Author: John Caravella

Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 4 of 6 – Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects.

Continue reading “Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 4 of 6 – Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration”

Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 3 of 6 – Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects. Continue reading “Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 3 of 6 – Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements”

Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 2 of 6 – Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects.

Continue reading “Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 2 of 6 – Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct”

Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 1 of 6 – Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture

This is a continuing article series regarding Legal Issues for New York Architects. Originally presented by John Caravella, of the Law Offices of John Caravella, and Kimberly A. Steele of The Steele Law Firm and produced by HalfMoon Education Seminars, this presentation touches on the following topics, Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture (Part 1), Complying with New York Rules on Unprofessional Conduct (Part 2), Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements (Part 3), Design and Construction Contract Law and Administration (Part 4), Understanding and Complying with the law on Design Professional Service Corporations (Part 5) and Building Code Updates (Part 6). Each series of topics discuss informative summaries of Legal Issues for New York Architects.

Continue reading “Legal Issues for New York Architects; Part 1 of 6 – Complying with the Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Architecture”

Important Considerations and Contract Clauses to Consider

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 Important Considerations and Contract Clauses to Consider, before signing the agreement.

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Homeowner Challenges to New York Mechanic’s Liens

When a private improvement lien is filed in New York, the entire body of the New York Lien Law is imported which establishes the rules for filing, enforcing (or foreclosing the lien) and for challenging or discharging the lien. There may often be defenses to the lien for the property owner as outlined below.  For those seeking to file a valid lien, the below serves as a reminder of common issues to avoid.

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Long Island Construction Law Successfully Defends Homeowners Against Claims By Unlicensed Contractor

Despite much construction litigation, New York courts who govern Long Island construction law are agreed that an unlicensed home improvement contractor cannot recover against consumers. That has not, however, stopped unlicensed contractors from arguing exceptions to that rule. A recent court victory by John Caravella, Esq. confirms that courts remain unwilling to accept excuses from unlicensed contractors.

In Orefice v. Guma Development, homeowners sued an unlicensed contractor for defective construction. Notably, the local municipal code requires that any person doing business as a contractor be licensed by the municipality. A corporation does not require its own license if a licensed contractor is employed by the firm as a supervisor.

 

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The Holidays – Beautiful, but dangerous? Holiday Safety Tips

When it comes to the holidays, we think of food, family and decorations, not necessarily holiday safety tips. Did it ever occur to you that decorations such as lights and candles could become dangerous? According to the ESFI, Electrical Safety Foundation International, damages from the holidays happen more than expected. Though holiday lights are traditional and festive, they should always be under close watch.

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Holiday Season Home Safety: Essential Tips and Key Statistics

November, December, and January are one of the busiest, and family-oriented months for Americans. During this time, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s Eve. With that said, these holidays and their celebratory months come with endless cooking, roaring fireplaces, candles, and decorative lights. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading causes of house fires are Cooking, Heating, and Electrical Malfunctions. The U.S. Fire Administration also states that months from November – March are most prone to house fires. Coincidence? or Carelessness?

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Holiday Safety Measures For Your Home

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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