Construction Law Blog

Enforcement of New York Arbitration Awards

An arbitrator has ruled in your favor. What do you do now? In a perfect world, the other side would just pay you and be done with it, but we all know that this world is less than perfect, and you may find yourself having to enforce your arbitration award. Before you can avail yourself of the enforcement techniques that are provided by New York law, you’re going to have to follow some formalities. The following elements may be necessary for have your arbitration award ‘confirmed’ and seek collections.

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Construction Contract Drafting Considerations

To minimize potential legal problems when planning construction, whether the project is a large commercial project, a new residence, or even a renovation to an existing structure, care must be taken to have essential terms included in the contract.

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My New Home or Renovation Failed Inspection: What Now?

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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The Hidden Hurdles of Homeowners Associations

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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Blending of Public and Private Construction – Proceed With Caution

Traditionally, New York Construction Law sets separate rules of engagement for public projects (where the owner is a public entity) and those that are private construction projects (where the owner is a private individual or corporation). Given these two distinct camps, it has been easy to classify a project as either a public project or a private one. For contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, knowing which rules of engagement pertain to them is essential to avoid making costly mistakes.

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Construction Accessibility in New York State

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’s Coastal Permitting Landscape: Docks, Piers, Seawalls, and Marina Disputes

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.

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The Implied Warranty on the Sale of New Homes: What Homeowners & Contractors Need to Know

The traditional maxim of “let the buyer beware” is softened in the context of Article 36-B of the New York General Business Law, which imposes a warranty in favor of the buyers of new homes and holds construction contractors to a standard of skilled workmanship.

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Should Architects Be Exempt From Continuing Education?

The New York Education Department, Office of the Professions, regulates the licensing of the various professions, such as Lawyers, Certified Public Accountants, Architects, and other professions practicing within the state. Typically these professionals must pass initial education and examination requirements, and are also required to maintain certain levels of continuing education units. These requirements are intended to foster continued education and training throughout their career.

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What’s New in New York Construction? – October 2025

New York’s construction industry continues to evolve under the weight of regulation, sustainability mandates, and shifting workforce demographics. This month’s key developments highlight the ongoing impact of the state’s Scaffold Law, new challenges tied to the all-electric building mandate, and persistent pay disparities among women in construction. Together, these stories illustrate how legislation, infrastructure, and labor equity intersect to shape the future of building in New York.

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