Construction has long been one of the most male-dominated industries in the United States. Over the last decade the sector has made measurable progress: more women are entering trades, taking leadership roles, and founding construction firms—but the pace of change is slow, and structural barriers remain. This article looks at where women are today in the construction industry, what’s driving growth, real-world examples (including Barbara Kavovit), and what employers and policy makers can do to accelerate meaningful, sustainable inclusion.

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Building or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. So when an inspector walks through your property and fails it, it can feel like your dream has hit a brick wall. The good news is that a failed inspection is not the end of the road. It’s a common hurdle that homeowners in both New York and Florida face, and the law provides specific ways to correct, appeal, or escalate the situation.

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Homeownership is often lauded as the quintessential American dream, offering a sense of stability, community, and personal investment. Yet, for millions of homeowners, this dream comes with a unique set of challenges bundled within the structure of a Homeowners Association (HOA). While HOAs are designed to maintain property values and foster a cohesive community, they frequently present a labyrinth of rules, fees, and disputes that can turn the dream into a nightmare.

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In a state as diverse and densely populated as New York, ensuring accessibility in construction isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a social imperative. With millions navigating New York’s built environments daily, including individuals with disabilities, accessible design is essential. New York follows federal standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), but also enforces state and city-specific building codes that often go beyond federal requirements.

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New York State, with its extensive and diverse coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Great Lakes, and numerous rivers and bays, presents a complex regulatory environment for any proposed waterfront construction. For property owners and developers contemplating structures like docks, piers, seawalls, or even entire marinas, understanding the intricate permitting process is paramount. Failure to do so can lead to significant delays, costly legal battles, and ultimately, project abandonment.

Continue reading “New York’s Coastal Permitting Landscape: Docks, Piers, Seawalls, and Marina Disputes”