Construction Law Blog

Lessons in Construction Litigation: Why Stopping Payment Without Proper Termination Backfires

In complex commercial construction projects, relations between owners, general contractors, and subcontractors can degrade rapidly when delays mount or work falls short of specifications. When frustration peaks, project managers or developer principals often reach for what feels like the most immediate lever of leverage: shutting off the cash flow. The logic seems straightforward: If they aren’t performing, why should we keep paying?

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Building on the Edge: Commercial Coastal Construction Across the US

Developing commercial properties along the coastline requires a delicate balance of architectural ambition, structural resilience, and strict environmental compliance. However, “the coast” is not a uniform environment. The engineering strategy used for a beachfront resort in Miami will fail if applied to a cliffside development in Oregon or a boutique hotel in Maui.

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The Top 5 Avenues of Architect Liability in New York

Architects in New York can be found liable for damages in various situations, depending on who claims damage, and the basis of the claim itself. For example, where an owner has a direct contract with the architect, the owner could bring forth a simple claim based on the contract or a claim based on a tort action. Such a tort action, based on negligence, is a claim for malpractice.

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Is It Worth It To Elevate Your Home?


One of the most common causes of home elevation is extreme weathering and flooding. In general, there are two options when deciding to elevate your home. The homeowner can physically lift the home, building a new foundation at the bottom, or leaving the home as is, but just building a “livable space” upper level, alternatively converting the ground level to a complete closure.

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How Robotic Technology is Reshaping the Construction Industry

The construction industry is undergoing a major transformation as contractors, developers, and design teams increasingly adopt robotics and digital preconstruction technologies to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and combat ongoing labor shortages. From AI-powered estimating platforms to robotic layout systems that print building plans directly onto jobsite floors, technology is becoming a critical part of modern construction operations. Continue reading “How Robotic Technology is Reshaping the Construction Industry”

A Decade of Blue Engineering on Long Island and in Florida

The relationship between coastal communities and the ocean is undergoing a radical shift. For decades, coastal engineering meant fighting the water—building massive concrete seawalls, groins, and bulkheads to hold back the tide. Today, a more harmonious discipline is taking over: Blue Engineering.

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Navigating New York’s Construction Funding & Lending Compliance

New York State, a powerhouse of construction and development, presents a complex landscape for funding and lending. Ensuring compliance with both federal and state regulations is crucial for project success and financial stability. This article delves into the intricacies of construction funding and lending in New York, highlighting key consumer protection terms, mitigation banking risks, funding agreement principles, and relevant regulatory frameworks.

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Keeping the Wheels Turning: Understanding New York’s Prompt Payment Laws in Construction

In the bustling construction landscape of New York, timely payment is crucial for the smooth operation of projects and the financial stability of contractors and subcontractors. However, payment delays can create a ripple effect, leading to financial hardship, project delays, and even legal disputes. This is where New York’s prompt payment laws step in, providing a framework to ensure that payments are made within reasonable timeframes. These laws, found within Article 35-E of the New York State General Business Law, aim to prevent unfair payment practices and promote a healthy flow of funds throughout the construction industry.

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Navigating New York Lien Law: Compliance and Strategy for Construction Lending

Navigating real estate development in New York means confronting one of the most stringent and intricate regulatory frameworks in the nation. For lenders, developers, and general contractors alike, securing construction capital is only half the battle; the real challenge lies in maintaining compliance under New York Lien Law.

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Engineering Long Island’s New Coastal Guardrails

For decades, marine construction on Long Island was a straightforward, heavy-civil game: if a shoreline was eroding, you drove steel sheet piles, poured concrete, or stacked massive riprap boulders. But a sweeping combination of environmental reality, shifting state legislation, and updated procurement rules has completely rewritten the playbook.

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