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 Illinois, 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 governed by the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act. This Act outlines the process for filing liens for unpaid work and the subsequent removal of such liens once obligations are fulfilled. Contract law is also a significant aspect of construction law, involving the agreements between property owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Employment law considerations include workplace safety regulations and labor laws that protect construction workers. Personal injury law is relevant in cases of accidents and injuries on construction sites. Insurance law plays a role in terms of the coverage required for construction projects, including liability and property damage. Zoning law and real estate law are involved in the planning and approval stages of construction projects, ensuring compliance with local land use regulations. Illinois state statutes and federal laws work in tandem to regulate these various aspects of construction law, providing a legal framework for the industry.