A Lien (or ‘Mechanic’s Lien’) is a potentially powerful tool for contractors, architects, engineers, or suppliers of materials to secure payment for work performed ‘improving’ a property[1]. To properly ‘perfect’ a lien claim, however, strict compliance with the nuances of the New York lien law is required, and often times there are details in the process commonly overlooked.
Continue reading “Pitfalls in Extending a Mechanic’s Lien on Residential Properties”
Time and time again, homeowners hire fraudulent contractors without knowing so. There are many instances where the homeowner will hire a contractor without really knowing what they’re all about. Usually out of excitement, or desperation to complete unfinished work, homeowners will too often hire their contractor based off an estimate, without digging deeper as to the insurance status or legitimacy of the contractor’s business. With that said, what are the top 3 things every homeowner needs to verify before hiring a contractor and signing the contract? Continue reading “Hiring a Contractor: Top 3 Things Every Homeowner Needs To Verify”
Long Island Construction Law does not own this content. This content was created by David Winzelberg and was published to the Long Island Business News on August 30th, 2021.
A Long Island Business News Article: The Beechwood Organization, Long Island’s most prolific multifamily home builder, is planning to expand its community solar energy program. Beechwood became the area’s first residential developer to offer discounted power to a handful of its tenants and homeowners in January, when it launched a community solar pilot program.
Continue reading “LIBN: Beechwood Plans to Expand Community Solar Power Initiative”
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.
Continue reading “Violation of the New York Prompt Payment Act Does Not Bar Defenses”
Construction contracts in New York often place the architect or engineer in the additional role of an initial impartial decider as to any disagreement or disputes between the contractor and the owner, in addition to their roles as the design professionals.
Continue reading “Contractors in New York may not be bound by Architect Certifications”
Construction disputes are not going away any time soon, so every contractor will eventually be faced with the prospect of deciding whether to go to court to get paid for its work. Litigation in the court system has been the traditional collection method for contractors, but the length and costs of litigation mean that recovering might take years and absorb a chunk of your recovery, and the backlog in the court system has led courts to encourage litigants to seek alternatives to litigation – other means of getting paid.
Continue reading “Nassau County Bar Association Offers Alternatives To Litigation”
CAN I BE SUED FOR VIOLATING THE BUILDING CODE?
CLAIMS AGAINST CONTRACTORS AND ARCHITECTS FOR CODE VIOLATIONS
In my construction law practice, I’m often confronted with instances of building code violations and questions of whether building code violations should subject a contractor or architect to liability.
Continue reading “Architect and Contractor Liability for New York Building Code Violations”
Few topics in construction law are more controversial than Labor Law Section 240, better known as the Scaffold Law, which imposes absolute liability on contractors, property owners, and their agents for elevation-related injuries to construction workers. The number of Scaffold Law cases has increased by 500% since 1990.[1]
Continue reading “Scaffold Law Claims Against Contractors Continue To Increase”
In a nutshell, the “economic loss rule” is a rule that courts use to prevent a plaintiff from against a defendant for a tort (usually negligence) when the essence of the claim is for failure to live up to the terms of a contract.
Long Island Construction Law does not own this content. This content was created by KATHERINE PLOTAS and was published to the Long Island Press on August 5th, 2021.
While Amazon has been planning to build a new warehouse in Syosset for more than a year now, it is only recently that the company has agreed to use unionized labor for the construction.
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.
