Mastering Construction Contract Negotiations

Negotiating construction contracts is a crucial skill for contractors, design parties, and developers operating in Florida’s bustling construction industry. The ability to navigate these agreements effectively can make the difference between project success and failure. Understand the Importance of Negotiation: Effective construction contracts serve as blueprints for project success, outlining key objectives, requirements, and penalties […]

Understanding Construction Escrow

The concept of escrow revolves around a neutral third party retaining funds until specific criteria are satisfied. When it comes to construction, escrow accounts are commonly established by financing institutions and project managers to reserve funds meant for construction endeavors. Large or small, most construction endeavors in Florida encompass multiple phases, possess inherent risks, and […]

Heatwaves and Housing: How Multifamily Buildings Can Prepare and Protect Residents

Heat events are no longer isolated occurrences; they’re becoming a norm. For multi-residential building association boards and management teams, this poses unique challenges and liabilities. Understanding Your Responsibility First and foremost, association boards and management teams have a duty to ensure the safety and welfare of their residents. This isn’t merely an ethical stance; it’s […]

The Most Common Residential Construction Disputes

Residential construction is booming right now. However, not all jobs come without some issues. Some construction disputes are legitimate, but not all of them are. It’s essential to have a construction lawyer representing you if you experience a situation with an unhappy customer. Some of the most common residential construction disputes are:   Poor Work […]

Construction Law: What Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers Must Know

Construction laws can be very complex. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that construction work totals $1.7 trillion annually. Construction is a massive focus of our economy, and it’s essential for anyone involved to understand how these laws might affect their project.   What is Construction Law?  Construction law encompasses the laws, regulations, and ordinances that […]

What Does a Construction Lawyer Do, and When Do I Need One?

Regardless of the size of the construction project, problems can arise and quickly complicate things. It’s essential to rely on a trusted construction lawyer to ensure that the process is smooth all the way to the finish.    What Does a Construction Lawyer Do? Construction attorneys are experienced in all facets of construction law and […]

How to Resolve Construction Disputes

With any type of construction project, disputes are always possible. These issues can arise for various reasons, and you need to know how to resolve them quickly and painlessly as possible.    Reasons for Construction Disputes Many of the parties involved in construction disputes don’t fully understand construction law and don’t know how to navigate […]

Liability for Construction Site Accidents in Florida

Liability for Construction Site Accidents in Florida Construction site accidents are common and can devastate the injured person with ongoing pain, long-term disabilities, and financial issues due to lost wages. Liability for construction site accidents can be complex.    Factors that Contribute to Construction Site Accidents Surprisingly, most workplace accidents occur on construction sites. Construction […]

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Negotiating a Construction Contract

Before beginning a construction project, it’s imperative to craft an ironclad contract that protects all parties. Some things to keep in mind when negotiating a construction contract are:    Timeline The timeline for the project is a serious concern. If you are the project owner, you have to ask yourself, is there a specific date […]

Tips For Associations Planning Large Repair And Construction Projects

Maintaining the association’s common elements is one of the primary responsibilities – – and headaches – – for associations and their Board of Directors. The duty is so important, in fact, it comes up multiple times in the Condominium Act (Florida Statute Section 718.111(4) to maintain, repair, lease, and replace the common elements; Section 718.111(3) […]

Building Codes 101

One basic requirement for every new construction project and every 40-year recertification in the State of Florida is that the design and construction must comply with the Florida Building Code.  Another requirement is that the construction must pass inspections by the local building official.  In order for any high-rise building to pass inspection (and for […]

Who Is Responsible for Construction Defects?

One of the most critical questions to answer after the discovery of a construction defect is who is responsible for the damage? That may not be a quick or easy thing to determine.   What Can Go Wrong with a Construction Project Many things can go wrong on a construction project ranging from bad design, […]

Developer Liability for Building Code Violations Under Section 553.84, Florida Statutes

Among the numerous causes of action available to construction defect plaintiffs in the State of Florida, there is Florida Statute Section 553.84, which creates a statutory cause of action for owners based on violations of the Florida Building Code against parties who “committed” the violation.    Defering Responsibility to Other Parties In construction defect litigation, […]

Statutory Mechanisms to Potentially Remove and Extinguish Construction Liens

A construction lien is filed against your property claiming that a contractor (or even a subcontractor hired by your contractor) was not paid for labor, services, and/or materials rendered.   However, there are statutory mechanisms under Fla. Stat. §§  713.22 and 713.24, which permit a property owner to transfer the lien to a security and […]

Don’t Love Thy Neighbor’s Construction Project Damaging Your Building? An Overview of Potential Claims and Remedies.

A new, neighboring building is being constructed, or an existing adjacent building is undergoing renovations, which poses the risk of causing, or actually causes, damage to your condominium association during the process. Here is an overview of potential damages, remedies, and solutions regarding neighboring construction issues.   Damages caused by neighboring construction projects may include: […]