Construction law

Construction law is the area of law dealing with building and infrastructure projects. It covers construction contracts, tendering, payment, builders liens, holdbacks, delays, defects, insurance and bonding, permits and building codes, and workplace safety. Disputes are resolved through negotiation, arbitration or litigation, often involving owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals.

How BC law treats it

In BC, key statutes include the Builders Lien Act, SBC 1997, c 45, which provides lien rights and requires a holdback, and the Building Act, SBC 2015, c 7 together with the BC Building Code and local building bylaws. The Construction Prompt Payment Act received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025 and will introduce prompt payment deadlines and adjudication of payment disputes for contracts made after it comes into force; at last check it was not yet in force.

What it means for your business

Owners and contractors should understand their holdback and lien obligations before payments are made on a project.

Risks and common mistakes

Missing the strict deadline to file a builders lien can extinguish lien rights entirely.

Fulcrum's construction lawyers can help with these issues.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.