Construction Law Blog

Construction Law Blog

Hiring a Contractor: Top 3 Things Every Homeowner Needs To Verify

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”

Construction Warranties in New York. Sometimes Less is More.

Any property owner considering construction work will want reassurance that the work will be done well, and will be free of defects for a specified time frame. Many contractors even include a warranty clause in their contract. Such warranties (also called guarantees) require the contractor to correct any defects through additional work on the project over the specified time. What are some of the specific factors within Construction Warranties?

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Unearthing the Empire State: A Guide to Excavating in New York

Beneath the bustling streets of New York City, the serene farmlands of the Hudson Valley, and the rugged terrain of the Adirondacks lies a hidden world of infrastructure, history, and potential hazards. Excavation, the process of removing earth, is a fundamental activity in construction, infrastructure development, and even archaeological discovery across the Empire State.

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Contractors in New York may not be bound by Architect Certifications

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.

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Understanding Roles and Relationships of Construction Project Participants. Who Does What?

On October 17th, John Caravella was invited to speak at the AIA Contract Document Workshop where he was able to share his knowledge about Construction Contract Interpretation and Fundamentals. In this specific article, we share the Roles and Relationships of Construction Project Participants. This way, we can fully understand who really does what on a construction job site.

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Revitalizing New York Villages: Preserving History Through Grants and Careful Restoration Maintenance

New York State’s charming villages, with their rich histories and unique architectural heritage, are vital threads in the state’s cultural fabric. Recognizing the importance of preserving this legacy while fostering vibrant communities, New York State offers various grant programs aimed at revitalizing these historic areas. These initiatives empower villages to breathe new life into aging structures and public spaces without sacrificing the historical integrity that makes them so special. Instead of demolition, the focus is on thoughtful restoration and adaptive reuse, ensuring that the stories etched in brick and mortar continue to enrich future generations.

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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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Strings of a Marionette Puppet

Like the strings of a marionette puppet, after the completion of a New York construction project, there are various legal theories that serve as ties between the builder and the owner. For the builder, the sooner these lingering ties can be removed the less exposure they face for claims of defects. For the owners, the longer they are able to establish these connections, the longer they may have legal recourse against the builder for defects.

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The Home Improvement Licensing Rule: A Shield And Not A Sword

If you have read previous articles of this blog, you may be aware that New York construction contractors can be barred from suing or enforcing a mechanic’s lien if they do not possess required home improvement licenses, which has resulted in the dismissal of many contractors’ claims. On the other hand, project owners sometimes argue that a contractor’s failure to possess a license should not only prevent the contractor from recovering more money but should require the contractor to return all monies already paid for the work. Courts’ responses to this argument have been mixed.

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Construction on Long Island Main Streets Continue – David Winzelberg of Long Island Business News

The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. does not own this content. This content was created by David Winzelberg and was published to the Long Island Business News on March 21st, 2025. To view the full article, please click here: 

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