Construction Law Blog

How Changes in Local Government Impact Existing State Construction and Planning

When a state transitions to a new executive administration, the effects are sometimes felt far beyond government offices. For the construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors, a change in state leadership introduces a complex mix of administrative pauses, strategic shifts, and regulatory re-evaluations. Understanding how these transitions affect pre-existing plans can help developers, contractors, and communities navigate the shifting landscape with confidence.

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Exploring the Marvels and Menaces of Bridge Construction

Since the earliest days of civilization, humans have sought to overcome physical barriers, and the bridge stands as a testament to our ingenuity and determination. These magnificent structures, soaring across valleys, rivers, and straits, are more than just pathways; they are vital arteries of commerce, connection, and progress. From ancient Roman aqueducts to the sleek, modern cable-stayed spans of today, bridge building has continually evolved, pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. However, this ambitious endeavor is not without its complexities. Constructing these monumental links presents a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and in our increasingly interconnected and environmentally conscious world, new considerations, such as charging electric vehicles and ecological impacts, are coming to the forefront. This article will delve into the multifaceted world of bridge construction, exploring its benefits, drawbacks, the emergence of innovative features, its effects on ecosystems, and the sobering realities of workplace hazards.

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Protections Provided to New York Architects and Contractors under the Economic Loss Rule

THE ECONOMIC LOSS RULE IN NEW YORK CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS:

WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT MAY BENEFIT CONTRACTORS AND ARCHITECTS

The “economic loss rule” is a rule that New York courts use to prevent a plaintiff from recovering against a defendant for a tort (usually negligence), when the essence of the plaintiff’s claim is for failure to live up to the terms of a contract.

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Construction Business Owner Challenges Complying With New Employment and Labor Laws

Owners of New York based construction businesses are more likely to be mindful of construction law issues relating to contract performance and defective work. Many however are unaware they are also under increasing risks of liability in compliance with newly enacted requirements under New York Employment and Labor Laws.

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Prevailing Wage Laws in New York Construction Disputes

Construction projects in New York are often complex undertakings, fraught with potential for disputes. When these disputes escalate to litigation or arbitration, one critical factor that can significantly impact the outcome is the application of prevailing wage laws. Understanding how these laws operate and their implications is crucial for contractors, subcontractors, and project owners alike.

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How Construction Technology Changed Over the Last 100 Years

A century ago, stepping onto a construction site meant entering an environment defined by heavy manual labor, steam-powered equipment, and paper blueprints spread across wooden worktables. Building large structures required massive workforces, dangerous trial-and-error assembly, and weeks of manual engineering calculations.

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Historic Restoration Disputes: Standards of Care, Original Materials, and Architectural Liability

Restoring a historic property, whether a Gilded Age estate or a classic Richard Morris Hunt-designed home, is fundamentally different from new construction. Historic preservation requires specialized craftsmanship, meticulous adherence to approved samples, and a strict commitment to preserving original architectural elements.

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Design Professional Liability on Completed Work

For New York Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors, exposure to liability on their completed projects may extend long beyond the completion of the project itself. Exactly how long design professionals can be ‘on the hook’ for claims has been a bit of a moving target in New York, with changes and proposed additional changes to this timeframe.

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Violation of the New York Prompt Payment Act Does Not Bar Defenses

General Business Law Section 756 (and the sections that follow it), commonly known as the Prompt Payment Act, establish requirements for how soon a construction contractor or subcontractor must be paid and allow expedited arbitration in the event that prompt payment is not made for qualifying projects.

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