In 2023, New York construction sites saw the highest number of worker deaths in a decade. A report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) revealed that 74 construction workers died statewide in 2023. Of those, 30 deaths occurred in New York City alone. Both the raw number and the fatality rates in NYC and the state marked troubling new highs. (Construction Dive)
Continue reading “New York Construction Deaths: A Rising Toll and What the Law Says”
Construction has long been one of the most male-dominated industries in the United States. Over the last decade the sector has made measurable progress: more women are entering trades, taking leadership roles, and founding construction firms—but the pace of change is slow, and structural barriers remain. This article looks at where women are today in the construction industry, what’s driving growth, real-world examples (including Barbara Kavovit), and what employers and policy makers can do to accelerate meaningful, sustainable inclusion.
Continue reading “The Rise (and Remaining Gap) of Women in Construction”
An arbitrator has ruled in your favor. What do you do now? In a perfect world, the other side would just pay you and be done with it, but we all know that this world is less than perfect, and you may find yourself having to enforce your arbitration award. Before you can avail yourself of the enforcement techniques that are provided by New York law, you’re going to have to follow some formalities. The following elements may be necessary for have your arbitration award ‘confirmed’ and seek collections.
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To minimize potential legal problems when planning construction, whether the project is a large commercial project, a new residence, or even a renovation to an existing structure, care must be taken to have essential terms included in the contract.
Continue reading “Construction Contract Drafting Considerations”
Building or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. So when an inspector walks through your property and fails it, it can feel like your dream has hit a brick wall. The good news is that a failed inspection is not the end of the road. It’s a common hurdle that homeowners in both New York and Florida face, and the law provides specific ways to correct, appeal, or escalate the situation.
Continue reading “My New Home or Renovation Failed Inspection: What Now?”
Homeownership is often lauded as the quintessential American dream, offering a sense of stability, community, and personal investment. Yet, for millions of homeowners, this dream comes with a unique set of challenges bundled within the structure of a Homeowners Association (HOA). While HOAs are designed to maintain property values and foster a cohesive community, they frequently present a labyrinth of rules, fees, and disputes that can turn the dream into a nightmare.
Continue reading “The Hidden Hurdles of Homeowners Associations”
Traditionally, New York Construction Law sets separate rules of engagement for public projects (where the owner is a public entity) and those that are private construction projects (where the owner is a private individual or corporation). Given these two distinct camps, it has been easy to classify a project as either a public project or a private one. For contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, knowing which rules of engagement pertain to them is essential to avoid making costly mistakes.
Continue reading “Blending of Public and Private Construction – Proceed With Caution”
In a state as diverse and densely populated as New York, ensuring accessibility in construction isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a social imperative. With millions navigating New York’s built environments daily, including individuals with disabilities, accessible design is essential. New York follows federal standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), but also enforces state and city-specific building codes that often go beyond federal requirements.
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New York State, with its extensive and diverse coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Great Lakes, and numerous rivers and bays, presents a complex regulatory environment for any proposed waterfront construction. For property owners and developers contemplating structures like docks, piers, seawalls, or even entire marinas, understanding the intricate permitting process is paramount. Failure to do so can lead to significant delays, costly legal battles, and ultimately, project abandonment.
The traditional maxim of “let the buyer beware” is softened in the context of Article 36-B of the New York General Business Law, which imposes a warranty in favor of the buyers of new homes and holds construction contractors to a standard of skilled workmanship.
The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. offers a free initial consultation with a Long Island construction attorney to discuss your legal concerns with no obligation. To schedule an appointment, call our office today or fill out the form below.
