Recent Blog Posts
Top OSHA Violations in Construction
Dangers lurk on construction sites. Workers have to be careful of so many possible dangers, from falls to electricity to scaffolding issues to trench collapses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards for all industries. Fall protection violations once again topped OSHA’s list in fiscal… Read More »
Cost Control in Construction
Effective construction cost control is essential for delivering projects on time, within budget, and at expected profit margins. But the truth is that budgeting is not easy. And in the construction industry, with the average net profit margin ranging from 3 to 7%, cost overruns can quickly become a problem. Without strong financial oversight,… Read More »
Equipment Safety Tips for Construction Workers
Construction workers often work with tractors and other heavy equipment. While this equipment is often needed to get work completed, it comes with dangers. Equipment accidents can occur and cause serious injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the risks involved and implementing effective safety practices can help keep job sites safer. By combining proper training,… Read More »
How Ambiguous Contract Language Hurts Contractors
How well do you understand the contract you just gave your client? How well do they understand it? Are all sections clear? Do all the parties involved understand the scope of the work and the payment schedule? It is important to answer these questions honestly because ambiguity in construction contracts is very common. When… Read More »
Liquidated Damages vs. Actual Damages
Construction contracts tend to be dozens of pages long and include a ton of detail about the project. They often include provisions that allocate risk when a project runs late or fails to meet contractual obligations. One of the most important and frequently misunderstood provisions involves liquidated damages versus actual damages. For contractors, understanding… Read More »
When a Contractor Walks Off the Job
In the construction industry, disputes or unexpected problems can sometimes prompt a contractor or subcontractor to consider stopping work or walking off a job. However, doing so is considered contractor abandonment, which is a serious and potentially risky decision that requires a considerable amount of thought. Stopping work terminates the contract, which is “one… Read More »
Beattie Development Stalls on Projects, Leaves Homes Unfinished
Many builders face delays when building homes, but when multiple construction projects are delayed for years, it becomes a huge issue. Dozens of homeowners in Cape Coral, Florida hired local builder Beattie Development to construct their dream retirement homes, However, the projects stalled and many now remain unfinished and unlivable. What was supposed to… Read More »
Are Oral Contracts Enforceable?
When it comes to making promises, contractors may wonder: Can what I say be used against me in the form of a contract? In some cases, yes. While a written contract is the gold standard when it comes to enforcement and other legalities, an oral contract may be enforceable. However, proving that one existed… Read More »
Latent vs. Patent Defects in Construction Law
In an ideal world, a construction project would be absolutely perfect, with no issues or defects ever. While that would be great for contractors and property owners alike, that is hardly the reality. Construction defects can happen for a variety of reasons. When they do occur, they generally fall into two categories: latent defects… Read More »
Rebuild of Rickards Middle School Delayed by Structural Issues
A roof collapse at Rickards Middle School in Fort Lauderdale became a defining example of long-standing construction problems in Broward schools, and the project to rebuild the campus has done little to rebuild trust. The new campus, located on the same Oakland Park site, has been delayed for years. Now the new gym has… Read More »
