A recent ruling issued by the Supreme Court, County of Nassau, serves as a reminder to New York contractors performing residential work of the importance and necessity in having a home improvement license if you need legal action to pursue payment on the project.
Continue reading “Homeowner Court Ruling Serves as a Reminder to New York Contractors”
Construction contracts require contractors and subcontractors to carry commercial general liability, or CGL, insurance and to name not only the contracting parties but additional third parties, such as project owners, as additional insured. Recent commercial general liability litigation, however, suggests that contractors and subcontractors should review the language of their CGL policies carefully because third parties to the contract, even if they are contractually required to be additionally insured, may actually be excluded by the insurance policies.
Continue reading “Recent New York Litigation Highlights Increasing Risks to Contractors”
Homeowners and property developers often look beyond state lines when hiring contractors or architects. Sometimes it is due to cost, availability, specialized expertise, or a trusted referral. But when a project involves parties from different states—such as a homeowner in Florida hiring a contractor based in New York—legal complications can arise quickly. One of the most common questions is: “I live in one state, my contractor is in another, and now I have legal challenges. How do I proceed? Which state’s laws apply?” Understanding jurisdiction, licensing rules, contract terms, and dispute-resolution options is crucial before taking the next step.
Law has an impact on almost all aspects of life, from personal injury, family disputes, and real estate. Construction Law in particular has a far-reaching effect on many people’s lives without them even realizing. To begin with, Construction Law is made up of a broad subset of legal fields, including areas such as contract law, real estate law, administrative law, environmental law, regulatory, and insurance. Construction Law is a segment of law that works with specific industries such as construction, architecture, engineering, and more. Under the construction law umbrella, many construction issues consist of contract creation and negotiation, sureties and bonds, construction claims and defects, employment laws, and even business tune-ups. Within this article, we will specify the areas that are most common in the construction law segment, along with special areas you might not have thought of.
Hiring someone because they’re “cheaper” or available right now can feel tempting — but when that person is unlicensed, the short-term savings often turn into long-term headaches: safety risks, uninsured losses, voided permits or insurance coverage, civil and criminal penalties, and even federal exposure in some cases. Below is an explanation of the major risks for homeowners and project owners in New York and Florida, the state-level penalties, when the conduct can escalate into fraud or federal crimes, and practical steps to protect yourself.
Given the large number and variety of documents required to administer a construction project today (plans, specifications, contracts, etc.), the likelihood of discrepancies arising between these different sources is almost unavoidable.
Do you know how these documents rate in terms of their authority? Continue reading “Construction Contract Document Conflict”
Holiday decorations make homes warm and festive — but they also increase the risk of fire, electric shock, and property damage. From overloaded outlets and frayed light strings to unattended candles and dry Christmas trees, many seasonal hazards are preventable.
Continue reading “Holiday Decoration Safety, Insurance Pitfalls, and What To Do If a Fire Happens”
When it comes to construction contracts, arbitration and mediation (Alternate Dispute Resolution) are both commonly specified for out of court dispute resolution. The use of mediation and arbitration in construction contracts, both for small and large construction, has been increasingly common over the past decade.
New York’s recent decision to ban natural gas in many new construction projects has sparked a heated debate. Originally designed as a bold climate policy, the gas ban is now paused, with critics arguing it is both impractical and unconstitutional. Here’s a breakdown of the situation: why the ban is on hold, the legal challenges it faces, and why some consider it unconstitutional.
Though the holiday season represents happiness and channeling positive energy for the New Year, unfortunate events can happen without expecting they will. Did it ever occur to you that your favorite decorations such as twinkling lights and evergreen scented candles could become dangerous? Below are five important steps to ensure your decorations are a success and not a mess. For more information about the United States Fire Administration, please click here.
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.
