Category Archives: Contractor Representation
Trench Safety and Collapse Prevention
A construction site may have trenches. Trenches are narrow excavations made in the ground to install, repair, or inspect underground systems. They are essential for building and maintaining infrastructure and utilities. Trenching and excavation work can be dangerous to workers. Soil types, weather conditions, and other factors can affect a trench’s stability. This can… Read More »
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 »
How Construction Disputes Escalate and How to Manage Them
Construction projects are complex, involving multiple parties, tight deadlines, and significant financial stakes. Even minor issues can escalate into disputes that disrupt timelines, increase costs, and sometimes end in litigation. Understanding how these disputes arise and how to manage them can help contractors and owners minimize risk. How Construction Disputes Escalate Miscommunication and lack… Read More »
Construction Contract Prompt Payment Law
When you work for yourself and you are your own boss, getting paid can be a challenge. This is especially true in the construction industry. Customers, especially private parties, often delay payment for as long as possible, causing stalled projects as well as immense frustration. The good news is that, as a general contractor,… Read More »
Construction Site Injuries: When Can Workers Sue?
When a worker is injured on the job, the usual remedy is workers’ compensation benefits. This is especially true for construction accidents. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical costs and a portion of lost wages. But it is important to understand that workers’ comp typically does not cover damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress,… Read More »
