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 Idaho, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the creation and enforcement of contracts, which are essential for outlining the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in construction projects. Idaho's mechanic's and materialmen's lien laws provide a mechanism for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure payment for labor and materials provided on a project. These liens must be filed within strict time frames and in accordance with Idaho Code Title 45, Chapter 5. Employment law is also a critical aspect, governing the relationship between employers and employees in the construction sector, including wage and hour laws, workplace safety, and workers' compensation. Personal injury law addresses issues of liability and compensation when accidents occur on construction sites. Insurance law is relevant to the various types of insurance required or advisable for construction projects, such as builder's risk insurance and liability insurance. Additionally, zoning and real estate laws impact construction by dictating land use and building standards. Compliance with all these areas of law is crucial for the successful completion of construction projects and the prevention of legal disputes in Idaho.