Construction law is a general reference to various areas of law as applied to the design, engineering, and construction of buildings—including residential buildings and commercial buildings—as well as bridges, roads, pipelines, railroads, water transmission and distribution systems, electrical power transmission systems, sewerage systems, and other structures.

In addition to the law governing the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as contractor liens), construction law includes contract law, employment law, personal injury law, insurance law, zoning law, and real estate law.

In Ohio, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the regulation of mechanic's and materialmen's liens, which are legal claims made by contractors and suppliers for payment for work performed or materials provided. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1311 governs the filing and enforcement of these liens. Contractors must follow specific procedures to perfect these liens, including timely notice and filing requirements. Construction law in Ohio also involves contract law, which dictates the terms and conditions of construction agreements. Employment law is relevant for issues regarding construction workers, including wage and hour laws and workplace safety regulations. Personal injury law comes into play when there are accidents or injuries on construction sites. Insurance law is important for issues related to coverage for construction projects. Additionally, zoning and real estate laws impact where and how structures can be built, and these are governed by local ordinances as well as state statutes. Each of these areas of law contributes to the legal framework that governs the construction industry in Ohio.