There is no doubt that construction is a hands-on business. If you are a contractor, you are used to striding around a job site wearing a hard hat and a pair of steel-toed boots. Climbing a ladder to inspect a third-story roof is second nature to you. Your idea of...
Board-Certified In Construction Law By The Florida Bar
Year: 2017
Does your contract allow too much wiggle room?
Business negotiations are both an art and a skill. For those in the real estate development and/or construction industries, profits can rise or fall dependent upon the terms of a contract.The best contracts are air-tight and clearly delineate the separate parties'...
Should you file a mechanic’s lien?
If you are a supplier or subcontractor working under a shady contractor and the contractor fails to pay you for goods or services, you may be faced with filing a mechanic's lien against the homeowner's property.It can seem very unfair to the property owner to be faced...
Ooops! Whose insurance covers construction mistakes?
If you are a contractor, you know that even the best intentions can lead to mistakes, and sometimes they can be quite costly to repair. In these scenarios, whose insurance picks up the tab — yours or the homeowner's?In all likelihood, it will be the contractor's...
Common construction defects
Construction defects can range from issues in the design, planning, furnishing and even inspection of a project. In general, if the builder fails to construct a building or home that meets the needs of the buyer, then there is a construction defect. If litigation...
What about clients who want more than the contract specifies?
Sooner or later, every builder or contractor encounter clients who want to play fast and loose with the agreed-upon contracted work. They may ask to add features to completed plans or decide to alter the dimensions of a couple of rooms.While most contractors and...
How can contractors and builders make mistakes right?
No matter how conscientious a builder or contractor may be, everyone makes mistakes. But your reputation is on the line, so your response must be both timely and adequate to avoid losing business. How can you keep a mistake from turning into a deal-breaker?One...
Are contractors and builders liable for home damages?
People invest more in their homes than they typically do in most other areas of their lives. Therefore, when something goes awry, they are especially determined to make sure that someone is held accountable.That person can often be the contractor or builder, and many...
What must I do to file a ‘materialmen’s lien?’
If you are a Florida contractor, at some point you may need to file a type of lien known as a "materialmen's lien." Because of the details that must be included and the time constraints, it can be a very complex process.It is incumbent upon the contractor to learn and...
Undocumented workers get hurt on Florida construction sites
There are many undocumented immigrants looking for work in south Florida's construction trade. Many are long-term residents who have worked for years under the radar with falsified or nonexistent immigration documents. However, the workers can wind up in unfortunate...