Category Archives: Construction Law
The Legal Consequences of Failing to Check Utility Lines
All new building construction projects require some sort of excavation to set the foundation for the building. Excavation requires digging beneath the earth’s surface to accomplish the task. Contractors and owners who are engaged in such a construction project must ensure that they are aware of the utility lines that lie below the surface…. Read More »
The Essentials of Performance Bonds
There is inherent risk in being the client of a contractor who has promised to complete a construction job by a certain date and time. The client is reliant on the contractual terms of the construction agreement and their past performance or knowledge of the construction company in the industry. There needs to be… Read More »
Change Orders in Florida Construction Projects
When negotiating a construction contract, it is often difficult for the parties to absolutely define the scope of the work that is to be completed. These types of agreements are frequently altered during performance of the project. This is accomplished through a process commonly referred to as a change order. A change order is… Read More »
Pros and Cons of an Arbitration Clause in a Construction Contract
Alternative dispute resolution as a means to settle construction-related contract claims is now commonplace. This is especially the case for parties who frequently contract. The pressures of a full court case may contribute to the breaking apart of a business relationship. Those who value the possibility of an ongoing relationship may agree to arbitration… Read More »
Key Construction Contract Terms
Construction contracts have certain key terms that are constants. For example, most construction contracts have boilerplate terms that are a mainstay in the construction industry. These terms encompass agreements that are typical in the construction industry and refer to standardized methods and procedures. Arbitration terms are also a constant in today’s construction contracts. These… Read More »
The Legal Stages of Construction Bidding
Construction bidding is the process of submitting a construction proposal to oversee or manage the overseeing of a construction project. In the case of state or federal government processes, there is a formal bidding process. The bidding process is overseen by the governmental entity that is making the solicitation. There are a few major… Read More »
Avoiding Legal Pitfalls as a General Contractor
Running a project as a general contractor is usually a large undertaking. It is also a huge legal undertaking that requires significant knowledge to avoid legal pitfalls. Contractors should not risk the possible legal pitfalls that come along with overseeing and providing servicing on a construction project. Seek Legal Review All Contracts Not all… Read More »
Construction Related Falls Increase in Recent Years
In 2017, NBC News reported nearly 900 fatal job-related falls. In August 2018, a man slipped and fell two stories in south Florida, landing on rock below a building. He lost his life about an hour after the incident. According to a sheriff’s report, the man had unclipped his safety harness shortly before the… Read More »
The “Good Workmanship” Standard
In the construction industry, there are set standards of quality that must be met when a structure is being built or a system is being designed. Without these standards of quality, the work performed will vastly vary in quality from one construction project to the next. The standards also ensure that safety and public… Read More »
TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE IN FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Below is a general scenario/discussion that happens way too often in construction projects throughout Florida: Owner to Contractor: You are fired, you no longer can work on this project at all. Pickup all of your equipment and leave ASAP. Contractor to Owner: You can’t do this to me, I have an agreement with you,… Read More »
