By Karalynn Cromeens, Cromeens Law Firm PLLC

I occupy a unique place in the construction industry. As a construction lawyer who co-built a business, I understand my clients’ positions but have enough distance from their jobs to see how things could be different. What are things the industry struggles with or inefficiencies that could be improved upon?

Keeping an eye on the date, it’s December. 

2025 is just around the corner, so it’s got me thinking: What could transform the construction industry? And, frankly, the answer is simple: Clarity.

If we made contracts (hello!) something that everyone had clearly understood, the industry would be in a much better position. This goes for subcontractors knowing and being able to understand what’s in a contract, and for contractors who can’t even walk a person through the contract they’re presenting to them. This goes for clients, too, another stakeholder in the operation. When they don’t know the scope of work or timetable because you couldn’t clearly explain it since you couldn’t read the contract that explained it, we have a problem. And it usually winds up being an expensive problem that my firm has to step in and try to solve if you catch my drift.

Clarity would transform construction. It would ensure that subcontractors understand the contracts they sign—dangerous provisions and all—or negotiate. Often, with my clients, we can’t offer the moon, but we can absolutely negotiate a better deal. Even better, we can make sure they know their rights on a job, the liabilities they’re signing onto, and what expectations are.

Lack of contract literacy is the #1 thing holding back the industry (should someone have a contract in the first place). 

Think about the country as a whole. When has a lack of literacy ever been a good thing? Progress means that everyone is improving together. The alternative creates inefficiencies through its lack of clarity. You get guys who don’t know specific instructions that they’re agreeing to perform and clients who don’t know what to expect from these guys coming to do work. Lack of communication creates confusion, which, in my experience, is when you start inching towards problems that can wind up in litigation. Creating efficiencies is the way forward.

And that goes for tech literacy, too. I know a lot of general contractors understand various management platforms, but subcontractors don’t always. We also need to modernize that side of the business because the rising tide lifts all boats. When we’re all more efficient, so is the industry, and when we’re more literate, we’re more efficient.

There’s a big year ahead of us in 2025. While it might be tempting to say, “There’s always tomorrow.” I want you to flip the script. There’s always today. Transforming a business or an Industry doesn’t happen overnight, but it can start any day. Why not make it today?

About the Author

With more than 18 years of experience in construction and real estate law, Karalynn Cromeens has filed more than a thousand lawsuits to foreclose or remove mechanics liens successfully. Her family also owns a material supply company, providing Karalynn first-hand knowledge of the construction industry. This personal understanding, combined with her extensive legal experience, guides The Cromeens Law Firm’s true purpose— To protect and defend all that you have worked hard for and be your partner in business. She is also a best-selling author and podcast host for Quit Getting Screwed.