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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Invalidating Choice of Law or Forum Selection Clauses

Contracts commonly provide for a specific state law to apply (choice of law) or for disputes to be litigated or arbitrated in another state (forum selection). Unfortunately, out-of-state contractors often make subcontracts with New York subcontractors on New York projects subject to the laws of, and requiring disputes to be resolved in, other states, using the added expense and inconvenience as a means to dissuade subcontractors from pursuing claims.

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The Specific Jobs & Duties of an Architect

Whether you are planning on renovating your commercial property, residential property, or even investment property, hiring an architect is a step in the right direction.  Many clients think architects have one responsibility – to draw up plans and blueprints.  However, this could not be farther than the truth.  Architects take on many different tasks and procedures beyond the scope of creating plans and blueprints.  Keep reading to find out alternative duties that an architect may be tasked with.

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How and When Filing a Mechanic’s Lien Protects you from Payment Refusals

Throughout time, circumstances arise where a homeowner feels the need to breach their contract by refusing to pay their contractor or architect for services that were already performed and/or provided.  For example, perhaps a homeowner feels that the contractor’s work is not what was agreed upon or is subpar, or maybe even because the project took longer than expected to complete, so in turn, the homeowner may decide to refuse to pay the contractor for work already performed or even dispute the previously charged credit card transaction.  This raises the age-old question: Is the customer truly, always right?

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Five Crucial Surety Bond Principles for New York Contractors

Long Island Construction Law does not own this content. The following article has been written by Danielle Rodabaugh, who has outlined an informative examination of bonding principles in New York construction.

Although surety bonds have been used to regulate New York’s construction industry for decades, many contractors still have a limited understanding of their purpose.

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Mayor Adams Lays out Ambitious Agenda to Make New York City Best Place to Raise a Family – How will Construction and Infrastructure Help?

This press release was written by the New York City Mayor’s office. To view the full release, please click here:

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today outlined a bold vision to make New York City the best place to raise a family in his fourth State of the City address, delivered at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, Manhattan. After driving crime down, passing historic housing legislation, and helping New Yorkers save billions of dollars through tax relief, child care, free internet, and more in 2024, Mayor Adams used today’s address to unveil new initiatives that will create a safer, more affordable city for working-class people, especially those raising a family, all across the five boroughs.

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What is included in a typical Construction Contract?

As a homeowner, did you ever wonder what was in a Construction Contract? Did you ever question what it was for, what it protected, or even who it protected?  When it comes to home and commercial renovations, a homeowner may decide that receiving a signed construction contract is not necessary, perhaps because the size of the project is on the smaller side – however, this may be a decision that they soon regret.  Whether a homeowner is renovating a small bathroom or building a home from the ground up, Construction Contracts should always be your very first step before breaking ground, or walls!

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What is a Mechanics Lien, and How Can It Affect Your Construction Experience?

We all know what a lien is. Depending on which side of the claim you’re on, a lien could be a good thing or a bad thing. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, the true definition of a lien is “a claim, encumbrance, or charge on property for payment of some debt, obligation or duty”. So, how is a Mechanics Lien any different?

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Understanding New York State and City Scaffolding Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

Scaffolding is an essential part of construction, providing workers with the necessary platforms to perform tasks at elevated heights. However, it also poses significant risks if not properly managed. In New York, both state and city laws have stringent regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the public. This article delves into New York State Scaffolding Laws, scaffolding safety practices, and specific regulations in New York City, supported by a case study to illustrate their impact.

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