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. The failure to identify essential terms in the construction contract will lead to project confusion, extended completion time and expenses, as well as raise the likelihood of a future legal dispute. Below are several terms to consider in any construction contract:

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In today’s rapidly evolving solar industry, the challenge isn’t simply installing more panels — it’s about ensuring each stage of the value chain is resilient, the homeowner is protected, and the built environment is transformed. A recent piece in Solar Power World points out the critical importance of a strong domestic manufacturing base, robust partnerships and innovation in making large-scale solar projects less risky. At the same time, homeowners and developers are navigating warranty complexities, legal protections, and architectural integration of solar systems (as illustrated in blog posts from The Law Offices of John Caravella). Together, these threads paint a fuller picture of how to build a truly resilient American solar ecosystem.

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Each year, fire incidents in the United States increase during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, particularly from cooking and heating sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving Day has more than twice the number of reported home fires compared to an average day.

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Employers who learn about a dangerous condition or a defective product and fail to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it raise sharply practical — and legal — questions. In New York the answers depend on (1) who was injured (an employee or a non-employee), (2) what statutory regimes apply (notably the workers’ compensation statutes and the Labor Law), and (3) what evidence exists showing the employer had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Below I explain how notice figures into negligence and Labor Law claims in New York, how post-accident conduct (including failure to fix) is treated in evidence, and then walk through a representative case study so you can see those rules in action.

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When construction projects face legal challenges, experience matters. John Caravella, Esq., of The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., brings a rare combination of architectural knowledge and legal expertise to clients throughout New York and Florida. His practice focuses exclusively on construction law, helping contractors, property owners, and design professionals protect their rights, resolve disputes, and achieve successful project outcomes.

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Though the holiday season represents happiness and channeling positive energy for the New Year, unfortunate events can happen without expecting they will. Did it ever occur to you that your favorite decorations such as twinkling lights and evergreen scented candles could become dangerous? Below are five important steps to ensure your decorations are a success and not a mess. For more information about the United States Fire Administration, please click here. 

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When you hire a contractor for a residential renovation — or when you work as one — whether the contractor holds the correct local license matters a great deal.

Continue reading “Licensing Requirements for Home-Improvement Contractors & Subcontractors in New York State”

Deck Inspection Resources (2020) by Frank Woeste, P. E., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. Spring is a great time to inspect your deck to make sure it is safe for continued use by your family and friends. The inspection resources listed herein should be useful for accomplishing a meaningful inspection of an existing deck for occupant safety.

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