State Rep. Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, is joining with Republican Whip

Brett Feese in an attempt to protect homeowners whose homes are damaged by construction companies from having to go to court.

The lawmakers' Residential Construction Dispute Resolution legislation is designed to settle construction disputes between homeowners and contractors before they reach the litigation stage.

Before filing a lawsuit against a contractor for a construction defect in a home or home addition, a homeowner or homeowners' association would first provide 90 days' notice to the contractor, and an opportunity to either repair the defect or pay a monetary settlement.

"It's much easier for homeowners if they can settle construction-related disputes outside of court," LaGrotta said. "Often, the contractor is able and willing to repair any damages or mistakes, so the homeowners are happy, and they maintain a good relationship with their contractor rather than taking costly legal action that's likely to result in bad blood on both sides."

The contractor would be required to respond to the homeowner's claim within 30 days, either with a rejection of the claim, an offer to repair the defects or a monetary settlement offer.

"If a contractor rejects a homeowner's claim, the homeowner can file a lawsuit at any time - it's as simple as that," LaGrotta said.

LaGrotta said that if a contractor offers money for damages rather than repairs, the homeowner would have 30 days to think over the offer and respond.