Construction Law Blog

Top 5 Mechanic’s Lien Waiver Pitfalls for Contractors and Subs

For contractors and subcontractors in New York, Mechanic’s Lien Waivers are a part of life, but the potential risks to the contractor in waiving more than intended or understanding of the terms are not always as common. Owners (and often their lender) require that the project be kept lien free through progression of the work to final completion.

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The Construction Bidding Process in New York and Florida: A Client’s Guide

Whether you’re preparing for a residential renovation or planning a commercial development, understanding the construction bidding process is essential. New York and Florida share many of the same foundational principles when it comes to bidding, but each state has its own legal requirements, licensing rules, and market conditions that shape how contractors prepare and submit proposals.

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What to Look for When Hiring Architects, Interior Designers, and Contractors

Embarking on a residential improvement project—whether a minor renovation or a ground-up new build requires a strategic approach to procurement and personnel management. The success of these endeavors depends heavily on the selection of qualified professionals who possess the technical expertise, legal standing, and communication skills necessary to execute a vision within budgetary and regulatory constraints.

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Subcontractor’s Arbitration Action Stayed by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, New York County clarified how subcontract forum selection clauses requiring litigation interact with New York’s Prompt Payment Act and its mandatory arbitration provisions in construction dispute resolution.

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Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 2 of 6 – Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects.

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Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 1 of 6 – Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects.

Continue reading “Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 1 of 6 – Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture”

When is Lawyer Representation Truly Necessary?

Are you about to start a construction project and wondering whether hiring a Construction Lawyer is a necessary expense to add to your budget?  Wondering whether lawyers are recommended on large projects from start to finish or should lawyers be on the back burner until called upon?  Hiring a Construction Lawyer prior to beginning a construction project may become essential to protecting your rights, assets, and property, if (or when) faced with a defective construction project, an absent construction crew, or even a non-paying property owner.

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Considerations When Hiring an Architect


Oftentimes, owners find themselves wondering if they need an architect of design professional for their project, and might be unfamiliar with the terms and forms used in their contracts. This article provides a refresher on the types of projects an owner should have an architect for, and the typical forms of contracts used for the project.

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Construction and Carbon Emissions: How an Industry Shaped by the Industrial Revolution Must Reimagine Its Future

Construction has always been a defining force in human progress. Cities rise, industries expand, and infrastructure binds societies together. Yet the evolution of construction—from hand-crafted masonry to steel-framed skylines—has carried a significant environmental cost. To understand why the built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions today, it helps to look back at a turning point in history: the Industrial Revolution.

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