proper documentation can make or break a case, both in arbitration and litigation.
3. Understanding the litigation roadmap (from demand letters through trial or settlement) prepares you for what to expect and how to respond effectively. Karalynn Cromeens breaks down each stage, highlighting the importance of timely action, assembling evidence, and strategic decision-making.
4. Reaching a settlement or resolving disputes through mediation—even if it means compromising—saves time, money, and emotional energy compared to extended litigation. Karalynn Cromeens advises that swallowing some pride upfront often prevents much bigger losses down the road.
5. Arbitration is generally faster and handled by industry-knowledgeable professionals, whereas court litigation can be slower and subject to non-expert judges or juries. Karalynn Cromeens recommends considering arbitration clauses in construction contracts to help expedite dispute resolution and improve outcomes.
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Learn more about The Cromeens Law Firm here.